Nice innovative dishes with a price to match. If you are in the mood for something special (expensive), this is the go to place.

Our party of four had an absolutely amazing culinary adventure at T&T innovation kitchen last Saturday evening! When we checked in at the restaurant, they proceeded to walk us theough the restaurant, back past the dishwashing area and kitchen, into a small private dining room with an open kitchen. It's a very casual, unpretentious space, which was one of the things that I liked the most about it. We were greeted immediately and were offered a wine and cocktail list. We were also given the evening's menu, which consisted of six courses and an optional 7th, for an extra supplemental fee. We opted to partake in this, not wanting to miss out on any of the offered dishes! On a sidenote, the menu changes weekly, based on seasonal produce, fresh fish, etc. I should definitely mention that I have quite a few food allergies, so I asked to speak directly with the chef, away from our table to go over my dietary restrictions with him. Pleasantly, he didn't bat an eye and assured me that I would have as full an experience as everyone else, just with some modifications. I greatly appreciated this! Course after course after course was perfection and all four of us were incredibly impressed with all of the dishes that were served to us. And as our servers brought each plate, the chef would then approach our table and describe each dish. The attention to detail was not lost on us, nor was the personal approach that this restaurant strives for and achieves. For our final dessert course, the head pastry chef came and spoke to us about her creations, thus adding to the personal touch. And to thank us for dining at T&T, we were each presented with a goodie bag at the end of our meal, containing a mini chocolate loaf cake and a canister of their house-made and absolutely delicious, caramel corn! Before leaving, we spoke once more with the chef and he told us that the restaurant is only open Friday and Saturday evenings and he tries to cap the number of diners at 30 per night, which enables him to have a personal connection with each table. Considering the fact that we had called for a reservation only the day before, we felt very fortunate to have gotten in at the last minute. If you are looking for a very unique dining experience, then I highly recommend T&T Innovation Kitchen! Based on our experience, it was a three hour dinner and though quite pricey, we felt that it was very worth it! read more

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One of the best meals I have ever had and that is in comparison to other Michelin star restaurants in places like SF or LA. The food was innovative and delicious and the service was exemplary! You are also able to watch them plate each course on a video screen which is surprisingly really fun - so much work goes into making each plate picture perfect. I would give this place more than five stars if I could and will definitely come back anytime I'm in town again. They have a seasonal five course tasting menu that changes but are able to accommodate dietary restrictions. I don't eat seafood and the chef made special dishes in substitution for me. Overall it was a very personalized experience where the chef comes to your table and explains each course. Some examples of courses were an interesting take on chilaquiles with carnitas as an amuse bouchée, lamb loin with parsnip purée and Meyer lemon , scallop, blackened halibut, and a creative take on "almond joy" for dessert. We went for a birthday and staff also did a great job of helping us celebrate with cake and a candle and also sending us off with some treats for the road. Come here if you're looking for delicious and innovative food and amazing service. I don't think there's any better restaurant in the area! read more

