Washington, District of Columbia Local City Guide & Company Reviews

Don't Believe the Hype I had heard a lot of good things about this restaurant on the Food Network and on the Internet, but was really disappointed with my dinner experience. In general, the food is bland and the service is terrible (this in particular can really make or break the experience). First of all, the server we had was not welcoming at all. He hardly made any recommendations and was not attentive to our drinks (I like a restaurant that keeps your water glass full at least). For an appetizer, I ordered the oyster dish, which was too small and left a bad after taste (though was tangy and flavorful at first). For my entrée, I ordered the portabella mushroom dish (since I’m vegetarian), which was okay but really lacked flavor and texture. I expected a lot more for the $20 + price tag per dish. My partner ordered the salmon dish, which I tasted and was not impressed by at all (neither was he), especially since there are so many restaurants in D.C. that serve similar dishes, I expected this chef to be more creative given the restaurant’s great reputation (no pizzazz at all). Needless to say, it's way too expensive for what you get. However, I did enjoy the pina colada dessert. Nonetheless, with there being so many other restaurants in the area, the staff should really be more professional and eager to provide good service and quality food. They also need to make the prices more competitive. The ambiance and decor are nothing to rave about either (it seems rather stuffy and rundown). I recommend going elsewhere for better food, atmosphere, and service.