Richard R.
Yelp
Garden Parc wasn't exactly what I expected. While the interior was nice, outside it was located less that a few hundred feet in any direction from boarded up/abandoned properties. I believe the area is on the rise, but it surprised me nonetheless.
[ THE EXPERIENCE ]
I've had this place bookmarked for a while and managed to snag the last available opening via their online booking system two night before. I must admit I was slightly annoyed that gratuity was automatically included for one person and it also asked if I wanted to give an additional tip. I mean, I haven't even experienced the service yet.
I arrived for brunch on a Sunday about 25 minutes early for my 1pm seating. My timing allowed me a great parking space in the tight parking area. The 11am seating was just beginning to trickle out while the line for the 1pm crowd began to build. Parties of 2, 3 and 4 persons were called first and then larger parties. Even though I was second to arrive, I was actually seated almost last, along with one other solo diner. That process took about 20 minutes.
[ THE FOOD ]
Before long a server brought a few small trays to the table which included peel-n-eat jumbo shrimp, kale salad, cheese grits, seafood salad, sweet potato muffins and a plater of fruit (red & green grapes + a slice of pineapple, orange & half a strawberry). Also included were bottomless mimosas for the first hour, but there seemed to be no alcohol in them.
Next came 3 fried chicken winglets, two chicken nugget-sized pieces of fried fish, a decent cut of salmon (about 6oz), a cup of stewed cabbage, breakfast potatoes, one chicken sausage link, one slice of Applewood smoked bacon and one deviled egg.
WHILE ALL ITEMS ARE BOTTOMLESS, my servers attention was focused more on the larger parties, so getting seconds for me was rather difficult. Other tables with larger parties didn't seem to have as much of a problem. Most every other table also got their food long before I did. Not a complaint, just an observance.
I did manage to get a second helping of wings and seafood salad within the hour or so I was there. I also got a taste of their French Toast & Cajun veggie pasta, which came nearly at the point my stomach began to reach its limit. It wasn't a lot of food, but all the mimosa's and filler dishes were working their magic in-between the long waits for more food.
Overall everything was very good, but I enjoyed the chicken sausage, Applewood smoked bacon, fried chicken wings and kale w/smoked turkey the most. The kale was actually better than collard greens and had a hint of sweetness.
[ SERVICE / ATMOSPHERE ]
If you've ever watched ants collect food, that is exactly what their servers look like. Always on the go from the kitchen to their tables and always looking as if they might crash into one another but never did. I was impressed. One young lady with reddish-brown locks was incredibly hard working. I want to sit at one of her tables next time, as her tables seemed to lack for nothing.
There is a live jazz band that began playing shortly after the wings came out, around the 45 minute mark. Most of their covers were Bobby Brown songs, but included several other R&B oldies! They also took time to hype up those celebrating birthdays. It was fun to watch about 6 different tables dance out the song. That's what's up!
[ COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT ]
Some items listed on the Bottomless Brunch Menu were not available, including what I was most eager to try when booking my reservation: the mini-crab cakes. The hostess said she would check the kitchen & see if any were available, but never came back with an answer. Also missing were the grilled wings, roasted veggies and yogurt/granola. I was rather disappointed considering the $55 price, but I suppose the live music gave me some solace.
Lastly, If I'm being transparent, solo dining is rather uncomfortable for some and while I'm generally not bothered, it felt like it was a nuisance to find a table for one. I can't really articulate it, you'd have just had to be there to see what I mean. It almost felt like I was being shunned for coming solo and taking up a table for two even though it was the only option available when booking. Not intentional (I don't think), just low priority.
[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
While I did have some disappointments, I enjoyed the overall experience and most importantly the food was tasty. The only item I truly didn't care for was the fried fish and that is partly because it was too thin and room temperature. I still feel slightly jilted by not getting crab cakes, but I'd be willing to return with the hope that won't happen again. It was definitely a wonderful crowd of couples, families and lady brunch groups who came out in full fashion. But I do hope the staff reads this and gives more care to solo diners in the future. 4 stars for the food.
2022 / 56
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