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Miss L Toe
Citizen
Username: Miss_l_toe
Post Number: 425
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 1:10 pm: |     |
I'm wondering if I'm the only person whom has really looked forward to going to a highly-rated restaurant and for some reason it wasn't up to their expectations?
This is going back a few months now, but every review I had ever read and radio presenter recommending restaurants always seemed to mention that the 'Union Square Cafe' was not to be missed. My husband wanted to take me out for a special treat and tried to book a table for two on a Friday evening.
He was having a major problem getting a table with a fortnight's notice and even enlisted the concierge service at American Express (they said that they could get us in at 'Per Se' at the Time Warner Center but not at the USC). We put it off until we could get in (waiting until the first day that you could make a booking on their lists) and trekked into Union Square and were really looking forward to our meal.
We were given a table upstairs in the 'gallery' and I can't remember what I had for the first course but it was fine. I do remember asking the waitress for her recommendation for the entree as I couldn't decide between a fish course or the lamb....she suggested the lamb (which I normally love, especially roast lamb with mint sauce). Well, when it arrived there was this huge rectangle shape of lamb in a cut I've never seen before, as if it was in slivers and pressed into a bread-baking tin. It hardly had any flavour and I left most of it, but it seemed to have been cooked adequately. Maybe it was a poor choice but I remember thinking was it worth the effort to book a table there when it reminded me of food I've eaten (much more cheaply) at the Millburn diner? I had some sort of chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert but overall it wasn't the sublime experience I'd expected.....maybe I'd raised my hopes too high?
My husband had a steak but even he wasn't overly impressed with his meal either (and we're not snobbish foodies by any stretch of the imagination!). Perhaps it was just an 'off night' or something but I think I'd probably try other places if we go for a special meal next time.
Anyone else had a similar sense of disappointment when dining out at highly recommended restaurants? |
Robert Little
Citizen
Username: Boblittle
Post Number: 291
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 3:08 pm: | |
Usually. Once you find a good cheap place it's hard to justify the high-end. But the super-hyped restaurants are often disappointing. Part of it is that they don't see it as their jobs to perfect the classics, but instead to perform high-wire acts of culinary creativity, which makes error more likely.
Also, Union Square's talent has moved on to newer Danny Meyer restaurants, such as Modern. The Cafe opened in 1985. It's hard to maintain quality over more than 20 years when you run several newer restaurants. Also, the Cafe has the problem of lack-of-focus--is it Italian? Is it American? A lot of restaurants try to do too many things. (The Cheesecake Factory is a more mundane example of this.)
I hear the TimeWarner restaurants are rather easy to get into. They outpriced the market.
An excellent reliable restaurant is Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia. In New York, I found Jean-Georges unexceptional, although I was there for lunch. |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 998
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 3:23 pm: | |
If it's really late or really early try Blue Ribbon, 97 Sullivan St. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1613
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 3:36 pm: | |
Notehead and I went to the Tribeca Grill last Spring. I had always wanted to go, had heard good things about it.
So mediocre, too expensive. |
Hank Zona
Supporter
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 5103
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
balancing expectations with the eventual end-result applies to alot of things...restaurants, movies, music, theatre, so on. The absolute best is when you have high expectations and they are exceeded. What I find unfortunate about alot of restaurants is that in most cases, the difference between a great meal and an OK meal is what you order...that not everything on the menu is great. Thats a real problem if youre paying big prices. I also think that Id rather prepare a good meal, using the best possible ingredients, in most instances than go out and pay for a similar quality meal.
