Couldn't have found this experience more displeasing. I'm not sure which was worse; the multiple hairs found in my food, the chef's decision to change up the accompaniments served with the Shanghai lobster and shrimp, or the countless flies and nats buzzing around our unstable table for two.
The night started off with my waiting for my byob wine refills (because that's how it works) and a mediocre Baratta appetizer special. With tomatoes that were definitely not ripe or from Jersey, this dish was accompanied by a pathetic sliver of Baratta not suited for a child.
I ordered what I always order, without looking at the menu, not thinking twice about whether or not it would come out prepared in the same way as it has every time before. Low and behold it arrived in disguise. No crispy kale. No crispy fried things. In its place, sautéed spinach with a sweet tasting rice (not even similar to what I was familiar with). I'm sorry but creamy spicy doesn't work well with sweet in my book. I called the waitress over to ask what happened to the kale and the crispy things and she said, "oh yeah, it's served this way now" and claimed the menu stated that. I said, "ok, but I don't like this rice. What else do u have, I'll pay for it?" She said, "the only other side we have is the Thai fried rice." I said, "I'll have that." Ten minutes later the Thai rice arrives in a half of a pineapple and looks frightening similar to the rice on my plate. Sure enough it's the same dang rice - only difference, they threw some shrimp in. I said, "this tastes exactly like the rice on my plate; is it the same rice?" She says, "let me ask." She returns and confirms, "basically, it's the same." I guess the wait staff isn't expected to be knowledgable on the food being served therefore the patrons should expect them to know nothing about the food they are talking about. In fact, the staff has always been the worst part of the Fin experience, but you could chalk that off when the food is good. Not anymore! I told her I wasn't paying for this rice and asked her to remove it from the bill. I then began to finish my lobster and shrimp, only to find several hairs buried underneath. I was willing to take the blame, assuming it was mine, but after I put the last piece of shrimp in my mouth, with more hair attached, I was convinced I had nothing to do with the garnishing.
Needless to say we left disgusted and disappointed. I told the hostess about our experience. In her unprofessional manner, she looked at me pathetically and said, "I'm sorry" several times as if I told her my hamster died. Never losing eye contact to look for the manager.
Let me add that our first experience, just about a year and a half ago, was so fantastic I personally sought out the owner to commend him on his food. He couldn't be more grateful. Not sure what has happened since then. Fortunately for him, he was nowhere to be found today. Tonight's experience was one of the worst we've ever had, and we will not return. read more