Deborah Cook ..
Yelp
I had never been to Tarrentelli's before, but friends said the food was wonderful, so I made reservations for myself and a companion. I arrived on time and was told to wait until my guest arrived, which was fine. But when we were finally seated, it was at a high-top table I didn't request. I asked to move to a standard table and was told we could--but only for 90 minutes, as they'd need the table for another party.
At a fine dining restaurant, being given a time limit before we even ordered was jarring. We typically enjoy two bottles of wine, several appetizers, entrées, dessert, and tip very well. But feeling rushed, we each ordered one glass of wine and skipped starters and dessert entirely. Oddly, half the restaurant remained empty throughout our meal.
The staff seemed rushed and hovered near the hostess stand, creating an awkward energy. Still, the food was excellent--the best part of the night by far. The kitchen deserves praise for delivering well-executed, flavorful dishes.
Before leaving, I asked to speak to the manager. I was told the owner was in. When he came over, I politely asked him to sit or come closer so I wouldn't have to speak loudly. He declined, visibly annoyed, and repeated that the time limit was due to OpenTable errors and high cover counts. He acknowledged the hostesses were inexperienced.
For someone who has dined in a broad spectrum of restaurants--from Michelin-starred landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems--this was among the least welcoming service experiences I've had. My ex-husband, an editor at one of the country's top culinary magazines, once told me that true fine dining isn't just about the food--it's about how the guest feels from start to finish.