| rev:text
| - I had heard the hype about Tender and had been looking forward to my reservation for over a week. As I counted down the days, I reviewed the cocktail and dinner menu online. I was partially hoping that they had updated the menu since their opening since it seemed somewhat eclectic and not cohesive. I was slightly disappointed upon my arrival that the menu hadn't been updated and that we were being seated in the room downstairs (otherwise known as the basement). Despite my misgivings, the decor was creative and reflected the owner's vision of a speakeasy-style bar/restaurant that incorporated the history of the building (including the vault) into the design. As an aside, the space was probably my favorite part of the experience. We ordered a few rounds of drinks (which were slightly odd but intriguing) and a bottle of wine. The wine selection was not complete in terms of variety nor was it priced appropriately (as I found was generally the case at Tender). I'm more than willing to pay for a good bottle of wine, but our server couldn't answer any of my questions about the choices. The first round of plates, we ordered the deviled eggs, lobster rolls and city chicken. The lobster rolls and deviled eggs were tasty and simply prepared but the city chicken (which is really pork) was dry and tasted like fried panko. It reminded me of something that I could've gotten at a bar or fast food restaurant. My boyfriend, our friend and I were quite hungry when we arrived (which is something that I would not suggest) so we were disappointed when our server was less than attentive and seemed to disappear after we ordered our first round of drinks and food. To be fair, other tables around us seemed to be getting great service from someone who was able to expound upon drink and menu options with ease. Our waters were not being refilled and, at one point, we had to call another waitress over to place an order for more food. After trying the mac and cheese, more deviled eggs (I think that we had three orders), turducken and beef on weck, nothing stood out to me other than the lobster roll and deviled eggs. I wanted to love Tender, but the food (selection and preparation) and service left much to be desired.
After dropping way to much money on a dinner that left all three of us only partially satiated, we went upstairs hoping to explore the space while having another drink or two at the bar. We were greeted by the maitre d and told (very nicely and apologetically) that we couldn't have a drink at the bar unless we could find three seats together. Really?? I mean, what is going on?! The bar is huge and is easily the best part of the whole space. This was a laughable moment for the three of us since we should've paid our check and ran instead of trying to spend more money. We nicely said to the maitre d that we would go across the street to Industry Public House. I so wanted to love Tender, its design and to support new local restorations in the Burgh but I guess that Tender and I were just not meant to be. I *may* go back to Tender and try to get a seat at the bar but, until the menu is refined, I don't think that I'll be going back for food.
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