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| - The food here was good. Beautifully presented and very tasty. I got the venison chop with butter broiled oysters ($32) and a side of roasted parsnips. The chop was served bloody/cool in the middle. Not a huge issue for me but I could see how others might want to be warned. It was a little tough to eat (two bones + rare/chewy meat) but the flavor was good. One thing I'll say is that the parsnips, while good, were $5 and not quite as substantial as I'd expect- I understand that at restaurants like this entrees usually come strictly a la carte, and to augment that one should order sides. But there was probably less than half a cup of sliced parsnips, simply roasted with minimal seasoning (if any) in my side. Our table of four was going to share them but decided not to upon seeing the portion. I would suggest that Tempest take a page from Tornado and include a salad or soup with its entrees. After all, the prices are comparable.
The appetizers of Fruits De Mer and Crab Cocktail (both $14) were ample and delicious. Same with the bread basket. My glass of red wine was sooooo good. And well-priced.
There were a few issues: our server was swamped and stressed. We felt really sorry for her because although she was obviously adept, the place itself was also obviously understaffed for a busy Saturday. Speaking of which- they ran out of two of our entree picks but she did not tell us until she brought our appetizers (about 20 min after we ordered). When my friends were perusing the menu to reorder, we found out that they were out of a couple other entrees as well. Not a huge deal, but the wonderfully eclectic menu became pretty limited after we heard the whole rundown of what was off the table.
Finally, the place was nearly unbearably loud. I usually like the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant. This was pure insanity. I'm not exaggerating- I was hoarse when we left, and my ears were aching the way they do if I endure a punk rock or metal show in a tiny club sans earplugs. It was a little shocking. My friends were annoyed, since we had made reservations at this swanky place to catch up and celebrate and we ended up yelling at one another and struggling to hear. Fabric or wood somewhere in the dining room might help?
The overhaul of the old Magnus is breathtaking, especially the bar. The place is beautiful and I think it's a great addition to the downtown scene. I hope they work out the kinks and I'll be back regardless- the food's just that tempting.
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