11/05/09

so disappointed

by tallguyhou

Wow, am I bummed. I had been to T'afia before and respect Monica Pope's inventiveness and quest for locally grown produce, but my experience last night was not good. First, upon arrival we went to the hostess who was gabbing with a waitress and we had to wait for her to finish her conversation before she acknowledged us. We said we had a reservation, and asked if we could sit outside. She said "sure, sit where you want" and motioned for us to go find our own seat. Is this Barnaby's or a fine dining restaurant?! Our waiter was pleasant but had a poor grasp of English and didn't know the food. The menu had a few odd things on it and nothing that really jumped out. The food runner sort of threw plates on the table in a hurry and didn't have plates turned the right way (is this Denny's?). Food was medicore to poor. The pistachio crusted flounder was done sloppily and didn't taste good, and was sent back. The beef cubes were fine but $20 was a lot for a small portion that you could get better down the road in Chinatown. The burger ($15) was nothing special and the fries were way crunchy and like potato fragments instead of shoestrings. The salad with goat cheese tasted good but also sloppy - someone put a dollop of goat cheese (about 1 tsp.) on the side of the plate. Considering the goat cheese was featured, why not on top or at least put into a nice ball or patty? Sloppy! Sorry Monica but all the dishes missed the mark and are not worthy of your talent. Upgrade your staff and keep an eye on the kitchen because they're killing you. I am not going back with all the other good choices we have.

• Pros: locally grown produce
• Cons: quality of food, iffy service, price

09/23/09

Disappointing service

by csov

I am writing in regards to a dinner I recently had at your restaurant. I was among 7 ladies dining at your restaurant on September 18th, all of whom were looking forward to trying this restaurant for the first time. I made reservations weeks in advance and stated this was for special occasion. We were well greeted upon our arrival by the hostess and bartender. Our waiter, however, was quite curt and rude with us when we asked questions about the menu. I found this quite odd considering we stated this was our first time at the restaurant. My favorite comment (sarcasm) was when one of us asked him if he would recommend the beef cubes or the buddy chicken. His response was “one is beef, one is chicken” HELLO!! Is that an appropriate response?? We were served our appetizers promptly. However, we waited 45minutes until our entrees arrived, and they were not hot! That in itself was unpleasant but with good company we made the best of our time together. The absolutely RUDE and INAPPROPRIATE part was the clearing of chairs around us and sweeping of the floors!! GROSS! The thought of dust and dirt being swept as we received our food and were eating was out of line! I have visited Monica Pope’s restaurants in the past and have never seen or received such impolite treatment. I am surprised to see this is happening, especially on a Friday night. The restaurant had other patrons sitting both inside and outside, therefore not making us the last customers.

A Very Disappointed Diner.

• Pros: good food (probably great if hot)
• Cons: service

06/29/09

Great food is worth so-so service

by opinion2008

Many people find this dinner menu confusing. There are plenty of ingrediants that require definitions for many. I have never been dissapointed with anything I have eaten here so be brave, throw caution to the wind and try something unique.

The buttermilk panna cotta dessert with blackberries that they had this weekend was outstanding!!!

• Pros: Excellent food, nice decor
• Cons: waitstaff