Still Underwhelming
I last visited Ten about 5 years ago (or longer) and at that time, you would have thought you were going to One in Yorkville, with a selective hostess, a fatal attempt at a tony club feel and food served by wait staff with an "edge". And at that time you wouldn't dare ask for a table other than what you were shown to...unless you were a regular. Having heard that the restaurant/bar underwent a renovation, I decided to try it out for drinks.
The bar area tries to take on a "Cheers" feel where everyone knows your name. The bartender reaches over uninvited with an out stretched hand to introduce himself. I think his name was "G", but who knows. His hand was large and rough skinned and I'm not sure, were it not implied to be impolite, my guest would have touched it. I think this was a lame attempt to instantly become your friend and get you to stay longer. The bartender at the King Edward Hotel or at the Four Seasons doesn't reach out to shake my hand and neither should "G". Let your guests warm up to you, if they choose to.
The interior seems to be the same 'dark' design so I am not sure what the renovation involved so there may have been nicer areas. At 5pm, various important looking staff are circling the premises and preparing for old time local friends to come in and give them a hug when they arrive. I think this is great for the regular clientele but it makes new patrons feel like they're outsiders, at least we did.