A steak seems in order so after looking at reviews online, we chose the Chart House, one of Tilman Fertitta's joints. The reviews claim 'best view" of Lake Tahoe. Not even close, maybe 30-40 years ago when the place was new. Great view if the trees out front and a sliver view of the lake.
Dinner reservations were at 630 and we arrive around 615. As we walk through the front door and from about 20 feet away the young female hostess yells to us (no kidding) Hi guys, do you have a reservation? Ah let us get in the door and greet us properly. Another young female who was very pleasant seats us at our window table with I guess a view of the lake, no wait the trees. Another very nice young female, Amber(?) quickly greets us and takes our drink order. I think to myself this is going to be a nice relaxing meal. Oops spoke too soon. The couple sitting behind are unhappy with their dining experience and we hear about it the entire meal. Not 100% sure of the issue but the man, who we unbelievably see a short time later at Harvey's still bitching, is not happy with their server and has his wife go to the bar and get them two glasses of white wine. No joke. Amber and a new server (middle aged woman) Ali returns with Ali setting down our drinks, doesn't introduce herself and begins asking us about ordering appetizers. I'm sorry who are you as I thought Amber was our server? Nonetheless, Ali really pushes the appetizers, salad, soup, you get the picture. Since we had a late lunch we didn't order our usual appetizers. We order our entrees; D a shrimp linguine and me the 14 oz Prime Rib. Ali again asks us if we want salad, side dishes, topping for our dinners, and wants to know if we want to pre-order their signature Lava Cake that takes 30 minutes to bake. I get it, bigger the bill the bigger the tip in theory. I get there is pressure from management to sell and turn tables quickly but have some tack, this isn't a burger joint. I cave and add scallops to my dinner. I ask how many suggesting 2 or 3. Ali tells me it depends as they go by weight. Okay fair enough, I didn't ask and she didn't offer what the addition would cost. Amber stands watching attentively, is she in training? She appeared to know what she was doing, hmmmm.
The table to the other side of us is talking abound the recent teen death due to overdosing on caffeine and the man in typical Californian mentality talks about how the manufacture should be sued instead of people taking responsibility for their actions. They talked about some other conspiracies and discussed getting a DJ for an upcoming party they are hosting. All while letting "mum" pick up the check.
Dinner came out fairly quickly as Ali goes to serve mine and the other staff member goes with D's entree to the crabby guys table before being reigned back in by Ali. Both meals were great and were tasty. We each barely had our first bites in our mouth and a skinny guy in a suit appears, stands between us and the window and asks us how our first bites are. He too needs a lesson in etiquette by first introducing himself and second don't ask someone a question when you observe them just place food in their mouth unless you really don't want to hear their answer. D & I begin to look at each other and we wonder, is it just us, are we getting older and higher end restaurants just don't have any class anymore?
Ali walks to the table behind me to give them their leftovers/check and as she does this looks over at her shoulder to me and asks me if I wanted another drink with my dinner. Really? Again, finish what you are doing with that customer and give the your undivided attention, that is part of what they are paying for, the service and the ambiance of a supposedly nice restaurant. I say yes and D asks about wine. Well Ali can't answer because she is dealing with the other table so Amber comes by and discusses wine. D asks her about a wine on their wine list and Amber wasn't familiar with it and offers D a taste, good recovery. Ali then stops by to offer an apology for asking us about drinks when she was tending to the other table. It felt like a joke because as she said it she abruptly turned to a different table behind us and starting talking talking to them. Check, Amber can finish up with us. Note, it is not like the place is slammed but it did have a dinner crowd.
Ali approaches our table at the window the woman from the Californians table steps over and starts having a conversation with Ali. I have an idea, quit blocking our view and take your conversation to your table.
We finish eating and ol' Ali comes by to give us another backhanded offer. Since you didn't opt for the Lava Cake would you like some other dessert? Before D and I can decide she goes right into her Landry's member card speed. Do you have a card? If not we can sign you up for one and you and you get 25 for your birthday and 25 for every 250 spent. Cheesy at best. No honey more............. read more