Huge disappointment. The plan was for a long boozy lunch date, having read that Avenue was a top 100 this year. We made our reservation to miss the lunch rush; it was moderately busy. We were first offered a table next to a large noisy group - no thought given whatsoever by the hostess - so we asked to sit on the other side of the banquette. She said "I'll see what I can do" and left us standing there while she went back to the reception desk. Seriously? Two back to back tables and she can't just say yes? Management, give your staff the power to make a decision. Of course she came back and said "yes". So far, OK. Next, the soul-less, never-a-smile waiter comes by to ask if we want bottled water. I guess this place cares not one bit for the environment. We asked for tap water, to which he made a grunt. Sure, Regina tap water isn't great, but then get a filter. He brought it in a green bottle that looked like it hadn't been washed - ever. He should have offered drinks at that time, but no, left that for another trip. They had some decent wines by the glass and we each had the same. Even though the bartender was pouring two glasses from the same bottle side by side, my husband got a full pour and mine was short. We both ordered the rotisserie chicken. No one needs a half a chicken for lunch, but it came with a salad and was unbelievably cheap. Wine was good. Next time the cutlery, which was set on the bare table. In many cities this is against the health code, and for good reason. I'd like to ask the management if they'd make it a habit to lick the table, because that's what you're asking your guests to do when you place their cutlery on the bare table. Put on on a side plate for God's sake. Zero eye contact from our server again. We counted, we had both smiled and tried to make eye contact with him a total of six times. Nothing. He spoke but he did not engage. How depressing. We had a look at the rest of the staff. Just like our server, none were relaxed, but almost looked scared. Is this one of those restaurants trying for a reputation at the expense of staff happiness? Just like the wine, our identical meals were different. My husband's was a beautiful golden brown, perfectly cooked, and mine was barely crisp on the outside and bloody at the bone. No matter, who needs half a chicken at lunch? It was also not carved, by this time we weren't surprised as the whole experience screamed "unprofessional". The meals were tasty enough, although it's easy to baste a bird in butter and throw on some fresh rosemary sprigs. We watched other tables being served in the same unwelcoming way, and even saw saw another table for two not having their meals served at the same time. Lame. our waiter didn't recognize what our parallel cutlery on our plates meant. He didn't ask if we wanted anything else, just shoved the "dessert" menu (which was the same as the wine list) on the corner of our table. All the desserts were as if they'd come off the children's menu, nothing to inspire. Finally, when I asked for the bill the waiter looked right at me and smiled. We were out in just over an hour. A very disappointing afternoon date. read more