So, we used to come here several times a year (special occasions) for 30+ years. Not sure why, but…read moreit seems other restaurants were as good and easier to get to. We haven't been here since my birthday 4 or 5 years ago.
Anyway, the ambiance is great. It's not changed since the 80's and it really has that small, intimate, elegant feel that can really make a place special. It's comfortable, clean and very welcoming.
Unfortunately, the food can be really hit or miss. When they get the veal piccata right, it's the best in town. That said, sometimes it so tough, it's inedible. When they get really nice, fresh fish, it's amazing. When it's not that great... I guess we all know.
Other parts of a great night out are the drinks and the waitstaff.
Our waiter (Mr. Ponytail guy) came to our table after a nice, thoughtful delay between arrival and getting settled in. I think he's been there since the place opened so he does know what he's doing. In fact, I've had him in the past and he can do an incredible job (if he wants to). I guess this wasn't the night he wanted to.
After going over the specials, none of us ordered a cocktail, which disappointed him. None of us ordered salads or the famous lobster bisque (which we would have if we were asked) and nobody ordered any of the specials. Mr. Ponytail guy made it obvious we were wasting his time and basically chose to neglect us for the rest of the evening. He didn't even bring the entrees out of the kitchen. Another group of folks carried out food out of the kitchen and Mr. ponytail guy did a really lame attempt at serving the plates to us and then briskly walked away. He never came back to check our satisfaction or to see if we wanted anything else. That said, the busboy was ON-IT! My water glass never ran out and there were no lingering dirty plates on the table. Kudos to him! Mr. Ponytail guy could take some lessons in congeniality and graciousness from the busboy.
So, I understand that this is a high-end place. the staff really depends on folks ordering drinks, sides and apps, I get it. That said, even with very little effort, Mr. Ponytail guy still made about $10 bucks in tips off of each of us.
I guess if serving drinks is so important to this guy, maybe he should look into waiting table at Barbie's Place on Bennet. This seems to be more his caliber.
The coup de grace for the evening is the barmaid screwed up my change 3 times. I know, math is hard, but when the bill comes to $60.06 and you give $80.00 in cash, the change should be $19.94. She gave me back $4.06. I informed Mr. Ponytail guy of the error and he brought me another $5.00 bill. Again, math is hard. He also said he never checked the amount of money I gave him to cover my check, so he didn't know what was going on. Way to be a steward of your customer, Mr. Ponytail guy...
After being made to feel like totally inadequate plebes that should have supped at the coney island next door, I really doubt we'll ever go back. I do ask Georgio to send Mr. Ponytail guy to congeniality school so he can learn the disappointments of life and how some things just don't go your way. That or let him spend some time washing dishes.
Remember, Mr. ponytail guy, you decided to take on the task of waiting tables, and there's absolutely no shame in this. Lord knows, I've done a lot worse for a lot less. Just remember that some of your customers may not have big appetites, consume alcohol, eat fish or have a willingness to be treated like inconvenient morons just because you decided to judge them for not being who you wanted them to be. There are a lot of other high-end places much closer to home that would LOVE to get our money...
Oh, 2 stars because the food was OK.