Fred G.
Yelp
A note: i don't write reviews often. I think it's 6-7 over the last 5 years. If I feel that I had some uniquely special experience I will go out of my way to say so. A uniquely bad experience or good. I am spending 15 minutes to write this because this time was super special. The review is real. It's long. And, every word of what I am about to say is true. I don't know anyone at Vara...but.... I will get to know them after last night's meal....
This was one of my most enjoyable experiences at a restaurant in a long time. When we walked in from a foggy and cool day on Noriega, it was eye-opening. Beautiful two level open space with gadzooks of hanging plants, nice seating arrangements for privacy and super high ceilings which not only make the space bigger and more airy but there is never a lot of noise - conversation or music that makes it difficult to talk.
We were there on Friday night about 6:30. Medium amount of diners and about 30 seconds of waiting. We were immediately greeted by "host" Steve and Kai...her first day on the job. She had learned quickly, seated us and was so pleasant that all three of us remarked on it instantly. Then over the next 2 hours we were attended to as if we were Obama dropping in for a quick meal.
I'm a customer service nut and we all know how slow or haughty service can cast an immediate shadow on a meal. Attentive, sincerely friendly, super knowledgable about the drinks, appetizers or meals - they were there to help. Someone mentioned the "over-attentiveness" of the waitstaff. To me, it was a bit startling how Alexis and two Jonathans were always there when we needed someone, but it was only because service at 99% of restaurants is not nearly like this. It was special and we all loved it. Alexis was great. Knew everything we threw at her, offered frank opinions of choices we made and was spirited and fun. We wanted her to join us. The other two Jonathans took over later and were a great addition.
Oh yeah, food. We shared about 6 plates. Corn fritters 10/10, roasted squash 10/10, Trout tartare, same, Goat cheese. Flat bread,..excellent. My sis loved her Manhattan and Old Fashioned! They were all delicious. Can i highlight one appetizer??.. Well, the pot de creme dessert. A knockout. But they arrived at our plate quickly and they made sure the drinks arrived first. If I don't have someone take my drink order within 5 minutes, I GET GRUMPY. I was not grumpy here.
And, for us sport fans who need to know the latest Giants score or how our Valkyries are doing, there are a number of TV's scattered thought out. (muted). BUT - this is not a sports bar hangout...but sometimes it's helpful to know if we kicked ass or not........
This is the beginning of a long term relationship. I Iive in Marin but fortunately my sis is only 5 blocks away. We will all continue the courtship and I hope you people do too. You walk out smiling and are still talking about it 30 minutes later as you try to figure what a Vara is (Portuguese- Spanish-Latino unit of measurement) and wouldn't it be great if other restaurants offered just half the service and great food.
Thanks Alexis, Kai and Jonathan x 2. Memorable and we'll be back!
Fred y mi comrades, Emily and Mary Ann
(told you it would be long!)