THE HOSTESS
We did not have reservations (that was our fault, NOT the restaurant) so we anticipated having to wait = No Problem.
A hostess informed us it would be an hour, so we added our name to the list and left. When we called for an update 20 minutes later, we were told a text had been sent 10-15 minutes after we joined the list, and our table was no longer available. When I asked, why was I told 1-hr ... no explanation was provided.
We did not receive the text at the number provided (again my fault, NOT the restaurant), so we provided a different number. A subsequent text was sent that our table was ready, but upon arrival, we were told that the table (for 2 people) lacked sufficient chairs - Seriously?
BTW, envision the hostess (who appeared totally uninterested and indifferent) with a grin, resting her chin on the back of her hand as she twiddled her fingers while we communicated the issue.
A supervisor offered us a table that was reserved, which we declined, as we felt it would unfairly inconvenience that party. We waited until we were able to sit at the bar.
THE DRINKS
Bartender Brandon: He started off rough (as if he did not want to be there), but after he overheard our conversation (i.e., "Hopefully the food makes up for it [see "The Hostess"] then he spoke with a manager to determine what we were speaking about. His attitude shifted dramatically, becoming engaging and genuinely focused on improving our visit, which he successfully did. We are very grateful for his effort.
Appetizer: He recommended the squash & burrata salad, which was a pleasant surprise. The combination of roasted squash + burrata was so good it did not require any additional seasoning (neither salt nor pepper). The sous-chef deserved commendation.
Dessert: Tres Leches and Toasted Coconut Rum Cake were very good. Eating either in their entirety would likely lead to immediate diabetes. We recommend that you get both. We appreciated the presentation of the rum cake. The pastry chef knows what s/he is doing.
Finally, the cappuccino was good on its own, but we highly recommend adding some coquito for an enhanced experience. Thanks to Brandon, we were happy to pay for our two complimentary drinks and added their cost to his tip, resulting in a 61% gratuity.
THE FOOD
Supposedly, this is a Cuban-inspired restaurant.
Automatic Tip for a Party of 2: 18% tip was automatically included, which tends to impact the quality of service one receives at a restaurant (which may explain Brandon's initial posture), but the automatic tip is still less than what we normally tip, so the 18% was not an issue, per se.
Appetizer:
The white fish / smoked fish dip is unsalvageable. Regardless of how much black pepper or salt (within reason) we added, it remained flavorless (do not order it). It is terrible.
o ACME's pre-packaged white fish (from COSTCO and/or BJ's) taste better. Waaay better.
Entre:
* Mojo Chicken: The chicken was worse than the fish dip. The white rice was appropriately white. I don't expect a lot of flavor from white meat, but this chicken was tough, bland, and almost flavorless.
* Lechon Asado: Simply not good. I have had Cuban sandwiches at gas stations that tasted better than this.
* The beans were the second-best-flavored food (behind the salad), despite being slightly undercooked.
* The chimichurri was a respectable third. Without it, no need to order the pork. Correction, don't order the Lechon Asado period!
Had it not been for Bartender Brandon, this review would have had negative stars. read more