chrism23's Profile
Martha's Vineyard dining recommendations?
I have not been to the Dog for dinner in the last 4 years. They were beyond horrible, a total tourist trap rip off for more than a decade. Now do I have to try them again??? I still love them for breakfast. And the line, in season, is usually shorter than Art Cliff.
Based on the last few years, the 2 best restaurants on the Island, food wise, have been State Road and Detente. Totally different vibes. State Road you bring your own, always an advantage, but its up island, and a trek. Not really a "splurge" atmosphere" because it is very simple and rustic. Detente is more urbane, if anything on Island can be urbane, and hip.
Day After Thanksgiving Brunch (West Hartford, CT area)
Sorry. I have wracked my brain on this one, sort of a challenge, and couldn't come up with a place that would be doing brunch on Friday. Also tried to think of breakfast all day places and came up blank for anything any good, there are places like the Golden Roc diner but its a dive. I think to improve upon Reubens (yuck) you'll have to find a lunch place that perhaps does omelettes and such.
Restaurant Closings Avon/Simsbury/Canton
This is an interesting thread. I live in West Hartford, am a hardcore foodie, and thinking about what places bring me over the Mountain. Short answer is in Avon/Canton no where. I will make the short trek to Max a Mia just because of habit. I used to love Lily's a long time ago, a classic which dates me. Forget the chains, they shouldn't even be mentioned in a Chowhound thread. This is suppose to be a place for foodies. What the hell does Boston Market (which is or was owned by MacDonald's) the 99, the Dakota, Bertuccis, have to do with serious food. Come on guys.
Going slightly north, Papacelle is okay, not great, homemade Italian, similar to the relative new Treva in West Hartford Center. Further north in Simsbury center I miss the hell out of One Way Fare, a classic foodie hangout. Right now there is Metro Bis, IMHO, one of the best restaurants in Central Ct. Worth the trip for me. It pains me to go there on a Friday night and see it half full. If it was in the WH center, there would be a line out the door. Which is the problem. I have a lot of aquaintances living over the mountain in Avon and Simsbury. On Friday and Saturday nights I see them at Bricco, Arugula and Max Oyster. West Hartford Center is killing the restaurant business in Avon/Canton/Simsbury, as it is killing the bar scene and restaurant business in Hartford. Good for me, a 5 minute drive, bad if you live over the hill.
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Max a Mia
70 East Main St., Avon, CT 06001
Metro Bis Restaurant
928 Hopmeadow St Ste 2, Simsbury, CT 06070
Papacelle
152 Simsbury Road, Avon, CT 06001
Fried clams
Please go off topic and expand this to fried clams anywhere in Connecticut. I yearn. I hunger, I search in vain. I get my fried clam fix for the year when I go to the Vineyard in August and go to the Bite. A classic. In Connecticut, and I don't get to the shore line clam shacks and the only barely acceptable, fried clams, I have found inland are on the appetizer menu at Max Oyster Bar. But the portion is sparse, and they seem to hold back the big juicy bellies. Please tell me I am missing some place. TIA
Martha's Vineyard - Summer 2011
Oh, My bad. I forgot about Sweet Life. Its excellent. The trick there is to make sure the night you reserve you can eat outside. Inside is tight and stuffy. Outside is sort of magical, a lot of space with christmas lights strung through the hedges. Very nice. Atria has never been a foody place. Its ok. The best food is really Detente from a purely foody perspective. But, and I am a hard core foody and in the distant past a published food and wine writer. There are considerations that warrant looking past the food. And that is what happens at the Outmost. You'll find yourself playing some ring toss game with James Taylor's brother Hugh, sitting next to Henry Louis Gates or someone, it is truly a once in a life time experience. I wish the food was consistently great, its not, but there is a lot of other things going on. The food on the Vineyard is not exceptional. It is very pricey. Not one restaurant there would survive in Manhattan for more than a month. You have to factor in intangibles. Ambience, sunsets, comfort etc. If you are a true foody you are going to be disappointed. On the low end and I haven't gone there, go to the Bite in Menemsha, order some fried stuff, clams especially, and walk down to the beach and have a picnic. Or do the same with take out from Larsen's. But do go to the Outermost and watch the deer coming through the back yard at Sunset. Magical
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Sweet Life Cafe
63 Circuit Ave, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Martha's Vineyard - Summer 2011
Ah, its the annual where to eat on the Vineyard thread. The past threads should be archived somewhere. A quick recap of my past posts (high end $$$ only)
Detente- Small room in Edgartown. Upscale. Maybe the best food on the Island. You go for the food and not the ambience.
