- The eight euro plate charge is leading to numerous issues at Wörthersee.
Ten bucks extra for an additional serving plate – this menu item at "Miralago" by Lake Wörthersee has made headlines. On the menu, it's referred to as the "loot platter". The owners might be thinking of "helping themselves" from another plate – customers feel like they've been robbed blind.
Restaurant critic Christoph Haselmayer initiated the controversy by sharing the bill, which reveals that he wanted to split the appetizer (Large Beef Tartare, mild) with his wife, costing an additional ten dollars. Cutlery was already priced at 3.50 dollars per person. The tartare totaled 32 dollars.
Extra effort leads to plate charge
The restaurant justifies its actions by citing the costs listed in the menu and the need for a minimum revenue per guest. In a statement, it was also mentioned that the plate charge is intended to "encourage our guests to appreciate the offered dishes and the effort involved more". Carinthian innkeeper spokesman Stefan Sternad also defended the restaurant on ORF. "Someone has to serve it, someone has to clean it up. The guest occupies an extra seat. I have to wash the plate, I have to put it away. I need extra staff support. I can't expect that I consume an extra plate and a glass of water without paying for it. That doesn't add up."
Plate charge is supposed to express appreciation
However, understanding for the restaurant remains low. At least, it seems to have backfired, with guests showing anger instead of appreciation. Ten dollars is simply too much.
Perhaps guests are also reacting so strongly due to the rising number of hidden additional costs in the culinary world. Whether it's the hefty cover charge in Italian restaurants, surcharges for a table with a view, or the mandatory service fee when booking a hotel.
The debate isn't helping the culinary scene on Lake Wörthersee, even if there are individual commentators who show understanding. Comments like "My girlfriend and I wanted to give it a try. They can go to hell for all I care. Ten dollars is highway robbery" or "And then complain that they're not making any money and might need help (if possible). Makes me sick" are common, as are suggestions that the glory days of the lake are long gone, but not the pricing.
The controversy surrounding the "loot platter" at "Miralago" by Lake Wörthersee extended to the cost of cutlery and additional serving plates. Despite the restaurant owner's justification that the plate charge is to cover costs and encourage appreciation, guests felt they were being overcharged, particularly for an additional serving plate referred to as 'The word lake'.
Despite the Carinthian innkeeper's defense, guests were left feeling angry and overcharged, especially considering the rising number of hidden costs in the culinary world, such as 'The word lake' charge at 'Miralago'.
