Marc Aka Max H.
Yelp
I've waited a few weeks before writing this review to allow the dining experience to percolate. While I was greatly looking forward to dining at Flories, which has the same executive chef as a restaurant which was recently rated #1 in the world, I left disappointed. If I had to summarize the experience, I would simply state it was inconsistent, both as to service and food. A group of four of us dined, one couple being weekend guests at the Four Seasons Resort.
It was Saturday night and the restaurant was about 1/2 full. Despite many empty tables we were walked all the way down to the end corner of the restaurant, and seated at a table where two of our group had no choice but to stare at a wall. A Poor call on behalf of the hostess. Our waiter, Rick, took drink orders and I selected wine. It took 20 minutes for three martinis to be brought to the table. Whether the fault of the bartender or waiter, it was way too long and the waiter never said "apologies about the long wait". The wine selected was a Malbec, and the waiter started to explain that it was from Argentina. Well yes, all legit Malbecs are from Argentina, and there was just something a bit pretentious about the unneeded explanation, especially since I selected it.
What was more disappointing was his general lack of presence at the table to pour the wine, or to offer the bread (which is highlighted as a chef specialty but was served without any explanation until I requested one), and his general lack of presence throughout the meal. He hovered over two other tables near by, and if we were paranoid, we would have wondered if he was uncomfortable serving 4 men. I would hope not, as coupled men are not unique patrons at the Four Seasons. Frankly, I think he was just a mediocre server, tired, and neglected our table at the end of the evening. His rating would be one star.
Our spaghetti appetizer was tasty and the Jamon Iberico, which was supposed to be cut from the pig table side (and was not), was excellent. I had the truffle chicken and it was barely warm, and seemed undercooked. I ate half of it. Normally I would have sent it back, but it took so long to be served. And I was never asked if there was anything wrong. The red grouper was a stellar dish and the pork ribs was a stand out. Hamachi appetizer was seasoned with cilantro, which our friend is allergic to, so it was returned and re-made without it. I'd say the execution in the kitchen was off.
No desserts were ordered because by the time we finished dinner it was 10:30 - we started at 7:45 - and the staff were cleaning tables and setting up the open kitchen area - where we were seated - for the following day's breakfast buffet. Any manager (was one on duty? We never met him or her) would know not to do set-up for the following day when guests are still dining. At least not at a restaurant in a Four Seasons Resort.
Will I return? If our friends are guests at the property we would give them another opportunity to shine. Would we drive 35 minutes from home for dinner. No, not based on the dining experience we had.