What a shame to see what had been an oasis of delight in this area slowly descend into "why go there"? I hope the owner will see this and save the place!
When I first found Café Madison, with it's nice ambiance, waterfalls and elegant atmosphere, the food was very good. Several trips there recently were disappointing, and I doubt I will return again without a noticeable improvement. I should take a moment to say the service was very good, our waitress did a good job. And Diane, the Manager seems to be doing everything she can think of to make the place a success. But ultimately, it comes down to the food.
The place was more than half empty, and everyone was over 50. ( I am, too, but to me it indicates a hole in the marketing. They clearly need to hire a better marketing company. Whoever they have now is doing a terrible job. FIRE THEM!) And, what restaurant is closed two days a week?!! You gotta be kidding! And yes, there was some sort of event on the other side of the restaurant. Clearly, they have fallen to banquet level food and are using it in the restaurant as well. Unacceptable! I don't expect to pay for a good meal and get a fair meal.
I am told they have downgraded the quality of the food, as they have had problems filling the restaurant, and are cutting expenses everywhere they can. In so doing, they are actually creating their own demise. The owner needs to eat there in disguise, or send in a friend, to see the substandard shame that it has become. We will be forced to drive to Cherry Hill to get a good meal.
Evidently, they have one older gentleman who is a "REAL" Chef who comes in afternoons, and makes soups and sauces (presumably he can only work 5 days in a week), and then they have three cooks in the kitchen at dinner who basically ruin the food. The plating is poor, the quality of the sides is less than poor... it is a C quality plate. And filet mignon is now often full of fat or gristle. It used to be wonderful. I went there for the filet. And the escargot. Now, neither is there to order. I would rather more a little more and get GOOD food.
I have suggested that they consider changing their menu to always include some lower priced options in a small section of the menu for the dining room. Perhaps: A higher end burger plate, Mac and Cheese perhaps with a vegetable side, Pasta with Bolognese or other sauce, fancy tuna or chicken with avocado sandwich, philly steak sandwich, or a few other similar STATIC items. That way, that if some of the folks at the dinner table are price conscious, they can still dine with someone who is not as price sensitive, and still be in the restaurant. And fill the restaurant and return to profitability. The rib was at least tender, but too dry. The Gnocci had no taste, even with tomato sauce. And in the height of asparagus season, none was on the menu. And the menu needs to appeal to a younger crowd as well. The millenials are often well-healed with no kids yet.
( No, I do not wish to dine in the Town Tavern, I had an asthma attack in there when the cook made something that created a huge amount of smoke, that didn't go up the vent, but went into the restaurant. I went outside, but was still choking on smoke for quite some time, even after using my inhaler. Besides, if I want a low end experience, there are diners everywhere in NJ.)
I would also suggest charging a little more for the filet and returning to prime from choice. If someone is wanting to dine in that atmosphere, they are expecting the food to match the atmosphere. It no longer does. Bring the quality back up, and charge a little more for those dishes.
It would be a shame to see this place become only the Town Tavern and place for holding events, and lose the only elegant place to dine in the area. I can drive to Cherry Hill to the Capital Grill, but I don't always want to go that far. They don't need to give away free dinners, and they are always crowded. Why? Because the food is superb. EVERY time. And the service is top shelf.
Maybe use your mailing list to send out an emailed incentive coupon ($10 off) for one or two nights during the week, instead of just announcements, would work. Forget about newspaper ads, they have low circulation compared to the net. Ask the younger crowd for cell phones, and if they want to opt in for specials. Do away with loud bands during dinner, and stick with piano music, it fits the elegant atmosphere. And HIRE AN ACTUAL CHEF for dinnertime, AND BE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.
I WANT to be able to enjoy going to Café Madison again. But is now no better than Café Gallery in Burlington, which also serves unremarkable and sometimes inferior food, watered down espresso, with a great view. Ambiance will never make up for a bad meal.
FIX IT, Please!!! read more