Wild Tomato — Restaurant in Maryland

Visited on Memorial Day and the restaurant was about 2/3 to 3/4 full (including inside and outside). Our entree orders were for two WT Angus Beef Burgers (one mid-well, one well-done) and one Pan Seared Salmon.

We patiently waited for our food until the waiting became untenable. Our server did not voluntarily drop by with an update. Our first inquiry was met with "The salmon is still cooking." His second reply was "The well-done burger is still cooking." How long does it take to cook a 1 1/4"-thick salmon filet? A 3/4"-thick well-done burger? I genuinely don't know.

Our server was friendly, but green (sparing his name). There was obviously a miscommunication somewhere, possibly that our entrees were not put in originally.

When we finally received the food, we figured it was about 40-45 minutes from ordering. Neither our server nor the nice woman who brought the food knew which burger was cooked to which temp., which made for an awkward moment for everyone. We asked them to stay at the table while the burgers were checked for doneness. When we found one was undercooked, we asked them to cook it properly and requested to speak to the manager (it turned out she was the co-owner, whom I believe to be Stephanie Salvatore) who arrived and asked what she could do. We told her we just wanted the burger cooked to temp. She did not offer an apology. I was not the person whose food was cooked incorrectly, but, objectively, an apology was in order and 100% service industry etiquette. Simple.

Our server brought some chips and salsa to attempt to hold us over. The chips were quite good--salted well and perfectly crispy. The salsa tasted familiar, actually (from a jar?) and happened to be the exact type I prefer, probably because I love cilantro.

The entrées actually tasted good. The properly-cooked burger was tasty according to the person who ordered it. My salmon ("True North Organic Canadian Salmon" according to Stephanie's email reply to me earlier in the day when I asked if it was fresh) was cooked to the proper temp. and the seasoning on top was good, however, it did not seem to be pan-seared per the menu. There was a slight crust on top, which was succulent, so maybe I'm not fully-versed on pan-searing technique. The corn and potato hash under it was OK---I'm not a huge fan of small frozen shrimp. The lemon butter sauce was nicely done. The sauteed spinach side I ordered was not seasoned, so I added some salt . I was surprised when the salt seemed to be sea salt. Not a bad thing.

The burger in question eventually arrived, but by then it was actually overcooked (past well-done). At this point, there was no point in complaining further.

We spoke to the owner later and mentioned we would have liked an apology. She claimed she thought she did and then said multiple times she was sorry. She then noted she was really concentrating on getting the food out as soon as possible.

Three stars is generous; 2.5 would be more fitting. Decent food does make up for a miserable dining experience. We were not made to feel whole by this owner, not even getting our wine comped. I don't feel hoping to at least be made whole for the terrible service and poor communication is being entitled. Free chips and salsa did not cut it.

Wild Tomato has lost...

20240713 First time here with a friend for lunch. We ordered Arnold Palmer; something I have never heard of (half unsweetened iced tea and half lemonade) since they don't have sweetened iced tea and lemonade is supposed to be too sweet. It was good. We both ordered Fish Tacos. I asked what the soup of the day is, and it was creamy zucchini and the waiter started saying something about Chicken with Tortilla. Both my friend and I wanted the Chicken Tortilla Soup. When our meal came, we were surprised that it looked like Quesadillas. We thought maybe that's how they made tacos??? The meat tasted real dense, like fish that tastes like meat. Something I don't care for, because I prefer flaky fish. We thought the waiter forgot our soup... then, we saw the fish taco on the table next to us. 😳 That is what we wanted. Then I opened up the Quesadilla in front of me, and it was shredded Chicken. No wonder the meat was so dense and salty! I asked our waiter, and he said he thought we wanted that and not the Fish Tacos. I wished he would have confirmed with us, but at least he apologized multiple times. I didn't make a big deal about it... it happened. I know not to order the Chicken Quesadilla because it was so salty and it is not a typical Quesadilla that I'm used to getting. If I come back, I will ordered the fish taco "again" because it looked good. The salsa, sour cream and gracamole with tortilla...

Just left there. My buddy and I dropped in for a bite after kayaking. Inside was full, but there was room outside, and it wasn't too hot so outside it was. Hostess seemed a bit confused and distracted but got us seated. Waiter was prompt and very quick with tea and beer. Food took quite a while. When served, I ask the lady if maybe they have citronella or something to do about the mosquitoes. She replied that since people knocked the containers over the stopped using them. Lame I thought. I got nearly a dozen bites while waiting for food. That kind of ruined it all. I am extremely allergic to bites, and the itching and irritation goes on for at least 45 minutes. I had a Cobb salad, and my friend had a Wild Tomato Burger. Food was good. Waiter was ok, kitchen was slow. management ignoring mosquitoes feasting on diners? Unforgiveable!!!!!!!!!!! It was my second visit. I will not sit outside again, and inside is just too crammed when they are...