I have been to Palate twice- once in November and once last night. I had a good experience in November & decided to go again, but this time to sit in the dining room rather than the bar... BIG MISTAKE!!! The service was horrible. We sat down and no one cared about us at all- no water or menu for over 10 minutes. After we ordered (prix fixe for me & cheese plate for my companion), I had to wait for over 45 minutes before my main course came after the salad. When the miso-baked cod finally came, the fish was bland and didn't seem fresh. Waiter never came by to ask how the food was or to refill my water. To top it off, the dessert came while I was half way done with the fish- absolutely rude! Sadly, the dessert (date tart) tasted like fig newtons. The best part about the meal was the cheese plate... which they don't even make. If this was fine dining... clearly we are in trouble. Good food is only part of the experience... what polishes and sets a fine dining establishment apart from others is the ambience, service, courtesy of staff, food quality, etc. Would I come back? Maybe (but that's because the first time was good...) but I will definitely sit at the bar.
Pros: 2.5 oz. wine pours, a la carte selection, cheese selection
Cons: Service, noise level, hot or miss food quality
more