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Hands down the best restaurant I've been to within the vicinity of Palm Springs. I wish I could shine a huge spotlight on Iron Chef Peter Smith and his team so everyone would know from miles around what they're accomplishing here. It's very special and if you're looking for an innovative and memorable tasting menu, don't sleep on this surprising spot. Notably, this restaurant is nestled behind a much bigger restaurant at the bottom of the JW Marriott, a huge hotel with an internal marina. We were staying in Palm Springs near Twin Palms and it was about a 20-25 min easy drive. We valeted at the main entrance. You have to walk through the kitchen of another restaurant to get here which feels like a punk rock version of the Copa Cabana scene from Goodfellas. (If you're from LA, this will remind of the entrance to Breakroom 86.) There's seating at the chef's table by the kitchen (for those who want a close up view of the food prep) and there are monitors set up with closed circuit cameras for everyone else in the restaurant to watch them prep. It's actually a really great idea. We watch people cook on TV all the time but rarely those making our own food. My wife and I had fun guessing what they were plating and which plate we'd each get, etc. It's a fun feature of this restaurant especially if you're someone who watches cooking shows and appreciates the skill that goes into this craft. Also, if you're from LA, this place will remind you of Michael Cimarusti's Providence because of its creativity and complex flavors. There's top pedigree in the kitchen with veterans from Michael Voltaggio's beloved Ink and Joel Rubochon. In other words, these folks are not messing around. (And if you recognize any of the names above, get your ass over here). I'm not going to write about every course and you will likely see a completely different menu when you go but perhaps you'll find this helpful: - The tasting was 6 courses ($100/person) and we added a supplemental lobster course ($25/person) and 1 wine pairing ($85). - Personally, I wasn't overwhelmed by the wine selection. My wife enjoyed it and the pours were generous but you're getting wines that would normally cost $30-40 a bottle. Not knocking it but just noting it. I'm posting a photo of the menu if you want to know which wines we got. I thought the pairings were generally good but none of the wines knocked me out. - Also, one thing we noticed was that it took 20+ minutes from the amuse bouche (an incredible taco) until we got our first course (an amazing duck liver mousse that I loved despite never liking liver in any capacity. It literally changed my whole POV on duck liver mousse). While it was worth the wait, we actually finished the wine poured before the course it was supposed to be paired with. They noticed this and came over to pour us more, which was a cool move. There were about 20 total people in the restaurant, which has to be pretty close to what their seating capacity is. Some tables were on different courses so I understand why there could be a delay. The whole meal took about 3 and a half hours. If it took 5 hours it still wouldn't change my 5 star review. The food is that good. - One of the most remarkable aspects of T&T is their sauces. Do yourself a favor and save some bread (or ask for more) to sop up these sauces lest they go to waste. You will thank me. - Yelp is wrong about their hours. They do not close at 8pm. Also, I booked easily via Open Table. In sum, this is the best restaurant hands down anywhere close to Palm Springs. If you fancy yourself as a foodie, don't think twice. Cool, clever and innovative approaches. Every bite was special. $100/person is a very fair price for a 6 course tasting menu. I hope you all keep this place in business so I can keep coming back here for years to come. read more

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A fun experience and lovely meal, great service. After wending back through the kitchen and prep areas at the JW Marriott's Rockwood Grill restaurant, you emerge in a cosy small kitchen with a 6-seat chef's counter, a few small tables and monitors of live video of the cooking and plating action... One of the chefs will come by to explain each of the courses and answer any questions. We enjoyed the chef's counter seats which are fun if you like to see the preparations up close. The courses were creative and beautifully plated. We started with scallops with shaved burssel sprouts, bacon and croutins on a butternut squash puree. Delicious! next was a very rich monkfish in a butter sauce w beet garnish and beetroot puree. My favorite was next, the duck with romanesco (both steamed and a puree), pickled grapes and a very light cranberry beurre blanc, followed by the aged new york steak with potato puree port demi glaze which was perfectly prepared and not at all heavy. The wine pairings were excellent and enhanced both the wine and the food. The wine flight was generous, 2 of us shared one pairing. We mentioned in our reservation it was a date night and were brought a lovely champagne to start which also paired very well with the scallops course. Dessert was a fun and festive hazelnut and raspberry cream assemblage in a striped edible green and white striped sugar christmas ornament... our desert chef was lots of fun to speak with! Only open for dinner fridays and saturdays, one seating (reservations 5:30 - 7:30) with 30 max diners, new menu each weekend. Fixed 5-course tasting menu with optional 6th course (lobster) and optional wine pairings. Fun experience! we'll be back! read more

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Elizabeth and I had a dining experience of Artful perfection,this master stroke conducted By Peter Smith and orchestrated by his staff of whom all are incredibly.............. Gracious and talented We made our next reservation while dining, And hope to spend many more years in the company oF such talented chefs Eric & Elizabeth Seeley RosekransGoldsmiths read more

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I called for a reservation and was told I need to spend over 5K and have 30 people in my party to eat. Is this true? Makes no sense to me.

