Mismanaged expectations. From a promotion for a the prix fixe dinner, we dressed appropriately for "The Four Seasons" - and what a mistake! The Verandah is a "dolled-up" buffet room, that's probably great for patio dining by the pool, but hardly for dinner. While the wait staff was friendly and attentive, the service was out of step and not up to "The Four Seasons" standards. After being asked for our water order (we chose Pellegrino), bread was dropped off unceremoniously without any suggestion of butter. We guess 'everyone' prefers olive oil. The bread was not at all warm - merely room temperature and poorly presented. When the butter was delivered - a really long wait - over 5 minutes - it arrived cold and hard - straight from the fridge. Off to a bad start.
The first course was a warm ricotta cheese with tomato - quite pleasant. By now the sparkling wine included with the meal was delivered and acceptable. The second course was supposed to be a seafood gnocchi but tasted like grammar school paste. Huge miss! Third course was 'snapper' (hard to tell) with whipped potato - not bad, but this is a $100 place setting. Fourth course was short rib with polenta - very so-so. The desert course was an 'ok' mouse cake with a dollop of ice cream, topped off with coffee. The entire expereince just felt very "regular". Here's the juicy bit.
My wife and I dress up for dinner about once a month as a treat. On this evening, she wore a stunning dress and her best Jimmy Choo pumps - absolutely smashing! While we wear jeans and shorts when appropriate - we're the last people would call snobs - we were really put off by the fellow at the next table in a "wife beater" T-shirt. Where's the dress code for The Four Seasons during the dinner hour?
We've not tried the Charlie Palmer steak house adjacent to The Verandah, but doubt a visit any time soon. Perhaps that's the hierarchy of dining at this hotel - The Verandah for the pool crowd. With so many terrific alternatives on and off The Strip, The Verandah is relinquished to the back water.