My biggest disappointment...the Ryland Inn...I ate there two weeks after eating at Le Bernadin, paid more money and had not as good a meal or experience. And to top it all off, the greatest injustice of all, I leave the restaurant and then Im on Route 22! Talk about a mood crasher. |
mim
Citizen
Username: Mim
Post Number: 541
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 4:09 pm: | |
We ate at Cibreo in Florence a few years ago, fortunately in their 'second room' where they take no reservations and offer a slightly limited menu for far more reasonable (tho still expensive!) prices. I found most of the food just weird, too 'inventive' to be really good. Only the desserts were really outstanding (and that in itself is strange for an Italian restaurant, where you don't expect great dessert). A case of the Emperor's New Clothes? Or maybe I just don't understand innovative haute cuisine. |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 207
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 4:36 pm: | |
Ate at Le Bernardin last year and Jesus was the food good. My mouth waters just thinking about it. |
Eats Shoots & Leaves
Citizen
Username: Mfpark
Post Number: 2816
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 4:39 pm: | |
I've had far more disappointments like you had than exceptional meals. But every so often I have that exceptional meal prepared by a great chef in a perfect environment and with excellent company--I keep going back to restaurants for those rare but oh so memorable moments. When a great chef hits the ball out of the park, it is unforgettable--whether that chef is at Boulez (where I have had a few such meals), or Heart and Soul (where I agree with C Monty--the salmon is outrageously good, whether in mustard sauce or barbeque sauce, and the apricot barbeque sauce is also outstanding on chicken or ribs).
I especially love the surprises I sometimes find--Charlie's sublime pastrami cured salmon sandwich for lunch at Ver Jus (and a wonderful Spanish wine by the glass he serves); an incredible lentil soup at Tabla at Madison Square Park; a perfect Riaba at Wildflower in the Village. I remember these and try to forget the times I have been disappointed at some of the finer restaurants (although, I have never been disappointed at Ver Jus, Tabla, Wildflower, or Heart and Soul). To me, the disappointment is part of the cost that makes the great meals so memorable and rare. |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1222
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 4:41 pm: | |
I second Blue Ribbon Bakery. Go for lunch during the week if you can, so you can get a nice window seat and avoid the rush and tumble. |
jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 1486
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 5:08 pm: | |
After looking forward to the experience, we were really disappointed with Jean Georges. The food was good, though certainly not the best we've ever had. The service was flaky - slow and inattentive or slow and overly attentive over the course of several hours. We really wanted to pay our bill and get out by the time 11:30 pm rolled around, and it was almost impossible to get the attention of a waiter to do it.
They made a really big deal about their handmade marshmallows, and they were just...well...marshmallows. |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2888
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 8:21 pm: | |
Nobu.
I'm getting hungry just thinking about the yellowtail with jalapeno.
That dish is so good, sometimes I daydream about it. |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2889
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 8:25 pm: | |
and the Matsuhisa cocktail -- ginger infused vodka and sake |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2890
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 8:25 pm: | |
and the black cod with miso... |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2891
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 8:26 pm: | |
I gotta make reservations... |
Melonious
Citizen
Username: Melonious
Post Number: 81
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 9:52 pm: | |
Basilico |
Veritas Ultimo
Citizen
Username: Veritas_ultimo
Post Number: 28
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 7, 2006 - 8:50 am: | |
I've noticed that the retaurants given the highest ratings by Cody Kendall (the assumed name of the) Star Ledger reviewer are almost always mediocre and very very expensive. About three years ago we stopped going to any place she gave a top rating. Interestingly, a number of the places she gave two stars (a lower rating)provided a satisfying dining expeience. Some people think that if a retaurant has a condecending or hostile attitude, then it must be special. I think I want to have a pleasant time spending my money. (P.S. I thought Basilico was a waste though a number of friends love it as their favorite retaurant. I can only guess that with all the noise and jousting with staff in the dark (dark, not romantic)room, they don't notice how overpriced the food and drink are.) |
Old Toad
Citizen
Username: Skewer1
Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 7, 2006 - 10:45 am: | |
My experiences:
All Danny Meyer and Jean Georges restaurants we've been to (Gramercy Tavern twice, 11 Madison Park, Vong, etc) have been dissapointments.
Nobu: great a couple of times then it gets tiring because the menu never changes.
