L L.
Yelp
The food remains overall very good, though for the first time in 4 years I had a big disappointment with my filet, and portion size has gotten a lot smaller, while prices have doubled for my Thanksgiving prix fixe.
Service was very hands off, which can be nice but despite having two bussers for my small party, I never had enough water for two hours dining, food came out very slowly, plates cleared very slowly, and no offer of more rolls. It all felt stingy, and unwelcoming, and I was conscious of their need to turn over tables like I never felt in years past.
Again, prices have doubled since my first Thanksgiving at PSI. Inflation is inflation but charging 100% more for 20-25% less isn't going to go unnoticed. This was my 4th, after missing last year due to illness, and by this year, prices just cannot justify the portions nor service, and I hate to say food quality on my entree (the last thing you want to screw up) was just not there. It was very busy, as they pack the house, round after round, starting at 2:30pm, but with PSI's reputation they ought to demonstrate they can handle that!
In years past we were able to sit out on the porch, with enclosures and heat lamps. It absolutely contributed so much to the experience. But this year, they wouldn't allow it at the time of my reservation, though tables were dressed on the porch upon arrival, and further request was denied. So this year I paid more for a lesser experience.
My filet was actually tough on the edges, like so tough it was not easy to chew. I asked for medium rare but it was overdone on the outer edges and raw inside. I know they're capable of rendering it pink-pseudo-cooked inside and throughout. Both filets in my party were awful. A few months ago I had a beautiful (bigger) filet at Lobster House for a lot less.
First course was crafted well, taste was excellent, but portions and offerings are not exciting like they used to be.
Thanksgiving turkey entree was as good as always. Heaviest plate on the table. They began offering light or dark meat this year (always light before). Got a mix but I didn't feel the dark meat was prepared as well, unfortunately. Otherwise this plate is always a win.
Desserts were classic standards, tastily prepared, and the raspberry sorbet is a new life food memory for me, absolutely perfect! I will never forget that sorbet. My God!
Unfortunately the godly sorbet didn't make my filet any better, nor magically add more food to each plate, nor fill up my water. Probably won't return next year. Paying a 23% tip (30-35% in past years) was painful for this experience. Sad to move on after years of good memories. Maybe things will improve in the future?