J Michaels Tavern - Wethersfield, CT

Our first experience is likely our last. I"ll post the review I gave at another location, it is nothing if not honest. J Michaels sits majestically on a prominent corner in the quant town of Old Wethersfield. We've been waiting to try the place for some time and finally decided the time was right. Entering the historic building we were greeted by the receptionist who guided us into a small fireplaced dining room. The rooms are quant, attractive but not exceptionally well groomed. The carpet is pitted and needs a good professional cleaning. The building looks like is was given a full redecoration which is now being stretched to it's limits. Yes, J Michaels feels worn. We ordered fish - fresh salmon, with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, candied carrots, and baked potatoes. The dinner menu is moderately priced, there is no distinct lunch menu, but some meagre amount of items are available from the main entre selection pre-4pm. Service is not fast, but is not unreasonably slow. Considering there were less than 10 customers in the entire restaurant, it probably should have been faster, and one must wonder how service would fare on a busier night.Our entre's arrived and we all agreed that the Salmon was some of the best we've had. Those who had the garlic-mashed were in for a bad experience. The mashed potatoes were brownish with age, tasted very bad, and were cold. This was consistent between 2 of us. Our waitress assured us that she told the kitchen to throw away the rest of the mashed. These were clearly old - beyond what should ever be served, other than in a desparate survival situation. When my guests tryed to use the ladies room, the toilet was backed up. They were told that the upstairs toilet was in disrepair. When it was suggested that they need a new toilet the comment was an honest "fat chance". As it was, two ladies had to use the mens room - which, had a wet floor, water leaking, and the room icy cold. Our waitress was very personable and was the best part of our experience along with the outstanding salmon.All in all, the allure of J Micheals was sadly, far better than the experience. The cost, not justified by the quality of the food. The building needs a solid and serious cleaning, new paint, and repaired bathrooms.

My question is: How can an establisment serve COLD old rancid mashed potatoes? This can be attested to by several people. What is the status of the plumbing? Overflowing toilets?; an upper restroom without a toilet seat cover - for ladies? Ladies that must use the Mens room -which has a Wet floor? This is beyond me. We REALLY wanted to like this place, We love Old Weth, and go out of our way to find excuses to walk and enjoy it's beauty. J M's was the place we've been saving. Utter dissappointment, and sadly surprised.

Shaunigan in General New England Archive