I had high expectations when booking.
Business meals with my clients.
When I arrive, the hostess places my coat on a hanger and takes my client's and places it on top of mine. As a joke, I told my client that if his wife questions the smell of my perfume this evening, that he would have several witnesses.
Out of stock of numbered tickets? Lack of space or hanger? Odd.
Once at the table, we mentioned to the waiter that one of our guests had to leave within the next hour.
We were reassured that it was quiet (a Monday) and that the service would be fast. Everyone was very happy about it.
The first dish arrived after +50 minutes. No communication to notify us of unforeseen delays or to apologize for them. Customer service 101.
In fact, the deadline was never verbalized/named by anyone on the staff.
My colleague who had to leave early had his tartare and didn't have time to taste his green salad (he didn't miss anything, it was a mesclun, white balsamic vinaigrette).
On the other hand, like vultures, the remaining guests devoured it and I was the first to jump on it (you will understand why later...).
For my part, I ordered the soup of the day (cauliflower and potatoes). Impeccable presentation, visually appealing.
My taste buds were disappointed by the liquid texture dotted with tiny pieces of potatoes. The contrast of textures was not pleasant in the mouth. As if we had “stretched the sauce”. The soup would have been smoother, the pieces larger, it would have been different on the palate and undoubtedly delicious.
Tasty? Neither. Bland. Possibly due to the fact that it was too watery and the flavors were not concentrated.
Main course: tuna tartare
After these long waiting times (+75 min), he was welcome. Spread well across the bottom of my plate, it was possibly less than 2.5 mm thick. 5-6 bites at most. We're not on a tasting menu, ok, let's talk about the main course.
Accompanied by 4 tapioca crispies which I must say were impeccable. They alone enhanced the tartare and I give them 5*! Amazing for gluten-free and really tasty, I would have had a basket full, but I was not asked if I wanted more.
On the positive side, I am trying to lose my pandemic weight and the 137 calories of my liquid starter and my tuna tartare sheet will have contributed to not exceeding my calorific target.
Asking for a take-out dessert (tiramisu) as compensation for our memorably slow service, it was offered to me (these sweet calories went to my partner and my children and they all loved it).
So, for a total of +$525 (I was nice, I still left a 15% tip) for seven people, I was expecting a completely different experience.
The meal would have been 5* I probably would not have noticed the service and the slowness so much.
I see appetizing photos and superb reviews, I would like to give it another chance, perhaps in the evening and with a glass of wine, the waiting time is less of a problem.