I've been to Rue a few times and have really enjoyed the food, so when I took my parents and girlfriend out for my moms b-day, I felt like I'd be taking them to a fun little place they've never heard of. We went on a Sunday night and were seated promptly. Unfortunately, that was the last prompt aspect of Rue that we'd encounter for the remainder of the evening.\r
\r
15 minutes later the waiter returned. When I asked him to suggest a bottle of wine in the $30 to $50 dollar range, he helpfully pointed to a $70 bottle of wine and walked away without even describing it! Thanks...\r
\r
At this point it might be worth noting that the restaurant had 2 servers and a woman bussing, and there were maybe 6 or 7 other parties. Having worked as a waiter, it isn't what I'd describe as crushing.\r
\r
Here's how the meal broke down with the wait time listed (seriously)\r
\r
15 Mins- Got Wine- Poured wine so fast, drops flew out of the glass an onto the table\r
\r
20 Mins- Ordered apps and entree's.\r
\r
45 Mins- Got apps! Wanna guess what the apps were. Each one of us got the Mushroom Soup! Seriously, were they picking them out back? Oh yeah, by that time, we'd finished the wine, so had to get another.\r
\r
30 Mins- Got entree's and the other bottle, which also had the flying wine drops, Yeah!\r
\r
Frankly, I would have walked out early on, but we'd already opened the wine. Also, my father, bless his heart, kept me in check by reminding me that we were in good company. Nonetheless, the service was truly horrendous. Even by ""french"" standards.\r
\r
I will readily concede that the food at Rue is quite good, but in a city that has a delicious establishment on nearly every block, with service like this, it just isn't worth it.\r
\r
If you've got a spare 3 hours, check it out. I'll wave on my way to dinner and on my way back, and with any luck, you'll have received your apps by then.
more