Since this is the wine + steakhouse concept at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale, we expected a five star experience. This is that classic example of how a restaurant can have a perfect menu, great wine list, pleasing environment...but if the service/staff is unenthusiastic...it sort of falls off in a hurry.
Now, in full disclosure...my dining partner on this eve is not the most user friendly guy - he'll tell staff how and when he wants to them to clear plates and that he does not care which app goes to whom and then changes his mind when he sees the app and then tells the server to change the plates - but a 'great' restaurant has staff that knows there are 'strong' personalities out there, and is able to roll with it. That is the reality of the hospitality business (despite my CORE belief that you should ALWAYS be nice to people at all times, but that is another topic entirely).
The food...was fabulous. Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna, Hanger Steak, grilled shishito peppers, tuna tartar, fois grois...each was done to five-star standards.
My wine was a great selection for a by the glass pour...a Hearst Paso Robles cab in a good year. Much appreciated!
Just wish the staff were more in sync with pleasing people with the greater picture in mind...I got an overall vibe that guests were to be tolerated.