Vanessa W.
Yelp
Huge Letdown: Disjointed Service, Alarming Oversights, and Overpriced, Average Food
We dined here to celebrate a special occasion--a teen's birthday--which was communicated to the restaurant twice in advance. Our waiter, Salvatore, arrived with no knowledge of the special occasion.
What then followed was a deeply disappointing and, at times, alarming experience that showed a complete lack of attention to detail, hospitality, and care for guest safety.
1. Alcohol Served to a Minor
A prix-fixe menu was ordered by a teenager at our table. Later we learned this includes a glass of prosecco. Without any clarification from our server (Salvatore), prosecco was sent out -- by a different server. The moment my son ordered the coursed meal, Salvatore should have:
1. Advised us that alcohol was included.
2. Offered a non-alcoholic alternative.
This restaurant hosts chocolate-making events for kids -- surely a chocolate-infused, kid-friendly beverage could have been substituted.
2. Food Allergy
We informed our server of a severe food allergy in our party. Still, an amuse-bouche was dropped off by yet another server, without any explanation of its ingredients. This oversight is unacceptable in any dining setting.
3. Lack of Recognition for Special Occasion
The Conche made no effort to acknowledge the birthday we were celebrating -- there was zero celebratory touch, aside from a plate with HBD written in chocolate, which was brought to the table after I asked our server to please bring something special for my son.
We would have gladly paid extra for any dessert had it been suggested or recommended.
4. Disjointed and Inattentive Service
Multiple servers (plus a robot) contributed to a chaotic and inconsistent experience. Nobody took clear ownership of the table. Basic attentiveness was lacking, and no one explained the role of the robot--which only added to the confusion.
5. Inconsistent Food Quality
While a few dishes were flavorful, others were nearly inedible: fishing tasting calamari, undercooked "crispy" Brussels sprouts, dry monkey bread, and watered-down frozen hot chocolate filled with bits of ice. At this restaurant's price point, you expect a consistent, high-quality, fine dining experience, and The Conche did not deliver that.
Poor Response from Management
Despite a call made the next day sharing these concerns, the manager at no point offered any meaningful gesture. He made no attempt to make things right. Later, when I posted a similar review on OpenTable, the manager responded by saying it was "unfortunate" that I chose to escalate the situation -- missing yet another opportunity to demonstrate accountability. Our bill for a party of six, with no alcohol (minus the bubbly mentioned above) ordered, was more than $500.
Bottom line: Based on our experience, I would caution others expecting a thoughtful or celebratory dining experience to consider other options.