Cibreo in Florence: great, one of the best we've had. Just keep away from the funky stuff.
Lupa in NYC: bad
Il Mulino: good traditional food but bad atmosphere
Fiamma: good food but overpriced
Balthazar and Pastis: love the environment
La Tartuferia in Hoboken: best Italian food we've had outside of Italy
Sparks: Sirloin only please
Post House: Cajun Rib Eye only
All other NYC steakhouses except Lugers, Strip House and BLT: don't go
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dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1223
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 7:44 am: | |
Went to The Spotted Pig. Excellent food in an unusually relaxed, bar-like atmosphere. |
tulip
Citizen
Username: Braveheart
Post Number: 2952
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 8:26 am: | |
In Lahaska? Do you mean Spotted Hog? |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1279
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
The Spotted Pig is a very trendy restaurant in the city. |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 1059
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 8, 2006 - 5:36 pm: | |
We have had some phenomenal and less phenomenal meals at top rated restaurants. What I can say is that it is rare that we spend top dollar and we can't eat our meal. At it's worst, it might just not be worth the money. But I remember having a phenomenal meal at Bouley Bakery and Esca to name a few. |
Tom Kerns
Supporter
Username: Tom_kerns
Post Number: 306
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 9, 2006 - 8:13 am: | |
Le Bec-Fin in Philly. Although considered "one of the best in the country", it was not our best experience by a huge long shot. Service and food were OK at best. (Wine was very good though) |
dave23
Citizen
Username: Dave23
Post Number: 1224
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 9, 2006 - 10:53 am: | |
The Spotted Pig is trendy, but it lives up to the hype and has a very comfortable atmosphere. (And an unusually friendly staff.) |
Hillsider
Supporter
Username: Hillsider
Post Number: 45
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 9, 2006 - 1:47 pm: | |
I've been to Union Square cafe 2/3 times a year since 1997/98... I has consistently been one of the best... but the last 2 times we went it was pretty bad... Our party of 4 had a similar experience as post #1 by Miss L Toe...
I don't think we will be going there very often...
OTOH, Gramercy Tavern and Blue smoke, both by Danny Meyers are excellent...
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Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 1170
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 10:10 am: | |
The year "La Bernadin" got the Top Rating by Conde Nast among NYC restaurants, my father-in-law took about 12 of us at Christmas. It was extraordinary in all phases, but I'm not quite the epicure that he is. We enjoyed 7 courses, aperitifs, wines and cordials, and the evening had to go about two grand.
I drove home with my wife and her dad, and he asked what I thought. I told him that I thought it was a singular dining experience, but that I had one mild negative observation; I left the restaurant still hungry. He laughed and in his best attempt to avoid patronizing me, he explained the finer points of five-star dining, presentation, creation of original and novel entrees,etc. I thanked him for sharing this unique experience and we went home, where they offered to take the sitter home and I went to bed at midnight.
I woke up at around 2:30 am to find my wife just coming in, so I asked where she had been. She said she and her father dropped the sitter off and went straight to the diner for cheeseburger platters and chocolate shakes.
"Singular dining experience", my •••! |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1622
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 11:15 am: | |
Restaurant week is coming up.
I make it a point to go for lunch with co-workers and dinner with my husband at restaurants I have never been to (read: generally too expensive)
Last restaurant week I went for lunch at Devi. It was incredible. We also went for lunch at Craft, another fabulous experience. (Ok, I went for lunch TWICE last year)
Where should I go this year?
http://www.nycvisit.com/RestaurantWeekSearch/search.cfm?pagePkey=1627
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LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1170
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 11:38 am: | |
I would recommend Blue Water Grill and Rosa Mexicano (they look like they may not be too far from the area Devi and Craft are).
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Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1623
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 11:52 am: | |
thanks LilB
I work in the flatiron area, so yeah that's were I am looking.
I am mostly interested in going to a place I've never been.
Have been to Blue Water Grill. Have not been to Rosa Mexicano, but they recently opened where America used to be.
