I'm really surprised at how disappointing this experience was as I've been going to this place for years and it has been one of my favourite spots. Well today was the first time that I had a pre planned lunch that I booked several months in advance. When I called around March to make the reservation I booked a table for 8 for May 14 at noon. My reservation was taken without any questions or concerns. About a week prior to the event I have received a call from the restaurant confirming the reservation and telling me that since the day falls on Mother's Day they have a special pre set $55 menu. I appreciated the heads up but also felt that it was being sold to me a bit too eagerly so I asked if we can still order from the regular menu. Initially I was told that no (even though it wasn't mentioned until I asked!) but when I mentioned that when I placed the original reservation it was never mentioned they have agreed to offer both a la carte and the pre set options. I appreciated the ease with which this was handled and thought that was the end of it. I have received FOUR more calls from the place to confirm the amount of people coming several times and to ask me to make sure that my guests show up right on time as Mother's Day is busy and they would like to ensure a "smooth flow of guests". The calls were getting ridiculous interrupting me during work and family dinners... I was already not in the best mood coming in today but remembered how much I liked this place food and service wise and brushed it off to poor customer service skills on the end of the one person who kept calling.
Unfortunately my bad experience didn't end here. Upon arrival to the restaurant I was not greeted with a hello but pointed to where my party was without as much as a head nod... When we started ordering the food some of my guests were excited to order from the pre set menu as it was provided to me in advance and I shared it with everyone. The menu was changed and when my friend inquired about the crab cakes she was told they don't serve crab cakes. When she said but they were in the menu she got a very rude "well I'm telling you there are no crab cakes!" from the server. No apology or explanation. Small things like forgetting to take a drink order from myself while all others were served without as much as an apology and an overall attitude on behalf of our server did not add to a great experience. Dishes were described incorrectly so my guests ordered a pasta with a rose sauce that came with no sauce at all and another got frozen shrimp in her pasta. Oh and did I mention that the restaurant was half empty the whole time that we were there? We were told that we could choose to sit on the patio but won't be able to go back inside if it starts raining... so we stayed in. The restaurant never filled up.
I'm extremely disappointed by gourmet bistro as I've known this place for years to have amazing food and excellent service. The one time that I decide to take it a step further an have a small get together there it all comes crumbling down. I highly doubt that I will be back.