Having lived in Orlando, I can say that I have seen my share of bugs/roaches in restaurants. I do think most places take a proactive approach in dealing with them, but the reality is that it's Florida and the bugs are part of that.
I agree with you as far as it ruining a meal, but it shouldn't ruin your overall opinion of the restaurant if it is a one time thing...Captain Jacks on the other hand...EWWWWW! I have seen many there.
Did you go out for a second meal afterwards since you didn't eat that one?
My guess is that, if it was big enough for you to notice it and it didn't quickly scurry away from the movement, it was a Palmetto Bug. Looks like a cross between a big beetle and a cockroach on steroids. They are a fact of life in Florida. When I lived there - there was once in my bathroom right after we had some huge bushes cut way down - it was dislodged from its home and found a way in - even though we regurally had preventative extermintor visits. This is pretty common.
Are palmetto bugs just as dirty as roaches, do they infest? Because I'm thinking that if it was a palmetto bug and those are not that bad then they should have told me that and maybe explained it ( he did ask if I was from out of state) If they're not like roaches I would have looked at it like eww a lady bug or a bee how'd that little bugger get in here oh well. But when he said I'm so sorry I want you to know that we spray for those nightly my thoughts are thank you you can take my plate now.
I doubt that the place was infested, but it would kill an appetite either way. If I were the manager, maybe I would have comp'd you a meal (invited you back for a dinner on the house)![]()