Outermost- probably the most romantic restaurant. Book a table early-6:30 so you get to watch the sunset. There are deer that come out most everynight. There's an osprey nest with a telescope trained on it. The food has been better the last few years. Don't miss it.
Beach Plum- Another great room, walls of glass overlooking Menemsha Harbor. Also Spectacular for sunsets. The food slipped a little the last couple of years but it is still worth it.
Il Tesoro- The restaurant in the Charlotte Inn, replacing the old L'Etoile. An elegant very comfortable space. High end Italian. Maybe not worth the price.
State Road-serviceable higher end food. Not a romantic or interesting location.
Lambert's Cove. Another scenic spot-this time in the woods. Hit or miss food.
Avoid at all costs the Black Dog Tavern for anything except breakfast. They have been a tourist rip off for the last 10 years. (I remember when it used to be funky and good- along time ago)
Chilmark Tavern-see State Road. The same type of place. If they are there again this year. I don't know. State Road probably wins by a nose.
Remember that Chilmark is a dry town and you have to bring your own.
cheers
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Black Dog
11 Main St, Edgartown, MA 02539
The Beach Plum
50 Beach Plum Lane, Menemsha, MA 02552
State Road Restaurant
688 State Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Black Bamboo, good Chinese food in W. Hartford, CT
@ratbuddy,
This is really funny, like we went to 2 places. There must have been 2 different cooks. Literally my chicken in garlic sauce was 75% red and green pepper. There wasn't a mix of vegetables and no zucchini. The sauce was cloyingly sweet. I am just curious whether you have been to Beijing Garden and how you think they stack up.
Btw I remember when Chengdu, when they first opened up on Farmington Avenue was great, far and away the best Chinese in the area. It all went south before they moved, if I remember right the owner lost custody in a divorce battle. They haven't been the same since.
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Beijing Garden Restaurant
230 Farmington Ave Ste 8, Farmington, CT 06032
Black Bamboo, good Chinese food in W. Hartford, CT
I did take out there once. Basic dishes-chicken in garlic sauce and the House Special Lo Mein. The chicken in garlic sauce was horrible. The sauce was sweet of all things and nearly all of the vegetables in it were red and green bell peppers. Unlike any standard garlic sauce dish I have ever had. Chicken pieces were also scarce. The Lo Mein was so so. A lot of those semi-real stringy pieces of pink pork.
On the plus side, they do deliver. The owner Sonny is trying really hard and is a good guy, Since he is so net savvy I hope he reads this and improves the quality of the food.
For me, the best Chinese in/near West Hartford remains Beijing Garden. its a little pricier but worth it, its only a mile or so past the West Hartford line on Farmington Avenue.
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Beijing Garden Restaurant
230 Farmington Ave Ste 8, Farmington, CT 06032
Downtown Hartford Pre-Theater?
Firebox is sometimes great, but not walking distance. Morton's is a chain, and is expense account dining, the epitome of average. Dish was possible but steered away because of alot of negative comments on Yelp and elsewhere about the pedestrian quality of their food-big portions of mac'n'cheese or meatloaf. Bin28 I confess I haven't tried but should, but looking at their menu it seems they do more lite fare, sandwiches, tapas like plates.
I stand by my comment that downtown is a foodie wasteland. There is not one place, outside of On20, and perhaps Peppercorns, that I would go out of my way to go to. And yes JayCT, I am being particular about food because after all, that's what this site is supposedly about.
Downtown Hartford Pre-Theater?
Living in West Hartford, the restaurant mecca of CT, and not venturing into the city much anymore, I have lost touch with the downtown restaurant scene.
I have Stage Co tiks Friday and was looking at my choices. Some limitations. I want to park and walk, which rules out On20 (imho the best restaurant in CT and its not pre-theater you have to do the tasting menu and eat for hours!!!!). It also rules out Peppercorns, which I wish was closer, for its not too bad. There are the old reliable Max places, Trumbull Kitchen, and Max Downtown. I have been to Feng and its ok but not great.
In reading reviews on Yelp and elsewhere, Dish seems sort of mediocre. So does the newish Italian place Salute? I don't know whether you can snag a table at a bar like Vaughn's on a Friday night for simple but ok Pub food.
So what the hell does one do. In thinking about this I am thinking that its a shame that downtown seems to have become a foodie wasteland. So hounds what the hell am I missing.