I hated America for the terrible acoustics. Not sure they could do much with that space!
I have not been to Eleven Mad or Mesa Grill, so they're on my short list right now.
Have been to Tabla and would go back, so they're on the list too
It is a crime that Angelo and Maxies would charge $24.07 for lunch when they have a 3 course lunch special every day that's $19.99! |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2600
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 12:15 pm: | |
Mesa Grill is one of the few nicer places in NYC that I have been to. We loved it. Wouldn't qualify it as super expensive on a normal night though. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1282
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 1:31 pm: | |
What about BLT Fish?
Have you been to Tamarind? While I love the funky decor at Devi I love the food at Tamarind. There's also something new where Patria used to be (next to Gramercy Tavern). |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 1624
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 1:54 pm: | |
eliz -Barbounia is where Patria used to be. I didn't see BLT Fish (or steak, for that matter) on the Restaurant week list. I would LOVE to try BLT Fish
wendyn - you are right about Mesa Grill. It's probably not where I'll end up going, because it's not terribly expensive. |
sylvester the investor
Citizen
Username: Mummish
Post Number: 97
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 8:08 pm: | |
Jean George: have eaten there a few times, the last time the two of us went there (about a month ago) it was bad. I never send anything back, but we had to send back on course that was completely butchered. The rest of the meal was not up to par. Spent over $600 on the two of us for below average food. sent a scathing email to the restaurant and they are having us back on them, so we will see how it goes.
Craft: enjoyed the family style of high end food
LeCirque: Always good, and the atmosphere makes up for what the food might lack. Cant beat the creme brulee
Daniel: Good
Union Square : sucks - food factory at best
Park Ave Cafe: sucks - cramped and terrible food
LeBernadin: had a 15 course tasting menu there, could be the best dinner I ever had. No complaints.
Terrace in the Sky: a little out of the way, but so worth the trip.
11 Madison: solid
Esca: great
Nobu: Fantastic
Nobu Next door: just as good
Per Se: if you can find a way to get a res, I highly reccomend. it is off the wall. Keller is incredible. If you are in cali, hit up french laundry.
Sushi Samba: good mix of latin american and sushi. If you like ceviche, good place to go.
ok, enough for now, i can keep going, but figured I would hit the major ones. |
jem
Citizen
Username: Jem
Post Number: 1487
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 9:03 pm: | |
We really enjoyed Craft, too. I would definitely like to go back there. Liked Nobu, but wouldn't necessarily go back. |
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 1284
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 - 10:05 pm: | |
Craft has the best short ribs! |
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2110
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 12:40 pm: | |
I went to The French Laundry last year. The meal was amazing the wine was even better. The reason I will never go back, the clientele. You couldn’t get away from snobby wine drinkers (I think I’ve sent back 2 bottles of wine in my life) but in that dinner I saw 10 bottles be returned. Five couples had to tell us that they dined there 10 times or more, two couples demanded to speak to the chef. And one couple disputed their bill.
It was really to bad, the best and most expensive ($750 for two) dinner I had ever eaten, I just wish there people weren’t there.
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Brett Weir
Citizen
Username: Brett_weir
Post Number: 1186
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 2:25 pm: | |
Brett- For these well-heeled boors, abusing the help IS their dining experience.. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 3801
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 4:55 pm: | |
OMG, if I was spending $750 per couple on dinner, it would HAVE to be perfect or it'd get sent back. |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2900
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 10:49 pm: | |
agreed that some people might find Nobu tiresome after a few visits. I'm the opposite -- I like to find places where I like the food, and I feel comfortable. I've been to the Nobu in Las Vegas at least 10 times, and the menu is the same as in New York, and it never changes. But I like that the yellowtail is always as good the next time as it was the first time I had it. that goes for the black cod, the new style sashimi, and everything else.
New is great, but sometimes the comfort of the familiar, especially when you're sharing the meal with people whose company you enjoy, is even better. |
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