We were really looking forward to eating here. The restaurants commitment to sustainability and working with local growers and producers is very appealing to us as well as having a recommendation from Michelin. We thought it would be a great place for a Sunday Brunch!!
We ordered the Panisse, Hummus /Crudités /Flatbread, Pomme frites, and the Bistro steak. When the Panisse hit our table we had high hopes for the delectable dipping sauce in which the plate is named for, as we've enjoyed it prior to Madeira Park. It was served with these delightful mashed chick pea fries that were actually quite nicely toasted (or lightly fried?? beautifully but, the sauce was this greasy, flavorless, oil concoction that we just could not get into. "Ok, no big deal", we thought. Then we were served the Hummus/Crudite/Flatbread which was actually a lovely assortment of veggies. The snow peas were crunchy and fresh but some of the other veggies tasted like they were cut two weeks ago and sat in a fridge right up until they were about to go bad or tasted as though they were flash frozen and then thawed out before they came to our table. The accompanying hummus and flatbread were both nicely done though. So, the dishes were becoming hit or miss. I was looking forward to trying the mayo for the Pomme Frites as it was emphasized by the 2nd server but, it was really underwhelming and just plain bland when it came to flavor. So when the bistro steak was ordered medium rare and it came out in these thick chewy slabs in which we could barely chew or swallow, we decided to throw in the towel for this spot. And by the time the bill came, there was an overwhelmingly lipidic aura that dominated our palates.
Besides the food, the first female server who greeted us seemed really friendly and upbeat. But when she gave my partner a rub on his back upon greeting him, he and I were both a little stunned!! We kind of just laughed it off with an appalled side eye with one another. So, when she placed her hand on my partners shoulder and massaged it for a bit while we discussed menu items to order, he is too shy so, I had to kindly inform her that her hands on my partner in her professional setting is completely and utterly unacceptable. She never returned to our table but, a manager was quick to our table to inform us that the waitress is just really sweet and friendly to which I had to repeat myself that her hands on my partner is unprofessional and unacceptable. But, we left there wondering if the tables were turned and a male customer had done that to the female waitress, if the server and the manager would have seen that as acceptable but, we wont ever be going back there to find out.
We are foodies and we love to support local businesses. We travel the world and enjoy food from all genre's so that's why we kind of feel bad having to give this type of review but, as many restaurants we have been to, we are not accustomed to food that's Michelin recommended which is just subpar and a manager who thinks her touchy feely server should be given a pass just because she is really sweet... why didn't the server try and massage my back or shoulders?? I could really use a massage now but, I digress. We gave this place an honest and thorough shot but, wont be back unless they hire a new chef and have a change in management and staff, sadly. read more