Our dinner at Max's Oyster Bar
Max's Oyster Bar has always been one of my go to places in West Hartford Center. They really shouldn't draw any criticism. Folks on Yelp tend to be more critical of pricier places, but Max O is not really that pricey. Their quality is consistent. Most of the servers have been there for a long while and are very professional. One thing that really sets them apart is they effort to find fresh, unusual fish. In season they make an effort to be locavores too, supporting local farms.
You are right, they are a solid 4 star restaurant. I am rather New York-centric and wouldn't give 5 stars to any CT restaurant perhaps outside of On20 so Max O in my book is about as good as it gets around here.
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Max's Oyster Bar
964 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06107
help! what's open for dinner this SUnday Feb 20 on Martha's Vineyard?
Il Tesoro is the restaurant in the Charlotte Inn. It is a gorgeous room in a beautiful building. I have eaten there twice. Problem is the food is uneven and expensive.
Any recommendations for FANTASTIC anniversary dinner - CT
On20 in Hartford. 4 stars NYTimes-read it on their site. Unbelievable views. Ask for a window table and it will be yours. IMHO, the best and most romantic restaurant in CT.
Elbow room- West Hartford
the elbow room has always sucked. its initial cache was that it was the first outdoor dining venue in town. it was also one of the first of the new wave places to open. you went there because there was few choices. I don't know how they have survived. the roof top bar is cool. but for food, now that you can eat out at grants or max oyster on Farmington Ave, there is no comparison. Grant's is absolutely the outdoor choice. But now that's its winter.....? Here is hoping that the Elbow Room will start paying attention to their food, upgrade it, and become a player in the West Hartford scene again. They are living on their rep, they are even worse than Cocoa's which went under in less than a year. BTW, they are sprucing up Cocoa's space, anyone know what's going in there?
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Farmington Ave Restaurant
960 Farmington Ave, Berlin, CT 06037
Elbow Room
986 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107
West Hartford dinner without breaking the bank
sorry, i really wanted the gyros to be yummy, especially after recently returning from Israel where schwarma-gyros, are street food staples and outstanding. The new Gyro Palace beef gyros were dry, condiments were limited, and at $8.99 not a real bargain. The Gyros are Tapas, not in the center, are much better at about the same price.
The Cheese Cake Factory is exactly that, institutional food, although the portions are enormous, its not real value because it is still mediocre.
Best bet is to go to Bricco, split a salad and a pizza, or a pasta, even all 3 and you are around $30 bucks for a great meal. Max Burger trumps the Counter Burger only it is a little more expensive but much better. The Deli is average at best, which is a shame.
I would also consider Arugula which has a great burger and flat breads and salads that can be shared.
Looking for great grinder rolls in the Hartford area
try mozzicattos on Franklin Ave in Hartford. They are good, better than grocery stores, but still not great. they supply a number or grinder shops.
Have I found quality Mexican in Hartford (gasp!!)???
Monte Alban is great but no tequila. Going to Besito tonight which is good but great tequila. Depends on your priorities. But I STRESS as Kattyeyes says the parking situation. If you park in the big lot across the street from Monte Alban you will be towed in less than 1 hour. I had to run out of the place and plead with the tow truck guy to unhook my car. It cost me $148 bucks in cash (only) or he would have taken it god knows where. DO NOT PARK IN THIS LOT.
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Monte Alban Restaurant
529 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
Besito
46 S Main St, West Hartford, CT 06107
Hartford/West Hartford area moderately priced restaurant with good food
I wouldn't send my dog to have dinner at effie's place. pond house is a good choice. then there are the 100 or so places in west hartford center. For aldente1-where is the concert, how much do want to spend, are you a foodie, looking for something quick or cheap. more info needed.
Good Seafood Restaurant in Central CT
A couple of good replies. FoodieJim's 'grass is greener' is well taken. But still some of those places on DDD do look very good that I still wish were in the neighborhood. It was disappointing that it did feature O-Rourke's which is hardly what I had in mind. Gardencub's post also makes a good point. I think I could best respond to it, and maybe we should all do the same, by listing the places we frequent, where we go when on a regular basis. I eat out about 3-4 times a week.
