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| - First, we understand that the folks from Sammy's still have ownership of this location. And it is always nice to have a new restaurant open in the neighborhood. We tried to get by here 5 or 6 times a year under the Sammy's name and always enjoyed the wine selection, although it seemed a touch pricey. At TABLE 89, it's basically an 'order at the counter' situation; sort of like ordering at.....say a Fuddruckers. It's billed as a globally inspired and locally produced restaurant. The menu is certainly modern with lobster bisque, mini duck tacos, watercress sandwich, arugula n beet salad, and tofu in a few places. The $18 Merlot carafe netted 2 glasses, but the by the glass price was $6. As an appetizer, we tried a 'small plate' meatballs n marinara for $6 . They were well presented and tasty. For the dinner entrée, we ordered a 4 cheese pizza that the wife and kiddo described as cheese on dough. I ordered an $11 chicken Caesar. The salad was good and I really liked the grilled garlic bread; but as a lo-carb guy, I only get is a small taste. I wouldn't say there was great or even good value here. And as a restaurant with no servers to bring anything (not even flatware), I struggled a bit to understand the giant spot on the charge receipt for a typical restaurant tip. They even had the typical 15, 18, and 20 percent tip calcs. I do appreciate great service (see my other reviews) and regularly tip 20 to 30 points; but this would be like tipping at the counter at Rubios and then before even seeing the food. In the end, I can't say that we'll be back anytime soon.
Overall, (for $59.18; 2 glasses of wine, a side of meatballs, a salad, and a low to medium quality pizza), I'd say we should all let this concept have a chance, but I wouldn't bet it'll make it past the 1st year.
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