... on other review sites. So consider me a born-again city searcher... Here's what was removed:
Bad Wine List, Worse Service
First off, the food was just okay, certainly not like I remember during my visit Fall of last year. The crab cakes were burned on one side and ice cold in the middle. The plates were cold with our entrees and our salad plates were warm. The meal could have been wonderful but that just ruined the overall experience from the start for me. What the hell is going on in the dish department anyways?
Back to the service and wine list. I was hoping with the rumors of their new chef would come the desperately needed new service and revamping of the outdated decor. Guess not.
Their wine list is still the same cookie-cutter list with nothing unique or otherwise hard to find. At least have something I can't get at my local BevMo. I want to be impressed and be able to impress others, maybe even try a new bottle and learn something new. If I want rare bottle with dinner and a nice Sauternes with dessert at least have some in the inventory. If you're confused write your wine list after going to Corti Bros and Berkley's, not your local grocer. Darrell is a nice enough guy... maybe he can give you some pointers?
Another thing is the wine list is clearly not designed around the food. Sure, there are bottles that will accompany a dish safely but it's obvious that the Sommelier and chef have not talked, assuming they even have a Sommelier given their lackluster inventory. That might explain their not needing a true wine professional.
Another lesson in wine service is to get the damn bottle to the customer asap! I realize inventory walking away can be a problem for most restaurants but it took forever to get our wine. And thanks for popping the cork with the bottle under your arm pit. I like hints of deodorant and antiperspirant with my wine. Look, if the bottle is a little stubborn then place it on the table.
If you're looking to impress a date or friends from out of town go to the Fire House or Bibas instead.
Pros: Restaurant Setting
Cons: Wine List, Parking, Hostess.
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