In order my hangouts are:
1. Bricco
2. Arugula
3. Tapas (Elmwood)
4. Harry's Pizza (Bishop's Corner)
There are problems with all 4 choices. Bricco doesn't take reservations but with the economic turndown, its usually possible, except on Fri/Sat to walk in and get a table. Arugula's menu is a little limited, its become too reliant on flatbreads which don't do it for me, but there old standbys like their burgers, hanger steaks, and the elaborate moules et frites still work. And Tapas, in the main room, the tables are just too close, crowded and noisy. But its cheap, and the gyros and specials are usually good. Harry's is really just for take out.
Besito's, the new Mexican place in WH center is threatening to make the list. I've been twice but don't want to comment yet, because my judgment has been clouded by their great margaritas.
Max Burger may have some potential, but like Bricco, its no reservations and crowded. And I don't know whether its me or not, I've been twice, is that the char on their burgers is a little off putting taste wise, a little too burnt and intense.
My list points to the problem. Absent from it is any oriental/chinese place. I would kill for good Chinese take-out. The best I have been able find is Beijing Garden in Farmington and its only average at best. Some thai'ish places-Hot Basil are also just ok. The Indian places are glorified buffet food. We just can't win.
Also absent is any diner. I know people mention the Quaker diner, in WH, but it really doesn't get it done, not close.
There are a bunch of places I'll go to once a month or so-Grant's, Max Oyster, Max a Mia, but lately they have been more inconsistent than usual and don't make me jump up and down. Its these type of places I feel especially ripped off, for they charge near NYC prices with no where near the quality or consistency.
So, full disclosure, my biases exposed by listing where, nearest to my house, I actually eat. Money where my mouth is so to speak.
Good Seafood Restaurant in Central CT
Ah. The debate continues. And my foodie wasteland comment comes back to haunt me. But I still stand by it. Once again I agree with most of what FoodieJim has to say. For a weeknight dinner, after work, I am not going to drive through Hartford to Glastonbury. Fortunately I live in West Hartford, which is now the restaurant mecca of central Conneciticut And its a short hop over the hill to Avon or Simsbury. So I am lucky to have so many choices.
But. When I criticize the quality of area restaurants I am not just talking about high end expensive eateries. Part of the chowhound gig is to find places of value, under the radar, and hopefully inexpensive. I admit to watching that show on the Food Network, Diners, Drive ins and Dives. Although Guy Fieri is wearing a bit thin. Those kind of places are what I wish we had here. Great food, scratch cooking and great prices. A place I could call a hangout. Go to once a week. Over the years a couple of places came close, Timothy's near Trinity. One Way Fare in Simsbury, but alas they are gone. Let alone the great Hartford eccentic places from the 80's like Panache and the Lion's Head.
To my knowledge, or at least to my taste, there is not one place in easy driving distance that fits the bill. What we have are big chains, small chains-the Max Group, or Plan B, or would be chains like Billy Grant's places.
Now I know its possible for a lot of very good medium priced, unique restaurants to exist in a smallish geographic area, i am not NYC centric. I have relatives that live in Rockville Center Long Island, and within 10 miles of their house there are many restaurants of the type that I wish we had here. And first rate and diverse ethnic places. A myriad of good choices.
I think that's partly because many Long Islanders are transplanted New York City dwellers and simply won't settle for the mediocre. As, once again, we unfortunately are near forced to do here.
Atria Restaurant Edgartown
I am so intrigued by these Vineyard threads. And what is turning into an ongoing debate with Thos and MVI. First, I will have to check out Atria next trip over in a couple of weeks. The last time I was there, a number of years ago, it made my don't go back to list. For thos, re: L'etoile. I really have to disagree, and we've been agreeing on many things. L'Etoile was never really that good when they were at the Charlotte Inn. The chef had the same menu, without variance for at least 10 years. It never changed-I nearly have it memorized, Dover Sole, a picked out Lobster dish, rack of lamb, squab, and always an out of season soft shell crab special appetizer. The chef took the same menu when he moved out to his new spot. Without the great space, and still with almost the same menu, I don't have L' Etoile in my MVI top 5 anymore. Not even close. And it remains, I think the most expensive. What made L'Etoile for me was the ambience, the comfort factor. It's a great space. That's why I am looking forward to trying Il Tesoro.
I also can't let go by a comment comparing any Vineyard restaurant to the best in New York. Sorry. There is no way any Vineyard place makes even the top 200, hell, the top 500 in New York. Please be serious. There are a couple of places that might make a top 10 list in NYC for best views though. (Beach Plum and Outermost).
Just for the record, and to stir up more debate, my top three Vineyard restaurants, last 2 years, and food only, are: 1-Detente, 2. Sweet Life, 3 Beach Plum.
