Last Friday the BF and I got together with another couple and went to McCormick and Schmick's in downtown Minneapolis. Never having been there before, I thought it would be fun to do a review. Although, I'm not sure how much "fun" the review will be.
First of all we had TERRIBLE service. Our waiter stopped by our table right after we sat down and asked if we were ready to order (we weren't) and so we asked him to stop by a few minutes later. We interrupted our polite pre-dinner conversation to hastily look over our menus, which honestly disappointed me as well, and then he didn't return to take our order for at least 15 minutes.
Finally when he returned (with our drinks) he still had yet to bring us any bread- we had to ask three times for before finally receiving a basket.
Once the food came it was a lovely dinner (I had delicious crab cakes), but then he forgot to bring another glass of wine for my friend. And then charged her for it on the bill.
Friday night was truly a testament to how bad service can ruin a meal at an upscale restaurant with fun company. Everything I had heard about M&C's pointed to great time, so it's sad the waiter ruined our excitement. Part of me thinks I should give it a second chance, the other half thinks I should take my $50 elsewhere. Anyone else have good or bad experiences there?
P.S. I did sneak away to the bathrooms after the meal. Small, but clean and private. B+ :)
Showing posts with label E is for Eating Out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E is for Eating Out. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Review: The Melting Pot
Friday night was double-date night for me, the BF, and one of our best couple friends. We had been trying to get together and go out to MP for awhile and finally secured a reservation downtown last week.
I had always been a mild fan of fondue, gladly accepting when invited to fondue parties or dinners, but have never planned or made my own. BF had never even heard of it before (he needs some grooming, yes), but was excited nonetheless.
After finally figuring out the menu, we opted for the "Big Night Out", a four-course event with cheese, entree, and dessert fondue and a salad.
The food was amazing. Fortunately (or unfortunately), they give you plenty of dippings so you can keep eating and eating. By the end of the entree course, I was stuffed. But not stuffed enough to forgo chocolate, and one s'more-filled fondue pot later I was done. While the food was heaven, it was exhasuting. I had been hoping for a little bar-hopping post meal, but the entire group was ready to turn in after expending all our energy eating.
Oh well. It was worth it.
While fabulous, I'm still not sure it will be a regular occurence. Rarely do I endulge so much, and I don't think my waistline could handle much more than a trip every six months or so. Save it for special occasions.
Oh, and the bathrooms? B- I was hopeful, but upon walking in I saw paper strewn all over the floor, enough so I had to look behind me on the way out. It was saved somewhat though with the nicely presented linen towels for hand-washing and incredible all-over marble decor. At least for now, not a deal-breaker.
I had always been a mild fan of fondue, gladly accepting when invited to fondue parties or dinners, but have never planned or made my own. BF had never even heard of it before (he needs some grooming, yes), but was excited nonetheless.
After finally figuring out the menu, we opted for the "Big Night Out", a four-course event with cheese, entree, and dessert fondue and a salad.
The food was amazing. Fortunately (or unfortunately), they give you plenty of dippings so you can keep eating and eating. By the end of the entree course, I was stuffed. But not stuffed enough to forgo chocolate, and one s'more-filled fondue pot later I was done. While the food was heaven, it was exhasuting. I had been hoping for a little bar-hopping post meal, but the entire group was ready to turn in after expending all our energy eating.
Oh well. It was worth it.
While fabulous, I'm still not sure it will be a regular occurence. Rarely do I endulge so much, and I don't think my waistline could handle much more than a trip every six months or so. Save it for special occasions.
Oh, and the bathrooms? B- I was hopeful, but upon walking in I saw paper strewn all over the floor, enough so I had to look behind me on the way out. It was saved somewhat though with the nicely presented linen towels for hand-washing and incredible all-over marble decor. At least for now, not a deal-breaker.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Restaurant Deal Breakers
While not food-savy enough to comment on menus, I still like to consider myself a restaurant critic. Instead of commenting on the latest tasting menu or new addition of Kobe beef (I am ADDICTED to Kobe beef) though, I keep my critiques much more superficial: the bathrooms.
No matter the décor or wonderful plates that land on my table, any meal spent at a restaurant can be ruined if my trip to the lady’s room isn’t satisfactory.
A dirty toilet? I’m never coming back. Toilet paper on the floor? Last time I checked I don’t eat at dive bars. No paper towels so I am forced to wipe my hands on my designer frock or waste 10 minutes under a dryer? My food is getting cold.
But, if a restaurant shows me a nice, spacious, decorated bathroom with well-lit mirrors, linen napkins to dry my hands, and maybe even a couch to wait for my girls on then it is automatically vaulted to my “must-return” list, even if the food is sub-par.
It may sound naïve, but when I’m out at night I need a place where I feel comfortable freshening up before going outside and facing the barrage of men (and women) who only critique my every feature. Standing crammed next to five other women under fluorescent lights that only accentuate the flaws never gives me the self-esteem boost I need.
What do you think? Does anyone else have any weird or unorthodox deal breakers when it comes to venue choice?
Also, be sure to look for my review of the Melting Pot this weekend. I am double-dating there tomorrow night and am very excited. Hopefully the bathrooms are spotless!
No matter the décor or wonderful plates that land on my table, any meal spent at a restaurant can be ruined if my trip to the lady’s room isn’t satisfactory.
A dirty toilet? I’m never coming back. Toilet paper on the floor? Last time I checked I don’t eat at dive bars. No paper towels so I am forced to wipe my hands on my designer frock or waste 10 minutes under a dryer? My food is getting cold.
But, if a restaurant shows me a nice, spacious, decorated bathroom with well-lit mirrors, linen napkins to dry my hands, and maybe even a couch to wait for my girls on then it is automatically vaulted to my “must-return” list, even if the food is sub-par.
It may sound naïve, but when I’m out at night I need a place where I feel comfortable freshening up before going outside and facing the barrage of men (and women) who only critique my every feature. Standing crammed next to five other women under fluorescent lights that only accentuate the flaws never gives me the self-esteem boost I need.
What do you think? Does anyone else have any weird or unorthodox deal breakers when it comes to venue choice?
Also, be sure to look for my review of the Melting Pot this weekend. I am double-dating there tomorrow night and am very excited. Hopefully the bathrooms are spotless!
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