I want to start by saying that the food that I was served was delicious and the staff couldn't have been more friendly. However, I want to detail the experience I had because I would hope for more, given the price tag.
I made a reservation for 6:30pm and when I checked into the Manor for our wedding anniversary, asked if we could push to 7pm. They said that wouldn't be a problem. We arrived at dinner at about 7pm and waited for about 5 minutes (with nobody at the front of house) to be greeted and seated.
After being seated, we were informed that the restaurant had run out of 4 items (two of which we had decided in advance that we had wanted). I think we should have been told before being seated that they were out of these items, as the menu isn't large, and it makes it awkward for the guest to seat them and then tell them that items aren't available.
We ordered drinks. My wife doesn't drink alcohol but the bartender made a delicious mocktail and graciously provided it on the house, which was a very nice touch. Additionally, we ordered appetizers of artichoke hearts and Caesar salad. Both were delightful.
My wife ordered fillet mignon, medium rare, which came with mushrooms. She asked to substitute asparagus, as she doesn't like mushrooms. The waitress said she thought that would be fine. I ordered the rack of lamb, as it came with a side that didn't have dairy (couscous), as I try to limit my dairy intake. I was not asked how I would like my lamb cooked.
My wife was served ribeye (not fillet) that was cooked to be well done - it was quite tough. Nothing was said about this substitution. Additionally, she was served neither the asparagus nor the mushrooms. The waitress noticed the missing asparagus and told her she'd check with the cook, who confirmed that the restaurant was out of asparagus.
I was served my lamb which was cooked rare (and that's putting it generously). I decided to try it, and it turned out to be delicious although I'd be uncomfortable serving something so rare in a restaurant setting (I eat my meat relatively rare at home). It was served over a bed of mashed potatoes, with cream. At this point, with how many hiccups we'd had, I decided not to mention it to the waitress and just not eat the potatoes.
While we were eating our entrees, we overheard the cook come out of the kitchen and tell the waitress, "We're out of absolutely everything." The waitress seemed flustered.
After we finished our meal, I asked to see a dessert menu. The waitress told us that there was no dessert menu, but that the restaurant had ice cream and lava cake. My wife loves lava cake, so she ordered that. I did not order dessert.
After a couple more minutes, the waitress came back and informed us that the restaurant was out of lava cake but that they'd be happy to serve us cheesecake instead. We passed and asked for the check.
We received the check, which came out to be $165 before tip. We tipped roughly $40 in cash, so the total bill came out to just over $200. Needless to say, I was very disappointed in this price tag given what I've mentioned above, but recapped below:
1) Restaurant was out of 4 items, two of which we were planning on ordering but were only informed that they weren't available after being seated.
2) Ordered fillet medium rare with a sub of asparagus but served ribeye well done with no side. Later informed that the restaurant was out of a 5th item and the different protein was not mentioned.
3) Not asked how I want my lamb cooked and served almost blue. Additionally, selected this entrée because of the lack of dairy in the side and served instead mashed potatoes with dairy.
4) Overheard cook explaining that the restaurant was out of everything, which we really should have been informed of before being seated and asking for multiple things that were not able to be provided.
5) Being told two items were available for dessert, asking for one, being told that the restaurant was out of that as well (6th item) and being offered a different dessert item that wasn't originally offered.
6) Receiving a check for such a large amount for two people, given all of the items listed above.
I reached out to the restaurant's support staff via email, who apologized for my experience and offered a free drink if I return. I'd like to point out that they are offering me a free drink in the event that I spend another $100 to travel there, $250 minimum on lodging, and $200 on a meal (assuming I don't just go there and ask for a free drink). I would have given them two stars, but this response dropped my review to one star. Will not be returning and will not be recommending this place to anyone else. This also does not include my less than ideal experience staying at the manor, which included the smell of rotting food, fruit flies, and someone else's pubic hair in in the shower. read more