Absolutely phenomenal. By far the best meal I've ever had in California. If you'd like to take your taste buds for an adventure, try this gem. You won't be disappointed. read more

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A true culinary experience that won't soon be forgotten. Executive Chef Peter Smith gets to flex his creativity in his very own behind the scenes restaurant located inside The Desert Springs Marriott. Once you check in at The Rockwood Grill you are ushered through the kitchen and into a small back private dining room that holds maybe 20 people. There are 6 seats available at the chefs block which are the best seats in the house.The ambience is wonderful, it was my anniversary and they wrote Happy Anniversary on their dry erase wall, the music was perfect and so was the lighting. Service is spot on with one server for every two guests, private bartender and the stars of the show The Executive Chef and two Sous Chefs. They are only open Friday's & Saturday's from 5:30 - 7:30 and reservations are required. Dress nice. It's a 7-8 course tasting menu that changes periodically. The chef prepares and delivers everyone's food with explanation & stories to accompany the cuisine. Everyone enjoyed frog legs, scallop, octopus, lobster, bison, New York steak & 2 desserts. Each dish is paired with a wine if you choose. This was an amazing night with spectacular food, presentation and overall one of the coolest dining experiences I've ever had! You will go here & you will love it; it's very special! Plan on being there at least 3 hours or longer. $100 minimum per person, $25 add on for the lobster and $75 for the wine pairings. It was $336 including tip for two people and no alcohol, but It was worth every penny!! Thank you. read more

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Just had a great night and meal at T & T last night. One of the best meals you can get in the dessert. I hesitate to mention what we enjoyed as they make changes to the menu weekly, but there were a couple stand outs. The scallops were amazing, very fresh and sweet. The dry aged New York strip steak was perfect. And the pumpkin desert was sweet but not overwhelming. The maitre D was very attentive and the chef explained each dish. One of the best parts of sitting at the chefs table was watching the hardest working sous chef ever. She was organized, meticulous, and always moving. Very impressive to watch. You can tell the whole team has pride in their excellent product. Can't wait to go back!! read more

An unexpected surprise in the desert. It was mother's day weekend and our wedding anniversary so we wanted to celebrate both. This place was described as a "Speakeasy" kinda restaurant. When I heard that I was expecting a secret door or something - instead I was treated into a very long walk into the bowels of the hotel. You'd never find your way into or out of this place without help. They have (if you pay for the upgrade) a 7 course meal that changes weekly. They informed us they try to use locally sourced ingredients - I pointed out that we were in the middle of the desert and asked if I was about to get a lizard cooked on a creosote bush stick, but they assured me there was a lot of locally sourced ingredients available. The only repeating menu item was the Lobster with their "Madre Sauce" (a sauce that they keep as a starter for future weeks sauces). I found the Madres Sauce to be overly salty and I don't think I would pay for this upgrade in the future. Overall the meal was great with a couple stand out dishes and a couple that weren't that great. The price with drinks and a mandatory tip (that is only mandatory if you are staying in the hotel) for 2 was about $380. The price while expensive is about what I would expect to pay for this level of food. Now the big question. 4 or 5 stars. I'm going to give the food at it's price point 4 stars and the service 5. 4.5 stars which I'll round up to 5. read more

We had a great time at T&T Kitchen! I was with a large bachelorette party, and they accommodated our large group wonderfully!! All the food was delicious. We did order the punch bowl flamingo drink, and didn't drink any of it. The flavor was terrible, way too sweet, and it says it only serves 4 people, but it is massive! This was the only negative to the evening. Every course was delicious, and my favorites were the scallops and dessert. The wine pairing was also great, heavy pours. Thanks again!! read more

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This is my new favorite restaurant!!! Located in the JW Marriott's back kitchen. Because this is a very small but intimate venue, the chef is able to personally explain each dish. The menu is ever changing. On this night, we had seven different plates. These plates are tapas-sized, so you're able to sample everything without being stuffed when you leave. One of my favorites was the Duck, served with Romanesco and pickled grapes on a light sauce of Cranberry Beurre Blanc. A great place for a date. Casual and yet you can dress it up and feel perfectly comfortable. The service was impeccable; Ronnie was our waiter. A MUST EAT AT when you're in town for the weekend! read more

