I can honestly say this is the first time I have ever left a restaurant feeling more hungry than when I went in. I'm fairly certain I weighed less too, as lack of food made my body begin to eat my fat to stay alive.
We entered through what appeared to be bar/lounge seating, waited by the bar for someone to point us in the correct direction, but after four minutes of awkwardness, decided to wander further in, where we found the hostess, and were seated by a boy in a dress, who also gave us our menus, yet sadly, no water.
We waited all thirstily, until we finally got water from a server. Then our own server came out, Kylene, a nice girl. She asked if we were in town for Hamilton, when we said we were, and had to leave by 7:00 p.m., she said we had plenty of time (our reservations were for the ungodly early dining hour of 5:30 p.m.), and took our drink orders. I had a glass of the house red wine (because I'm heart healthy that way), my gorgeous date had a gin and tonic. We were seated right next to what appeared to be a wine center, as all wines were poured from there, and several times, I had to call upon my lightening quick reflexes, as to avoid being elbowed in the head by various wine servers - yes, the table was that close. My wine came right away (how could it not?), but the gin and tonic took TEN minutes. Warning - your wine will be served in a huge goblet, thus rendering the wine you actually receive into a spot that appears to have been accidentally poured into the glass. Translation: small amount of wine in large container.
Kylene came over ten minutes after the gin and tonic was served, and took our orders. You DO NOT get a salad, soup, or bread with the meaI. I ordered the six ounce filet mignon, we also had a chicken dish. I ordered another wine, if only to appease the stomach acids attacking my lining. During the lull, waiting for my wine, I contemplated reaching over and serving myself.
Three other tables came in and were served. We were not. We waited. We looked at our bare wooden table. We waited. Half an hour later, we finally flagged Kylene down and asked her where our food was. She said she thought it was coming. Then she sent the manager, Josh, over. He said, "I heard you were asking where your food is. We are extra busy because of the play." I almost asked if his chef and wait staff were also in the play, as we had yet to see any food in front of us. We asked if we could have bread, or something to tide our starving stomachs until the actual food came out. He said yes, if we ordered it, and did not see the irony in us waiting yet another half hour for the thought of approaching bread. In the meantime, did he offer a free drink, to console us? No. A crust of stale bread to chew on until the food arrived? No. A condescending attitude and pissy glare? Yes.
We needed another gin and tonic, Josh just looked at us. Finally, ten minutes after Josh leading us to believe his his chef was most likely at Hamilton rehearsal, he brought our food to us. Kylene was no longer our server, as I feel she was overworked, and forgot our order. Our food, while good, was so tiny! My filet consisted of two slices of beef, with a smattering of potato, and a bit of sauce. I paid $45.00 for this dish. Had I not been woozy from being so starved, I would have had the foresight to capture the miniscule filet in picture form. The chicken, at $32.00, was also tiny. Had my earlier hunger made me mistakenly order off a baby menu? I was not certain.
Our gin and tonic arrived at the same time Josh brought our check. How did this make sense? We had to leave, and declined the drink, which was already added onto the bill. The nerve. We paid, but very reluctantly, as the entire experience was ridiculous, save Kylene, who was sweet, but over worked. I left her a 20% tip, in hopes she would actually get it, and not the unhelpful, and hinging on downright rude, Josh.
I was very disappointed, as I had heard several great things about this restaurant. I'd like to have my money refunded, or at least invited back, so I can understand why other people gave such glowing reviews. Alas, I feel neither will happen, as Josh did not appear to be inclined to do anything to make an overpaying patron feel welcome.
My one star is only for Kylene. If it wasn't for her, I'd give no stars. read more