My husband and I don't get to eat out at 4+ star restaurants very often. So, for our 4 year anniversary we choose Carlyle because the City Search ratings. We were very disappointed. The host was rude, our waiter ignored us, and worst of all the expensive food was WAY TOO SALTY. \r
\r
We started off with the Lobster Risotto and Bread Service. The bread was wonderful...too bad you have to pay $4 to get a tiny loaf of bread. The Lobster Risotto was very good; a little heavy on the garlic, but cooked nicely. \r
\r
I had the Rabbit and my husband had the NY Strip Steak. Both meals were extremely salty; especially the rabbit. I tried to catch our waiter’s attention for ever to send the rabbit back, with no luck despite the very small dinning room. Finally the host noticed that we weren't eating so he came over and asked if I was done. I asked if I could have a new rabbit because this one was too salty for me. He was very rude and proceeded to ask weather the meat itself was too salty or the sides. Considering that everything is piled together I didn't know! He took it away and came back a few minutes later saying that he spoke with the chef and all the rabbit is from the same batch so I should order something else. So, I decided to try the chicken.\r
\r
While we were waiting for my chicken, we had finished our drinks and were just sitting there. The host came over and took away my empty glass without even asking if I wanted another. Our waiter hadn't even made eye contact since he delivered our food. My husband was done with his steak, we had no drinks, no bread, and no one was offering us a thing.\r
\r
Finally, my chicken came. Guess what?! Yep, really salty. Better than the rabbit, but I would bet money the chicken they use is injected with salt water...icky. \r
\r
After I finished we got a desert menu. I was looking forward the espresso Pot-de-Cream that was listed on the website, but it wasn't on the dessert menu we received. So, we left and got ice cream somewhere else.\r
\r
Overall, the atmosphere is very cozy and romantic, but on a hot summer day it gets very stuff in the small space. The food is good compared to a cheap place, but for an upscale restaurant with the high ratings Carlyle has, it was very disappointing at left us feeling we should have gone to Red Star or somewhere else.\r
\r
I know I wrote a book, but I wanted to explain why I only gave them only one star.\r
Pros: Cozy and Romantic Setting
Cons: Bad Service and Food VERY Salty
more