Calling all foodies! Do not miss this gem. Creative cuisine prepared by a team of talented chefs while you watch the magic happen. T&T is truly innovative, creative, & fun. Tasting menu with optional wine pairings. We did both. Our goose course was over cooked, but every other element was perfection. Expensive, but worth the price. Seating was a little uncomfortable (a 3 hour experience), but overall this dining experience is engaging and fun for foodies. We made a reservation to return before we finished our evening! read more

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The best culinary experience we have had so far. The staff is incredible knowledgeable, attentive and fun! The cocktails are creative and delicious, the bartender will come to your table and introduce you to the drink menu. We highly recommend the wine pairing, carefully selected to complement each dish of the night. When you make your reservation, ask to be seated at the "bar" from where you can watch the chef cooking and interact with him (I believe this option is available for parties of 2). The food is delicious and beautifully presented. We will definitely be back. read more

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One of our top meals of all times. Chef Peter and his staff serve up a gastronomic experience. From the first toast to the last bite, a truly a foodie delight. Can't wait to go back to see what's in store on our next visit. read more

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We celebrated Hal's birthday. It was amazing. Ronnie our server made the whole night special. From walking in and being attended to by all 5 staff, the design of the room, seeing the monitors for detail view of cooking and prep. Every part of our meal experience was TOP NOTCH. read more

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The most phenomenal culinary experience. Everything from the food, wine, ambiance and service is exceptional. We came here to celebrate a birthday and were blown away by the above and beyond measures to make it special. We loved interacting with the chefs while hearing about their visions for the dishes. Every week the menu changes! A lot of thought goes into every dish and presentation. I highly recommend coming here! As someone who has gone to a few Michelin restaurants this is at the same caliber and takes it to the next level by allowing you to intimately sit at the chefs counter. I will dream of this meal!! Thank you chefs!!!!!!! read more

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I DIDN'T DROP THE BALL. Be cautious, DOUBLE CHECK ON YOUR RESERVATION. I called on a Saturday afternoon and was told they were all booked up (not surprised), so we ask for the next dinner opening. We were told 6pm Saturday. WE SHOW UP THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY, two hostesses are confused looking up our last name. We're patient because we have a foreign, odd spelled last name. A tall man walks out and tells us they had us down for the PREVIOUS SATURDAY.... the one that was "booked up" with no openings for dinner. We were turned away without any compassion nor offer to book a new reservation. He told us we can dine at the grill. (Yes, I know that's an option, and yes, the grill has good food, but that's not the point.) I'm sure t&t is a fine dining experience, but I wouldn't know because they screwed up the whole thing before I can experience it myself. Maybe one day that will change, and I can update my review. read more

This truly is a unique and unforgettable experience. The chefs are so nice and engaging while they prepare your food. The food itself was amazing. I highly recommend and hope to go back again! read more

Amazing dinning experience. Great staff, great food. So much fun. Had a group of 30. read more

T&T Innovation Kitchen - Custom art for our company dinner. - New American Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Wow! What an amazing experience. Not only was it a cool setting sitting at the chefs table but to be able to watch them work was so fun. I got the wine pairing and it was as not only wonderful pairings but generous pours. Each tasteful serving got better and better and we're all layered upon each until the crescendo. I highly recommend this experience to all read more

This place is amazing! A hidden gem in the desert... which is part of the appeal. We came here for our 6th wedding anniversary. From the beginning every person we encountered made us feel like a million dollars. You get escorted to a private kitchen and dining room where you are introduced to your waiter, chef and personal bartender. The drinks are specially crafted. The menu changes weekly. Each dish was expertly crafted and absolutely delicious. My husband an I cannot say enough about this EXPERIENCE. Loved it! read more

What a standout in Palm Desert. Amazing food and great service. Innovative is right. Such a treat to eat with a team of chefs who clearly love what they do and infuse that passion into each dish. So appreciate the care and precision for their craft and hearing the origins of each dish. The wine pairings for each course were spot on. Could not think of a better spot to spend my birthday Thank you for taking such good care of us! read more

