Matt Dillon
This was far and away the very best dining experience I have ever had! I was in town on business from Columbus, Ohio and wanted something local. SCORE!
From the moment I walked in, I was treated as if the only guest in the restaurant. Friendly, warm and caring...and I hadn't yet been seated.
Dining alone is often just a little awkward, so the hostess suggested I sit the the Chef's table overlooking the kitchen. This was perfect.
The waitress, Meryl was also instantly engaged in making this a perfect experience. She recommended a drink, which I was already focused on. The drink was perfect.
She then brought out bread, which I politely told her to go ahead and take back so that someone else could have it as I could not. That was all that waw said...not that I have a gluten intolerance.
I ordered the filet, and based on having watched the chefs for a little while I took a chance and ordered it medium rare.
When the steak came out, it was brought to me, instantly, by another warm person, one of the line-operators. Merl then came by to ensure I had everything I needed, and disappeared just as stealthily.
I took my first bite, and looked up. Both chefs were standing and looking my way to see my reaction. Thinking a high-five was a bit much, I signalled a very enthusiastic thumbs up, and mouthed "thank you".
As I was finishing the GM came by. Of course I made him listen to my perfect experience, and how I was nearly tempted to schedule another trip to Kansas City, just to bring my wife for dinner. At that point, I had already made the comment about Meryl having been "a 10"...when she subtlety placed a dessert menu over my right shoulder and said " there are two desserts you can have, and I would recommend the sorbet."
I was wrong, she wasn't a 10, she was a 10.5. Having remembered that I could have the bread, she made the correct assumption that I could have gluten, and presented the only two viable options on the menu. Fantastic.
Oh, and before I forget, the steak, the medium rare steak. I have never eaten one so perfectly cooked. A one to two millimeter brown ring and the entire rest of the steak a warm pink. The center of the steak was fully cooked (12oz. filet) and at no point was there even a drip of blood. This was amazing!
While leaving the hostess caught me with my hand on the door, thanked me for the visit and asked me how it was. I took my hand off the door and told her that the entire experience was literally perfect and it all started with her when I walked in and finished with this right now. "Oh, bless you", she said, as I walked out the door never having had an overall food, presentation, ambiance and service experience like this before.
Great job to all!
Celiac friendly
