Alejandra D.
Yelp
BLUF: Good food, great views, ok service, but sloppily done old fashioned.
It was nice to return in 2024 and feel comfortable to dine-in. Hubby and I 1st came in Nov 2020. We didn't feel comfy dining in at that time so we ordered our food to-go. I recall there was a massive long line out the door here when we came to pick-up. They have "grazing" time from 3p-5p, just apps and small plates, drinks, so you cannot order entrees until dinner service begins at 5pm. no reservations, first come first served. We showed up Friday 5PM for 4 adults, indoor seating and we were seated right away next to the window.
The hostess is the face of the restaurant because they're the first person you see. Being a high end restaurant, I hold them to a higher standard in customer service and that they'd put someone up front who is personable, friendly, and welcoming. Unfortunately she was none of those things and just the complete opposite. We all noticed it w/o mentioning it to one another, so that says a lot. Later when we spoke with the manager about it, we came to find out the hostess had put in her notice and would only be working there a couple more days (Sat & Sun). Still, we suggested she not be there b/c I imagine Sat & Sun are their busiest days. There was another lady up front, she was SO friendly and welcoming though. We all noticed her and even complimented her. I guess it was just our bad luck that we approached when the other girl was there. Outdoor seating was a 1.5 hr wait, and it was quite hot this day and still at that time sun was shining strong outdoors, no umbrellas on the tables outside, so we chose to do indoors. It was really warm inside too. I don't know if they could've done something about the temperature but it was hot, I was sweating, and then the see-through blind on the window didn't help too much. I asked the waiter if he could do something, and unfortunately couldn't do anything. Our sangrias were tasty and refreshing. We all enjoyed our dishes. Hubby's steak was much better this time and actually seasoned properly (I tasted it). Our first visit was awful and got our steaks to-go, and were so bland tasting, I swear someone forgot to season it. We had to ask our hotel if they could send us some salt & pepper. Same w/the double-baked potato. Last time, the filling was bland, and the skin was so tough it was inedible. This time, it had flavor and tasted cheesy, and you could actually eat the potato skin this time.
Hubby's go-to drink is an old fashioned. You can tell if the restaurant's bar takes pride in their craft by the ice they choose to use. A true old fashioned is served with a single large ice cube or large ice sphere. A big no-no is serving it with a bunch of ice chips you'd use for a water cup. It dilutes the drink.
Well, hubby's drink OVERFLOWED with ice chips (SEE PIC) and when we asked our server if they had any large single ice cubes, he said he's aware it's supposed to be made like that and we're not the first people to ask about it, which means others have complained. He said they've asked the bartenders before about it, but they "get upset" with the servers, and said that the bartenders don't want to take the time to make the proper ice for it because they have to get drinks out quick. Yes the bar was packed this night, and while I understand the rush to pump out drinks, the whole reasoning did not make sense.
It's not like they're making the ice in the back in real time. All you need are the ice molds!!! make a whole bunch in advance, stick in the freezer, and you're done. And if you want to save some time, pop them out of the molds ahead of time, and stick them in a storage container in the freezer. grab as needed.
It's disappointing when folks spend so much time and effort to perfect their craft, and then produce a sloppy drink. I hope they can incorporate this feedback. I expected much better from a restaurant like this.
Our server was good, but perhaps a bit pushy and rushy at times with his tone. We even heard another customer at the table next to us call him out on it and said to him "DON'T RUSH ME...OK????", with his hand out like saying stop. We mentioned this rush-ness we felt to our server after the dinner, but he was not receptive to the feedback and got a bit defensive.
DESSERT: We had a question about one of the desserts and asked one of the workers who was nearby but he said in a rude tone "I DON'T KNOW, I'm new". We were like, uh ok, and he left. I think a better response would've been, "I don't know, I'm new, but let me go ask and find out". We're all new and start somewhere. My apple galette was tasty. I think it could've been warmer in temperature, not sure if that's on purpose so the ice cream holds better.
Finally the sun went down and we were able to roll up the blind and see the view of the meadow. After dinner we walked outside to get a closer look. the outdoor seating looked nicer, and romantic w/the all the lights.