Jamie T.
Yelp
Arrival:
I parked across the street thinking I was saving money. The lot was $18 but somehow came out to $19.67 after tax (don't ask me how I know). In hindsight, I should have just gone with the $20 valet. Save yourself the trouble and do that instead.
Entry & Ambiance:
As soon as you walk in, the space feels intentional with elegant lighting, striking fixtures, and a warm energy that sets the tone for the evening. The host team greeted us right away with smiles. Even without a reservation, we managed to grab two seats at the bar, which ended up being a great spot.
Service:
Although we were seated at the bar, we received full dining service with proper place settings, thoughtful touches, and great attention from the bartender. He went above and beyond when my friend ordered a nonalcoholic drink. The first one came out tasting more like juice, but he found a zero-proof spirit and remade it perfectly. That kind of effort says a lot about how accommodating the restaurant is. I had a strawberry margarita (or two), which were perfectly balanced and easy to sip.
Everyone we interacted with was friendly and attentive. When we asked where the bathroom was, a staff member actually walked us there instead of just pointing in the general direction, which really stood out. They even offered to take our photo at the end of the meal, which was such a nice touch and made the night feel special.
Food:
We kept things light but wanted to try a few dishes.
Yellowtail Crudo: The standout. Sweet, tangy, perfectly marinated, and incredibly fresh. My only complaint is that I wanted more of it.
Chicken Satay: Probably my least favorite. The peanut sauce was too thick and the chicken was a little lukewarm. I would try it again but ask for the sauce on the side.
Pear & Arugula Salad: Excellent. The Chinese pear adds a crisp, refreshing bite. I skipped the blue cheese, which might have actually improved the dish.
Whole Red Snapper with Spicy Bouillabaisse: Fantastic. The fish was well-seasoned and tender, and the sauce complemented it perfectly. Despite the name, it was not overly spicy, just flavorful.
Overall:
When you are paying for a higher-end meal, you want to feel like the restaurant cares about the food, the presentation, and the overall experience. In my opinion, Philippe Chow absolutely does. The satay missed the mark a bit, but everything else, including the service, drinks, and atmosphere, made up for it.
I will definitely be back, and next time I am making a reservation and choosing valet.