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Exquisite. First went in April for my husband's birthday, and last night for mine. Just the best there is in the desert, and a surprise. All innovative but accessible and tasty. I highly recommend for any special occasion, or just a fun night out. THE BEST! read more

It was my first time dining at T & T. The name says it all! This was the most innovative kitchen I've EVER experienced. It was my husbands birthday and we had a group of 10 " foodies" as guests. EVERYONE was blown away. Each course blew away the previous course. Not only was the taste exceptional, the plating was beautiful. The first item was olive oil candles with smoked sea salt to dip bread into. WOW. This is a must go for any foodie. Service was excellent. This experience was definitely AWARD WINNING. I'm a vegan, the rest of the party had no restrictions. ALL of the selections were incredible. My guests stated it was the best Lamb, best beef , they've ever had. I highly recommend the venue for special occasions, dates etc. you will be truly WOWED. read more

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Wow. This was one of my favorite dining experiences by far. They led us through a kitchen in order to get to the dining room that could only hold 30 people or so. It was my husbands birthday and they went above and beyond with extra dessert and other surprises so we could have a memorable experience. They even did a good job catering to my dietary restrictions. Order the basil drink and be sure to video it! Trust me, the price tag is so worth it for the entire experience. Be sure to make a reservation though. read more

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We are very long time desert residents and we love great food! Our favorite restaurants, until last night, especially those that serve in a tasting menu format, are in San Francisco, New York City, London and Paris, but now we can experience a world-class chef(s) and team(s) at work right here! If you are looking for a complete dining experience from hospitality, ambiance, preparation - which you actually oversee - and presentation, make a reservation here. Whether you live in the desert full-time or are visiting, missing this unique and memorable dining experience is like never visiting waterfall at Tahquitz Canyon, going up the Tram, The Living Desert Reserve, Joshua Tree Park, or any other destination that makes the desert so special. We can't wait to return. Peter and Charli R. read more

An amazing experience. T & T is tucked away near the kitchens of the JW Marriott. Sous chef, Phuoc Vo, is a culinary genius. If you want something special, this is an epicurean delight you will remember forever. You are able to watch on screen as each course is being created. The entire meal is an artistic indulgence. read more

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Fuggattabout it! I called for a reservation. Was told they had opennings on Saturday nights. Ok. May I please book Saturday August 17? How many? Just one. Ok, I have to check to see if its available. What? You just said you had opennings on Saturday! Discrmination towards a single? Too bad, I'm from NY but live here full time, I will never ever go to the Marriott and will tell my friends to avoid the place. To add insult to injury, after I called the main number to complain, I recevied a phone call from a so-called manager who told me how the person who answered the phone was new (always the excuse) and how while they previously only booked 2 at a time I was welcome to come. That means that they need people to come in the summer when no one is in the desert but come season I'm s@#t out of luck. Keep your restaurant! read more

Wow! This experience is sort of like splurging to take a first class flight, but wonder how you could ever go back to coach. Without a doubt the best food experience we have ever had. From the start you are brought back in a very over the top VIP fashion then seated in a booth which we both really liked, although I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Music was good and low, lights were perfect, timing was great and food was like nothing I have ever had. The chefs, bartender, and waiter were so nice and took there time to explain every element on the dishes. Our waiters name was Ronnie and can't say enough great things about him, he definitely made us feel like a guest in his own home. It was a lot of fun to watch the chefs assemble our dishes. From the booth we could see the screens and the chefs working, very cool! We were nervous that this place was going to be too fancy for us and that the plates would all be very small and that we would need to eat after the fancy restaurant, but all of the meals are a good size and you will not leave hungry. It does not feel stuffy, but you are treated like royalty. The chefs are all very passionate about what they do and it shows. Every meal was amazing, sure I liked some more than others and maybe I would change a tiny little thing here or there, but all were cooked perfectly and were so delicious. The cool thing about it is the menu changes every time, although I think the lobster addition stays. This was not my favorite meal of the night, but again was still the best lobster I have ever eaten. I loved watching them cook and sear off different items in the cast irons. They never seemed rushed or panicked or like they didn't know what they were doing. The pastry chef made this rhubarb sauce that reminded us of our grandmothers strawberry rhubarb pies. It was nostalgic, but new and interesting and delicious. We will be visiting the area in a couple of years and will definitely be going back. Hope it stays exactly the same, but excited to try their next menu! read more

