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| - We decided to try out Passion8 for restaurant week after multiple recommendations from a friend. Once we sat down and took a look at the menu, we decided to deviate from the Queen's Feast as we were much more interested in the regular menu.
We decided to start with the calamari and mussels with lamb belly, followed by the scallop and steak entrees, and asked for the cheese plate for dessert.
Our drinks were brought out timely, and we told the server our full order at once so that he could pace the meal for us.
We were there for 2 hours, but not by any choice of ours.
I really wish I had timed things, because I know that waiting always feels longer than it actually is. Since I didn't, I'll have to estimate that between drinks and appetizers, appetizers and entrees, then entrees and the cheese, we waited about 20 minutes each time. Mind you, that's 20 minutes after having finished the previous course/bread. Our server was attentive. We were not running him. Although it was restaurant week, it was also a snow day, and the restaurant was at about 50% capacity when we got there for our 7:45 reservation. So I'll take a star for the timing.
The second star related to the food itself. You're paying for portion here. If I wanted to pay for portion, I'd go to a buffet. We were looking more for quality. The mussels were alright; I wish there had been a bit more lamb belly. The calamari was good. The scallops were cooked well, but were salty. The steak was huge, but tough and lacking in flavor. No matter which way I cut it, I couldn't find a sweet spot on that steak. The cheese plate was interesting, and had some elk mousse, which was cool. We paid $200 for the two of us after tax and tip with a couple drinks.
The staff is great, but the back of house and management seem like they have some work to do in the communication department.
As we were eating our entrees, we heard someone fussing at a table behind us about keeping their opinions to themselves as to not ruin his reputation. He stormed off to the kitchen after a sarcastic thanks and goodnight, leaving his patrons wondering who he was and what had just happened. Not sure what was going in there, but it was awkward. I guess that's where they get the name Passion8?
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