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| - Long overdue for me to write this update, but I did return to Tender last year (12/1/14) for my 26th birthday with my mom, dad, and boyfriend.
It pains me to write this review, because the first time was really good; a 4-star experience, and I was hoping the second trip would be more like 5-stars. But it wasn't meant to be. I think that the delicious drinks were the only thing saving this from a 2-star or worse.
I made reservations in advance, but the only table options they had were either on couches or at tables right near the door. Since we wanted the full dining experience, we opted for tables. But still, right by the door, and it was COLD outside! My mom lamented that we couldn't sit in the back like we did last time, where it was a more intimate atmosphere. I felt bad about this, because I probably should have specified in my reservation that I wanted to sit there again. Oh well. My fault I guess.
The server came by not too long after to bring us water and menu. He was in the process of training another guy, which was no big deal to us. The other guy (wish I had remembered all the names) was really nice and came by often to replenish water. I think the trainee was better than the actual trainer... because it took FOREVER for the other guy to come by our table. We finally got a drink order in. The one positive I will say for the main server was that he did recommend some excellent rum drinks for me and a good drink for my mom. That was appreciated! And he was indeed friendly and personable, just really slow.
When it was time to order food, I was halfway done with my drink and considered ordering a second one just in case it took him forever to come back again, but I thought naah this place was top-notch the last time, he will surely be back again to offer another drink. But it wasn't until toward the end of the meal that I got 2nd cocktail, and needless to say, that was kind of a cockblock for me. I wasn't really feeling it by that point, but I got one anyway because fuck it, it's my birthday, lol.
Food-wise, it was kind of a flop. Wanted to push my boundaries and try new things. And they seemed to encourage that. But I was deliberating over sweetbreads, which I have never tried before. And the way the server described it, made it sound like it would be fantastic. But sadly, I really hated them. And they were NOT cheap either. If he had prefaced everything up front with "we can't take certain dishes back or swap them for something else in case you don't like them" that would have been fine by me. But instead of apologizing, he just took the plate away with an odd look on his face like a mixture of anxiety/pain and walked away wordlessly when we told him that no one at the table liked them. They tasted bland too me and greasy. Like popcorn dipped in bacon fat. Meh. I wanted to like them, I swear! And I felt bad about it.
For an entree, he had recommended a lamb curry dish for me. I told him I couldn't digest spicy food but he assured the dish wasn't really spicy at all. I believed him, and when I went to eat this stuff, man....my nose was running like a faucet. It did have good flavor, but I felt sooo sick afterwards even after taking my digestive enzyme medication. Mom really enjoyed her dish tho she said it seemed overpriced for the amount of food she got. I reminded her this place is supposed to be more of a light-bites type of place with a focus on drinks. My dad did not eat, save for a bite of mine which he enjoyed.
Server told us about desserts. Only two choices and neither of them seemed appealing to us. The whole experience was kind of bleh and it was really a lacklustre birthday. They didn't offer to do anything special, tho I am relieved there was no awkward singing or clapping like big chain places (ick) but at least stick a candle in a lemon wedge or light my drink on fire or something. Maybe I'm just an idiot for thinking they should do some birthday themed cocktail, hah. Or at least a shot!! When Sean and I went to Taste (a restaurant VERY similar to Tender located in STL for one of my birthdays a few years ago, the head bartender there brought me a birthday shot of his favorite rum which was such a nice touch! It wasn't a lot or anything, but I didn't care! It's the thought that counts.)
But when the bill came...man, it was realllly awkward. They wanted to charge us for the sweetbread which we barely touched and really disliked. My dad was just going to pay for it, but I told him to at least politely inquire. And when he did, god, was it awkward. The server hummed and hawwwed about it & disappeared in the back. He was gone for a LONG time. When he finally came back he said they had taken it off the bill, and did apologize, because he said they had "taken it off the wrong bill" initially. Weird. My dad thought he fabricated that story to prevent an awkward situation.
Needless to say, I don't think I'll ever go back. :(
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