T&T Innovation Kitchen - New American Near Me - Palm Desert, California

This was one of the most uniquely delicious dining experiences of my life! The chefs are phenomenal taking the time to meet the guests while preparing incredibly tasty and crazy creative dishes. Pairing the food with wine just adds to the experience, with wines from around the world that add to the flavor and fun. I highly recommend this delightful dining experience to anyone visiting the desert....if you can get a reservation! read more

What an experience! Food was incredible as well as the crafted cocktails and wine pairings! Don't miss this restaurant and book your reservation early as they seem to book up weeks in advance. read more

We recently dined at the chef's table and the experience was epic! The meal included crudité, scallop, lobster, duck, short rib and a walnut crumble with honey gelato and miso carmel. Each dish was a delectable delight of tastes. The chefs Noah and Adriana and Ronny, our server, shared recipes and ensured our evening was special. Highly recommend this restaurant! read more

Amazing I have tried many of these small "tasting/innovation" restaurants This one, by far , is #1 Amazing food, service The definition of a "hidden gem" in the jw Marriott Rebecca, trish and Ronnie were amazing read more

This place is a total gem in the desert. The Chefs are just charming and really took the time to connect with me and educate me about food. Come in with an open mind, big appetite, and you will not be disappointed. The Chefs table is very much recommended where you have front row seats to watch the chefs in their open kitchen in action. Also, don't forget to get the wine pairings, the staff is very knowledgeable and really help me understand what I was tasting!There are TVs for you to watch them cook and plate should you not be able to get a seat at the chefs table. The chefs here are genuinely passionate about food. Definitely would come back. read more

T&T Innovation Kitchen - New American Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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We moved from SF Bay Area to the desert over a year ago for the winter months. We've tried many restaurants in the area, which have been mostly expensive and disappointing. We came here with our adult son last night and know this is the best restaurant here. Chef Vo and the whole staff are innovative in all the right ways. The food is well done, beautifully presented, and each ingredient is included for a purpose. With the 2 TVs projecting how the food is prepared and meticulously assembled, we felt we were part of a chef's table. Try the great, fun cocktails too! We will be back. read more

We had reservations to eat at the chefs table. We chose the wine pairings. Loved the atmosphere and the food was amazing.

Omg! Words cannot describe what a wonderful dining experience innovation kitchen is. The presentation of the food is top-notch and the ingredients they use are so special and fresh. The butter course is so creative because they make it into a candle. The bar drinks are also fun and unique. Not only was Our server Ronnie incredible but all the chefs are very talented for creating such a special dining experience. Love it! read more

It's a three star only due to the length of time it took for all courses to be served-3 1/2 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Food was spectacular, in the beginning so no was the service. Then a time warp occurred on the third course and when we had to wait almost an hour for the 4th course it was very uncool and actually the food was lukewarm to be exact. No waiter or staff came to explain that there was a delay or a reason for it and while the menu was explained up front, the fact that dinner might take 3 and a half hours was not. If one's expectations are at least somewhat set up front, then you don't spend your evening wondering what the hell is going on. If there is a problem or service is taking so long you observe the wait staff standing around looking nervous, how about communicating with your patrons? Duh! Playlist of music was awesome but the waiting was way too much in the end. This was not just our table of 4 but all tables in the 30 person room. Excellent concept but waaaaaaay to long a wait for the last 3 courses with out any acknowledgement or apologies by staff. I think there is something special about T&T and clearly there are a bunch of talented people in the kitchen. If it was my call I'd say 2 seatings - 5:30-7:30 pm and 8:00 - 10:00pm. Forget the gifts of granola and focus on the food and service. 2 hours for a great meal and experience is just right in my opinion, even if that meant one less course. Good luck T&T, I want to love you even though you let me down and hopefully you listen to feedback from people that truly want to enjoy your restaurant. read more