Based on other reviews, it seems you are either a 'fan' of this place, or not. I'm mostly in the 'not' category although this place definitely has it's merits and I hope this review does not sound petulant. For example, they called to confirm the reservation and asked if anyone in the party has food allergies. My friend knows I have food sensitivities and they asked her to have me call them (I did) to let them know what 'allergies'. That's a good start.
We were out to celebrate our friends anniversary. On a very cold January evening, the line to the hostess podium was out the door, into the vestibule and onto the street. While waiting in this line, a bride came through repeatedly yelling 'let me through, I have to get to my reception'. She was shortly followed by a group of older folks, one with a walker, who appeared to be going to her reception as well. We moved out of the way as best we could in the tight space we had available due to the number of people waiting. Everyone was trying to get into the vestibule and out of the cold.
Once inside the main restaurant, we could see three staff members at the hostess stand talking about something and looking at the podium. After some discussion, the three or four parties ahead of us were seated.
A gentleman (I use that word loosely) took our coats. My friend was wearing a leather coat and said gentleman asked 'did you ride your motorcycle here?' in a less than genteel manner. She took it as a joke and commented about it being her best, but I was insulted on her behalf by this person's attitude. Since it was her anniversary celebration, and she was very excited to dine here, I let it slide.
We were brought to a table tightly spaced among others toward the back of the restaurant and right on the aisle where waitstaff were breezing by. My friend requested we be relocated. We were told to 'wait by the end of the bar' and she would ask. Really? Wait by the bar? Is that the protocol? The area by the 'end of the bar' is where staff are flying back and forth with food and drink. We were completely 'in the way' and staff were looking at us like we didn't belong in this spot. Which we did not.
The hostess returned and relocated us to a table out of traffic by being tucked between two other tables. Think of a zig-zag pattern of tables. Ours was next to a pane of colored glass suspended between two pillars separating us from the bar area. All these tables are quite close quarters and once seated, it can be a challenge to get up and out without disturbing other guests. I'm not sure what their reservation policy is, but if you make a reservation, request a booth, which is more spacious and private.
Our waitress, who was very personable and attentive to start with, came to take a drink order, but we had not yet looked over the wine list. She came back, again, too quickly. We were still deciding what to drink because our wine choice would be dictated by our meal selection and we hadn't made that determination yet. The third visit, we had made a decision about wine and food.
I made a special request on my steak sauce based on some of my food sensitivities and requested it be cooked 'medium'. When the food arrived a big show was made about my 'medium cooked steak being prepared as specially ordered'. Except my steak was not cooked medium. I was given the 'medium well' steak my SO ordered and he got my 'medium'. Does that mean he got my 'specially prepared' sauce too? No idea, but this is disappointing.
The steak, although not cooked to my preference, was extremely tender. I hadn't ordered a 'wow' dish, so I can't fault this dish for not being 'wow'. It was steak and potatoes. Just 'regular' grub, albeit very expensive, tender grub. I was also not wowed by our wine selection. I feel a rant coming on about wine, but will spare you my exasperation.
We did not order dessert because by the time we had completed our meal, we were all ready to get the heck out of there. Even my friend commented she felt our waitress 'was not happy' with us because we had not ordered 'soup to nuts.'
We requested a cab, and after some delay one was ordered. We waited in the vestibule with the valet staff for our cab to arrive. These folk were better mannered than some of the dining room staff. This should have been a wonderful evening of celebration. Instead I am left with a hope never to return to Mistral. read more