Mary M.
Yelp
Ya'll, I was expecting a Thoroughbred and got a DONKEY!
Had dinner with friends at this beautiful "upscale" restaurant that I have been looking forward to all week! Upon entry, you are surrounded by elegance and a posh atmosphere of movers and shakers that can only be delivered by The Hotel Vin. Waitstaff bustling about in slacks and vests, patrons dressed to impressed, long stem wine glasses adorning ever table. You would think we would be in for a culinary experience that is matched by $$$price tag? Wrong
We started the evening with Steamed Mussels & Clams, Lentil Soup, and Bombas(basically a shepherd's pie, rolled into a ball and deep fried, that was actually pretty tasty) The Steamed Mussels & Clams were simmered in a saffron chili broth that had a nice flavor, but the flavor was muddled by bits of sand from them not being cleaned well. The Lentil Soup was good with a hearty flavor and silky texture. But, everything after that? Bring on the CLOWNS!
One couple had the Ricotta Ravioli that were stuffed with butter poached lobster and nduja(a spicy southern Italian pork sausage spread). Both were unseasoned, and the ravioli themselves were soggy instead of being billowy, with a soft snap in the pasta. My husband's was cold, and it took him 10 minutes just to flag down the waiter to send it back. The Chef did refire the dish, and it came back to the table the way it should have been hot. Unfortunately, it was not reseasoned and bland. At the very least, it should have had a little kick from the nduja, but well...
They were out of the 16oz double bone pork chop and substituted it with a 10oz regular Fried Pork Chop for the same price? It was under seasoned as well.
The Chilean Seabass looked more like and split baked potato and was just as underwhelming, with roasted potatoes that were just as unrecognizable. She also ordered the grits and roasted brussels sprouts as a side, and they were hit and miss as well. You know how grits work. If you don't season the water properly in the beginning, they ain't NEVA(not never, but Neva) gon be right. Trust me on this.
The Green Circle Chicken with lemon, oregano, and olive relish was a naked half bird that was cooked well but dying to be rescued by a little salt and pepper.
Both 20oz Cowboy Steaks were once again unseasoned and served to the wrong individuals. Both steaks were also unevenly cooked, with parts that were completely inedible. When we bought this up the waiter, the solution offered was, "Sir, I am so sorry about that. How about a FREE DRINK on your next visit?" Seriously, you made that up! Especially on a $75 STEAK! The honey carrots, ordered al carte were really good, with a great balance of char and sweetness from the honey.
I had the Veal Ossobuco with eggplant mash, gremolata, and au jus. The veal was tender and tasty, but not the knockout dish that I have enjoyed at home or at other establishments. I mean, the gremolata was even bland, and all it is is fresh herbs, citrus zest, garlic, salt! So, how does that work? I guess they were out of the eggplant mash because what I got was mashed potatoes(if you out, please just tell me)
We were hoping that maybe, just maybe, the key was in the dessert. It wasn't. The Banana Bread Skillet was supposed to be a skillet of banana bread, with banana foster and topped with ice cream. Now, wherever they got that ice cream from? They knew what they were doing. It had a caramelized espresso flavor that was not too sweet and buttery. It was beautiful. The Banana Bread was doughy and lacking the main ingredient. BANANA!!! There were no hints of cinnamon and no "Banana Foster" anywhere insight!
Two of us got the Chocolate Bomb that was misleading on a whole other level! On the menu, it was described as a creme brulee with almond cake. So I was thinking some sort of chocolate dome(which it was) with a layer of almond cake and creme brulee type filling. NOPE!! It was a thin layer of flavorless sponge cake and chocolate mousse, covered with a dark chocolate ganache. The cake lent nothing to the dish at all. The mousse was silky, and the ganache was smooth and decadent. It tasted great, but deliver on your promise. Don't tinkle on me and tell me it raining!
Aside from the let down on the food, the service was just bad. Empty glasses and water pitchers not being cleared from the table all through service. No offer of refills. Foreign object in a glass of Dr. Pepper. Plus, they had the audacity to charge an alcohol tax for a Mocktail of Lime, Sprite, and Mint! Really?
None the less, this was my first 1 STAR review. I truly hope that it will be the last.