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| - On a whim, I decided to try out Vintner Grill because quite honestly I was bored and wanted a decent meal. This place fit the bill. I certainly am not one that is afraid, ashamed, or even bat an eye twice at the idea of dining alone, so I made a last minute reservation to check it out.
What I immediately noticed was that I loved the overall design of the restaurant. It is posh yet casual... almost like it doesn't take itself too seriously. I also noticed the clientele. Many people seemed to be out on a date-- or in one case I swear the guy was out with a mistress. Others were discussing business. It also was a nice touch to have from Here to Eternity playing in the background.
When i walked in the hostess asked me if I was there to eat my favorite dish. I told her that I hadn't eaten there before and figured there was no time like the present. She smiled and said that I would enjoy it and took me to a table in the back corner. My waitress was very thrown by the fact that I was dining alone. It took her about 1/2 of my dining experience to adjust. Everyone else on staff didn't mention it at all. In fact, they seemed unphased. When I asked her what did she suggest as one of their best dishes on the menu, she couldn't give me an answer.
I started with a salad, which had artichoke and corn-- amongst other vegetables. It was so fresh, and the corn was so sweet. The bread was better than average. This definitely was one of the better salads that I have had in a long time. For my main course I had beef stroganoff. It was definitely the best version of this dish that I have eaten. The hot tea was excellent, but my initial choice was not available and hadn't been for a bit according to the waitress. If you are going to put your menu on a clipboard, can't you update it more frequently?
As at Rosemary's, my bottled water was kept on ice a stone's throw away from my table. Here, however, they were on top of keeping it filled. I still can't give this place 5 stars. The service out of the main waitress was at best a 3. Everything and everyone else was a 5. I'd go back to grab some food and tea and relax. I don't mind paying for a relaxing dining experience.
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