Regina S.
Yelp
Such an incredibly disappointing evening. And we seriously cannot understand how such a highly acclaimed restaurant failed so miserably. Service was attentive at first, but we were the only diners in the restaurant. Staff kept telling us that 6 pm was the official time they opened. It wasn't our fault that Open Table offered up a 5:30 time slot. Since the place was empty of other guests, we had an opportunity to visit with the restaurant owner (who was a very friendly, animated and interesting gentleman). The restaurant posted a sample menu of its 7 course dinner on its website but it clearly stated that offerings changed frequently. We figured selections had probably been updated by now but were dismayed to peruse the menu and to see the same entrees that were offered two months before. Splurging on a lovely meal for a special occasion was a wonderful treat for us. When we lived near Washington DC, the area offered so many exquisite dining experiences that featured multi course chef dinners.
Unfortunately our jovial start to the evening began to slowly go downhill. First up was their freshly baked cheese biscuits with butter and orange marmalade. Sadly, our anticipation fizzled when we went for a taste. We agreed with another yelper that deemed the biscuits mediocre at best. Next came the amuse-bouche which actually was three separate bites, a tiny smidgen of salmon with wasabi, a spicy mussel and a pimento cheese tartlet. The plating was sad. Visually, there was nothing to stimulate the appetite. The kitchen would do better creating just one impeccable bite rather then offering three lackluster ones. I opted for the wine pairing with my dinner. The gentleman who brought the wine to our table was obviously educated on the nuances of each one as he provided a thorough overview of each. In the beginning, this was a welcome gesture, but as the evening wore on, it proved to be a thorn in one's side.
Our next course was the pan seared sea scallops over local smoked fish brandade with lemon butter sauce. It came out so quickly that I had no time to finish my Prosecco before another glass of wine arrived. The timing was just not right. The scallops developed the all important sear and the tiny pea tendrils added a surprisingly tasty touch. The delicate sauce complimented the protein perfectly. Next came the tomato basil soup. Since we knew we still had four courses to go, we opted not to finish this course. Before we even put our spoons down, the bowls were whisked away and lo and behold another serving of wine arrived. Now I had three glasses sitting in front of me. I don't chug wine, so as I lingered over my Prosecco, the temperature of the other two servings of white wine steadily rose upwards. I was confused as to what kind of protocol the staff was following here? Instead of enjoying a leisurely, EXPENSIVE multi course meal, we suddenly felt an incredible feeling of being rushed. I reluctantly called our server to the table, and asked kindly that the service slow down. She obliged.
The next course was an under dressed plate of greens with blueberries. We felt like this was only offered so it could qualify as a course. As service slowed down and the restaurant started to fill up with diners, we felt caught in some time zone. The only background noise we heard for the rest of our dinner, was the staff's constant regurgitation of the menu and wine pairings to newly arrived guests. We were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary, and wanted a luxurious, quiet, romantic meal. This was everything but. I did not eat the the local flounder and Georgia shrimp. I informed the server that I was full and would not be needing the 6th course......beef. My husband sampled both, and just shrugged his shoulders. Again, the plating was terrible. The filet wasn't beautifully sliced, instead there was just a chunk cut off. Random potatoes dotted the dish. By then, we decided not to stay for dessert. We asked them to box what could easily be transportable to our hotel. We asked for nothing to be deducted from the "exceedingly not worth the price" dinner check. As we left, we pondered the evening and decided this restaurant chose to stifle its own creativity. How exciting can it be for the kitchen to churn out the same dull courses day in and day out? Calling something a chef's multi course dinner doesn't make it special or unique. Especially when the most basic protocols for this type of service are not adhered to. Now more than ever, restaurants need to take risks, foster creativity in the kitchen, and challenge chefs and cooks to up their game. Sadly, Elizabeth on 37th is stuck in a time warp.