I am back on island in a couple of weeks. And because of these threads, I am really looking forward to revisiting a couple of places, Mediterranean and Atria, and checking out the new ones, especially the new places in the old Cornerway, Ice House and L'Etoile spaces, whatever their names are. I will take copious notes and post, if I can make wi-fi work somehow in Chilmark.
80th Birthday on Long Island
I am going to piggy back onto this thread. I was just going to post a similar request for my mother-in-laws 75th birthday. I would like to be near Rockville Center, and only need a room for 20 and not 60. I was referred to Sole in Oceanside, they have a private room but require a minimum of 30. I don't know if they take 60 but I heard real good things about the food.
Connecti-corn?
I am a corn fanatic. I have found, without a doubt that Rosedale Farms, consistently has the best corn in Central Connecticut. They have two locations, their farm, on East Weatogue St in Simsbury (just off RT 185) directions at:
http://www.rosedale1920.com/directions.html
And they sell at Moscarillo's a garden store on RT 44 in West Hartford. I say the best for a couple of reasons. When ripe they offer 3 kinds of corn-butter and sugar, silver queen and super sweet. The later is heaven. Naturally they pick every day. And they take care to pick what's at peak. They give you a free ear with every half dozen. It just doesn't get any better.
Martha's Vineyard
Hey thos,
In reply to your questions. Outermost is so uneven its maddening. Some years it is very good, other years insipid. it depends on the chef. Why its not a tourist trap is its setting. Last year when I was there they had a telescope set up to view the osprey nest. There were osprey hatchlings which was so cool. Then while having dinner, there was a bright red perfect sunset in the distance. Then first one deer, then another, a total of six strolled into the back yard. It doesn't get any better than that. Yea, I wish the food was perfect, but hey, its much better than in years past so I can give them a mention. Atria just doesn't have that. They throw a piece of grilled salmon, some veggies, a starch on a plate and charge your $35 or whatever.
I don't think I equated Sharky's and Detente at all, at least I hope I didn't. For the last two years Detente, again, imho, has served the most edgy adventuresome food on the Vineyard. The place is sort of dark, not really too comfortable, but I think its had the top food on the Island. I hope they keep pushing the envelope though I doubt it.
I think I expressed my mixed emotions about the Dog. When the son of the owner took over the company, and the restaurant, revamped the menu, limited the number of entrees, everything went to hell. I still always go there for breakfast before the boat home and I love its breakfasts. But for dinner, no way. I remember the year of Hurricane Bob, when up-island was blown out, the Dog and Vineyard Haven still had power, and I ate there I think 6 nights in a row. And it was perfect. Alas, those days are gone.
I haven't been to Mediterranean and plead ignorance.
Jimmy Seas I haven't been to in a number of years. Yes, it was a value comment. It used to be cheap and ok, and a number of locals I hang with on the beach used like it a lot. Maybe its slipped, I don't know.
Eating out on the Vineyard is a conundrum. How to explain Homeport to someone. You go to a perfect setting, and then have 5 courses thrown at you in less than an hour. But if you know what to expect, know what to eat-nothing else but a couple of boiled lobsters, then it is what it is , a perfect lobster shack. But it pains me to go there and see people there for a special occasion being treated like cattle. I go back there but I know what I am getting into.
This year I will miss the Cornerway, and will have to try Deon's. I hope he is still doing Island cooking, the jerk chicken and curried grouper he did at the Cornerway were always good. I liked it there. I hope the place that replaced it is good. But calling it a tavern in a dry town already has me asking questions. As MVI pointed out evidently The Catch at the Charlotte Inn is gone already and replaced Il Tesoro?, which I will have to try, because I absolutely love that space. It is so civilized.
I just hope that enough new places keep opening up, and some of my old favorites keep their game up, so I don't have to cook.
Martha's Vineyard
replying to my own post. before anyone screams at me, sorry for the crack about the Cafe Moxie burning down above. That was cruel and uncalled for. I know the fire, especially because it damaged A Bunch of Grapes, one of the world's best book stores, was a tragedy for Vineyard Haven. I found out I can't edit or delete once these are posted. So its my bad. Again I am sorry if the comment offended anyone.
Martha's Vineyard
hello mvi,
you are right. time for an update. I am about to leave for my annual August sojourn in Chilmark. According to friends there, a number of changes have happened during the off season. As I understand it, Homeport has been taken over by the folks at Beach Plum and its concept remains the same. The RoadHouse/Ice House building in Chilmark (which was interesting for a few years until it became Deon's last year) has been leveled and rebuilt and opened by the people who used to own Sweet Life in Oak Bluffs. The Cornerway in Chilmark, owned by Deon, is now the Chilmark Tavern. And Deon's has taken over the former Balance space in Oak Bluffs.
