Last night was my first time here. Much heralded by reviewers and by my two dining companions, my expectations were high. I am glad to report that the food was superb and maybe even exceeded my expectations. So 5 stars for food.
However, in my book, dining experience is much more than just the food. Taking care of the guests through impeccable service and not making them feel that they are in some way less important than the "regulars" is an art that is not practiced well at this restaurant.
We arrived at 7:20 pm for an 8 pm reservation. We had no expectation that we would be seated earlier than our time. We ambled up to the bar and ordered beverages. Great atmosphere, great conversation. From the time that we sat down at the bar to a few minutes after 8 pm, a table for 4 had been empty (there were 3 in our party). I asked the maitre d' why we could not be seated at that table. I was told that there were 3 tables that were about to be vacated and that very shortly we would be seated. Another 15 minutes to by and I went to see my friend Drew (the maitre d') and asked what was going on. He let me know that the table for four that had been empty for over an hour now was reserved for people who come to the restaurant every week and always want that table. This was much too much for me. Holding a table for an hour while people with reservations are kept waiting, must be a very Scottsdale type of crap. I travel all the time all over the world and get the opportunity to eat at holes in the wall as well as at Michelin star uppity places but have never been given this type of BS. So zero stars for front of the house!
By my math the average of 5 stars and 0 stars is 2.5 stars.
BTW this group of 3 diners dropped over $460. Not a bad showing for being treated like second class citizens.