Tuscan Prime Italian Chophouse — Restaurant in Ashland

I understand this was its first day opened, and I didn’t expect perfection. I also hate being the first reviewer, and especially writing such a “negative” review with one star. My intention is not to complain for internet clout or any free stuff, but so that management and staff can take what I wrote constructively to improve and provide a better experience to guests in the future.

We visited on August 17 around 7pm. The restaurant wasn’t overly busy, maybe a few tables in the dining room were sat at around 30% capacity, the cocktail area was empty, and only two people were at the bar when we sat down, bringing the count to four total at the bar.

We were greeted within about 5–7 minutes, offered menus when the drinks were delivered, and immediately provided us with said menus as we told our bartender we planned to order a couple of appetizers and then some entrées to-go. We were genuinely interested in the menu. There were several items we considered trying, especially the burrata, which was decided on almost immediately. The steak menu also caught our attention, though it was confusing to see “market price” listed at the top. It wasn’t clear if that applied to all cuts, a particular special that should have been explained, or just one specific steak. Even if we had wanted to ask, we never had the chance because no one checked back with us.

After looking over the menu, we expected someone would return to take our order. Instead, we were essentially invisible. Multiple employees walked behind the bar, but no one made eye contact or acknowledged us. By the time I checked my phone, we had been in the restaurant for about 45 minutes with no order taken and no follow-up. In addition to that, after sitting there for maybe 25-ish minutes, we heard an employee say that they were 86 crab cakes. Of course, no one bothered to let us know, given we communicated early that we were going to snack on an appetizer while we waited for food.

Eventually, my partner set his credit card on the bar to try to get someone’s attention. After about 7 minutes, he finally got someone’s attention and asked to close the checkbut then another 7 minutes were spent trying to “find our check.” I understand mistakes happen, maybe a drink was poured before being rung in or they were having difficulty navigating a new POS, but the simple solution would have been to ask what we had or reprint a check so we could close out.

The most disappointing part is that this wasn’t just about us. My partner was planning to bring food home to his grandmother, who can’t easily leave the house. She had postponed her dinner because she was excited to try something new, and we didn’t get home with food until 8:30-two hours later than she normally eats. And not from here, but from Penn Station subs after giving up.

I understand that new restaurants have growing pains, and I have worked in food and beverage myself, so I don’t expect perfection. But this level of service (no check-back, no acknowledgment, and nearly an hour with no order taken) is unacceptable, especially at a “steakhouse” in the Delta which positions itself as Ashland’s main hotel and fine dining option.

Ashland deserves a great restaurant (as there are few to none), and this place has the potential to be one, but service standards have to improve for it to succeed. Right now, the experience doesn’t justify choosing it over driving to Huntington, where good food and attentive service are easier to count on.

Maybe in the future if things improve and we find out by word of mouth or more positive reviews, we will give it another shot. But right now, there are a lot of issues that need to be worked out, and maybe some solid bartending and service training to be offered to and required...

We went last night with friends. They had been before and it was our first time. We waited a very long time before anyone came to offer water. They didn’t leave the water pitcher like they did the other tables and were out of water for a while before the waiter noticed. We waited a very long time to get any bread which was hard and the oil and vinegar mix was missing the spices that we received with the second batch that did have soft bread. The waiter came back multiple times to verify what we had ordered several minutes after we initially ordered (drinks, appetizer, entree- every thing he came back minutes later to verify) as he had forgotten. This resulted in some confusion with my order. Two dishes mention short rib and he verified about 10 minutes later that I wanted the short rib and I said yes. I originally specifically stated the short rib pot roast. He brought the pasta dish. If he had gotten the order correct when I initially ordered it there wouldn’t have been any confusion. We waited a very long time for our food. We sat down at 5:30 and didn’t get our entrees until 7!!! The mistaken short rib pasta was not very good and tasted like beefaroni from boyardee. They did get me the correct dish and it was good but not worth 32 dollars. Manager did apologize for the mixup. I sampled the pasta with vodka sauce that my friend ordered and it was not like any vodka sauce I have ever had. I’ve eaten at authentic Italian restaurants and so the bar was very high. I was very excited to try the dish as it isn’t commonly offered around here. It was not good and I’m thankful I chose not to order it myself. It was spicy and bitter and not at all like a classic vodka sauce. The best thing about the meal was the Merlot and the side of garlic mashed potatoes. The side of vegetables tasted like they were cooked in some electrical oven and had a weird metallic electrical taste. Very off-putting. Service took a very long time, food was not worth what we paid and the inconsistencies probably will keep us from coming back despite the manager being kind and the waiter being friendly. It overall wasn’t an experience we would...

Came here on the second day of opening so you would think they would be immaculate to make a great first impression with the community but unfortunately I ended up missing the Winchester. For one they were out of multiple items due to a lack of prepping the night before which is crazy to me considering they’ve been open for two days. Secondly the wait times were insane! We waited 50 mins for our entrees and the restaurant literally had four tables in there so not busy at all. The food was all terrible. We got the charcuterie to start which was good but there wasn’t enough bread and half the charcuterie was raisins (just a personal preference but gross). The other items ordered were the short rib pasta and the burger. The short rib pasta may have been the worst pasta I’ve ever had. There was no sauce and no seasonings it was the most bland thing I’ve had and to be one of the most expensive items on the menu it was very disappointing. The burger was ordered medium but came out well done and was also super bland. We got two desserts to make up for it. The tiramisu was good but the portion was the tiniest thing I’ve ever seen. Aren’t Italian restaurants known for their portions??? We also got the donuts which tasted like a lemon corn dog in other words disgusting. We got three and only ate two. The only redeeming quality here is that the service was great and the drinks were good everything else was very disappointing! Spent $130 in total and was sad I didn’t buy groceries with that money instead as my wife is a phenomenal chef. I’m sorry to leave a bad review for a start up business but hopefully this will help you grow and be better in the future. I personally will not be back for months. You’ve got one more shot with me and next time I...