That said.
I will start this renewed thread by giving my choices for the best of the Vineyard (and the worst) as the end of 2008. To be updated by others based on recent changes, I hope.
The best:
Detente Edgartown-small intimate, and funky
Sweet Life Cafe-Oak Bluffs- go on a nice night and sit in the garden, the inside is a little stuffy.
Beach Plum Inn-Elegant, the sunset views over Menemsha are worth the $$$$
Outermost Inn-every year the food is different, seems they switch chefs alot, but without a doubt the most romantic place to have dinner on MV. Again great sunsets. And Hugh Taylor is a great host.
The Bite-Menemsha- the Ur Clam Shack. One picnic table. Bring your gear and eat on the Menemsha beach. An essential Vineyard experience.
Art Cliff Diner-Vineyard Haven-only for breakfast and only if you don't mind lines.
Catch at the Terrace-This is the restaurant at the Charlotte Inn. Used to be L'Etoile. Don't be confused. This is the second most romantic restaurant on MV. But very very expensive even by Vineyard standards. But it is soooo comfortable.
Now for the worst.
And the worst is, without a doubt. The Black Dog Tavern. I remember 20 years ago I absolutely loved this place. Then it went tourist and corporate and is now the biggest rip off on the Island. I miss it like hell. It used to be so cool to sit out on the dock with a bottle of wine, wait for your name to be called, and be served eclectic funky food that was reasonably priced. No more. Its still ok for breakfast.
2nd worst. Nearly every restaurant in Edgartown and Oakbluffs. Total complete utter tourist traps and rip offs. Atria, Zephrus, Newes from America, Sharky's Cantina, David Ryan's. For that matter thank god that Cafe Moxie burned down. It was horrible too. There are a couple of places that will do in a pinch, Jimmy Seas. Lattanizi's but nothing that would make me drive down island.
The dining scene on the Vineyard is, how shall I say this, far from stellar. They have a captive audience and they know it. The good places are expensive, Manhattan prices, but these are seasonal businesses and thats to be expected. Some places, especially the Outermost, you go more for the atmosphere and the vibe which there can truly be magical.
So chowhounds. What have I missed on my best list. I have been going to the Vineyard for 30 years and I think I have been to every place on the Island. I have to have missed something.
GOOD GOAT: Beltane Farm makes FABULOUS goat cheese & yogurt!
Their plain chevre is very good, mild and not pungent. I like it a lot. However, I absolutely couldn't stand their chevre with the herbes de Provence. The dried herbs just overpowered the cheese. For my palate anyhow, it was almost inedible.
Cavey's French Restaurant Closing [Has reopened]
Oh no. You have just ruined my day. There was just a long thread here on Cavey's. The downstairs maitre d', Andre, was an institution, a real gentleman, who will be sorely missed. As to Cavey's French restaurant, it too will be missed. It was always so welcoming, elegant and comfortable. I guess this is another sign of the times. Its a shame.
Amelia's American Bistro-Simsbury
In all fairness, I was there once before, when it wasn't busy and things went well. This was a Friday night and it was busy. In thinking more about it though, I get more irked with the pacing. It was more like 15 minutes before a waiter appeared, we ordered wine and bread, another 15 minutes, before either appeared, so its 30 minutes of sitting without even bread to nibble on. My wife, who never complains, went to the desk to ask the front person to expedite. The bread and wine showed up. We ordered. We shared a soup, again in fairness, a delicious seafood chowder that was like a bouillabaise. But, it took 30 minutes to arrive, after we ordered. How long does it take to ladle out a bowl of soup. Then, after the soup was cleared, it took another 30 minutes for the main courses to arrive. Nothing complicated either, a very good Nicoise salad with scallops instead of the traditional tuna. I had fish and chips, which wasn't that good. The fish, cod, was baked instead of fried as usual, the fish was slightly dried out. I dared not order dessert, fearing it would be another half hour. So from the time we sat down, until we left, ordering nothing complicated, about well over 2 hours had elapsed. I redid this because I wanted to be accurate. I don't like to idly post negative comments. That's why I wish owners would read Chowhound. The slow production is costing him money. A better run house could have turned the table over twice in that period of time.
