Feeling in the Christmas mood to catch up on my yelp reviews. .. so why not start off with my most recent visit to carmen!
I've been wanting to come to this restaurant for while but unless you're coming with a larger group, it's hard to order their paella.
Nonetheless, reservations were made for 2 on Christmas eve eve... and I was still excited.
The interior is cozy and spacious.. not what I expected looking from the outside or having been in other queen west restaurants. It definitely had a comforting Spanish feel. The tables ranged in sizes.. some similar to longer communal tables for larger groups.
Knowing we were not going to get the paella tonight... we looked thru the tapas menu and started w. the ceviche and mussels. the ceviche came quick and accompanied by taro root and sweet potato chips. there was a bit of heat and a good amount of white fish with each bite. it was a promising start.
we waited a long time and still no mussels. I was hoping to let our server know but no one ever came to see how we were doing. by the time we got someone's attention, we were pretty hungry only to find out that the mussels were out.
booo.
we ordered the shishito peppers and grilled shrimp... both which I thought were okay.... but once again.. the service had pretty much disappeared unless we waved down someone.
we decided to get the dulce de Leche cake w carmelized bananas on top.. it was really tasty but I thought a little steep for $10 a slice.
With 2 a cocktail each, the bill came to $90. Based on the portion sizes, I felt that the meal was overpriced. I was disappointed by the service.. and although the server was super nice, he lacked service and attentiveness.
I will come back.. but for a larger gathering.. hope for a better 2nd experience.