Marc G.
Yelp
What can I say? I am so overwhelmed and blown away by our experience, I just had to say something positive - actually, a lot of things positive.
First experience, the Valet parking. Hardest working men on this planet, hands down. Where else can I view a Miami Vice vintage Ferarri Testarossa. Porsche Cayenne SUV, and McLaren (?model) sportscar up front. Who doesn't have a McLaren by the way? Is this a car show? Anyway, real nice view, and I have definately seen worse.
Second, our hostess/server/spiritual guide Natalia, in the cocktail bar, deserves a special shout out - because she earned it (times ten)
Lets talk a little about the cocktail lounge, it's style, ambiance, and attitude.
First - I did not detect ego, arrogance, or (ahem) favoritism here - just hosting and friendliness at its apex. Don't get me wrong, this is a way class, upscale swanky, but non pretentious (don't you love that word) experience. In other words, dont expect to come in here dressed like a slob and not get served - but dont expect any favors either.
Respect the place, your level of dress, and everyone around you.
Proper attitude pays off - which is evident here.
But - and I'll say this again, as far as a modern decor that combines comfort, class, and just plain cool, trust me, the archiects, builders, and manager / partners worked overtime - and nailed it.
Come see so for yourself.
Third, the food. Not to test the kichen, chef, or anything, just to satisfy my tastebuds, but they took a rubbery, chewy, work hard at digesting (octopus) seafood - and mastered it. I came out soft, creamy textured and delicicious - with seaweed ? Well, it was seaweedy-y. In short, it looked and tasted out of this world.
The meat and potato girl ordered steak frites that scored big with her - and therefore me as well. We have a new fan of cognac peppercon sauce which I will now have to learn to make - but not replicate
Fourth, its a cocktail bar - duh, the drinks! My (just one, ha ha) dirty gin blue cheese olive martini was/were lethal and other-worldly - thank you bar staff and Monkey 47. Why dont these have FDA or OSHA warning labels on them? The red wine girl sampled a cucumber-lime vodka drink that made her a beleiver. I now have new reason to rid my home booze cabinet of under used vodka bottles and raid the grocery vegetable section for cukes.
Fifth, the blue suited floor walking managers engaged in the proper level of glad-handing and acting as feedback sounding posts. My words were breif, to the point, and very glowing. I love it when a place has a mechanism in place, in order to help make itself better.
Will they see us again?
I'll answer by asking - how soon is soon enough?
The Greggory is calling...