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| - We tried Alton's for January Restaurant Week and picked Saturday, the 23rd, the day after the ice storm. The restaurant called to confirm our reservations earlier that way and the host staff was prompt and personable. That was the best service we got that night, unfortunately. The walkway was pure ice. The restaurant was nearly full, they had a great turnout in spite of the weather.
We were seated directly outside the wine "cellar" at the base of the stairs. We were greeted promptly by our server and asked what we'd like to drink. I asked for 1 more minute to peruse the drinks menu and she said ok. And never returned. I tried to catch her eye for the next 30 minutes but she seemed to be purposefully not looking at our table each time she walked by. After 10 minutes someone brought us water, we thought it was a back waiter. After an additional 20 minutes that same back waiter/front waiter came by and offered us a cocktail. Finally. (30 minutes for a drink??? Not good). Another 10 minutes went by and she came back to see if we'd like to order. If you're counting, it took 40 minutes for anyone to ask us if we'd like something to eat.
Once our food orders were placed the food came out quickly. One of us ordered the shrimp cocktail, which was straightforward. I ordered the Prime Rib Stuffed Mushrooms - three cheese & horseradish cream stuffing, $10 on the regular menu. It's one of the reasons I chose this restaurant, I was intrigued. The mushrooms were generously sized, it was a large enough appetizer to share, for sure. The mushrooms were stuffed with prime rib and cheese. I wanted to like it but it was a little too greasy and heavy for my tastes. I should have realized that cheese, cream, beef and butter was going to be a little much. My husband ordered the Homemade Lobster Bisque - dash of sherry and a unique whipped potato garnish, $6 on the regular menu. It was delish.
For dinner I ordered Surf & Turf - cold water lobster tail, tenderloin of beef skewered and topped with Worcestershire-herb butter, I think it was $27 on the regular menu. The first bite was yummy... all buttery and salty and beefy. Then I tried the asparagus. They were huge, the size of my thumb, I kind of prefer skinny asparagus. The first bite was yummy... all buttery and salty and asparagus-y. A bite of lobster followed and you'll get the point, it was all buttery and salty and... Yeah. Everything was swimming in butter and salt. It tastes delicious the first time but it's a trick for your tongue. You crave salt and you'll keep eating things that are heavily salted. These nice filet mignon tenderloins and lobster tail and asparagus and mashed potatoes didn't need but a tiny dash of flavoring but they were swimming in it. They deserved better :/. My husband ordered the Braised Colorado Lamb Shank - with Cabernet jus, $24 on the regular menu. I asked him his thoughts and he liked it but didn't care for the large asparagus stalks or heavy butter. Dessert was Warm Apple Cobbler for all four of us.
At the end of the day, Alton's has a great reputation, but it's not for us. Our experience with a server ignoring us for over 30 minutes was enough to decide we likely wouldn't come back. I got outstanding service last night from a smaller place for the same price and if I'm spending money, I don't want to sit ignored and cocktail-less.
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