The quick details- the young girl who presented herself as the front of house manager refused to honor our reservation (made a month in advance), lied to my face when questioned about it and tried to force my wife and I to sit at the bar so she could make room for other guests on a typical busy night. This ruined our plans to celebrate our anniversary here. Perhaps this is some type of nepotism, but obviously she has a lack of experience, very poor hospitality, and general lack of compassion or ability as a restaurant manager and is unqualified. *be cautious if you’re celebrating something important to you or those you are with, the “manager”will ruin your evening if it suits her inability. *All 1 and 2 star reviews on google name her as the reason for the complaint!! I would highly recommend going to a restaurant with professional management, not a child playing make belief who is obviously unqualified. Full story- This all started when my wife and I chose to go here at for our anniversary dinner. A good friend met Chef Q at a wine tasting event and highly recommended his food and restaurant to us. My wife took time off work early to get home and dress up as we were both excited to eat here. We even arrived about a half an hour early to have extra time and decided to have a glass of wine at the bar while we waited for our table to be ready . The young man at the front was polite and informed us he would come and get us when our table was ready and everything seemed fine. I did also noticed the empty outside dining area while we were sitting at the bar. After paying $35 for our mediocre wine, which appeared to be a small 3 ounce pour, the same young man came over and informed us that our table was ready however, it was outside or we could choose to remain at the bar and eat our meal. When question he said if we wanted to eat inside, it would now be an hour wait despite having a reservation. On this particular day, it was 103° outside and eating outside on the hot cement patio was not a reasonable consideration or something to ask a lady to tolerate. Around the room, I saw no less than four empty tables . When I explained the unreasonableness of the situation to the young man, he obviously understood and stated he was just doing what he was told by the manager. I asked to speak with the manager, and a young girl came over to talk with me. Now, remember, we had been here for about 20 minutes after being told our table would be ready shortly and this entire time there were empty tables in the outside patio because obviously it would not be a place anyone would want to eat on this hot day. When the “manager” came over to me, she attempted to explain that our reservation had been “chosen” for an outside table, and she would be unable to give us a table inside. I again explained the unreasonableness of sitting outside on 103° day however, she would not listen to reason and stated the empty inside tables were reserved for other guests and larger parties. She completely lied directly to my face, because if our table was already “chosen” for outside before we arrived, why would we have had to wait at the bar in the first place for our table to become ready. Obviously, she was trying to make room for other guests by forcing us to sit at the bar for our meal despite our reservation. Due to this treatment, Unfortunately, we had to make other plans at another restaurant and left, passing several still empty tables. As we were pulling away in our car, the same “manager “ called my wife and stated a table had “suddenly” become available. The evening had been ruined by with the way we had been treated already. The embarrassment and disrespect would not have let us enjoy a meal here now and way we were treated tainted the entire evening of our anniversary.
First things first. I understand this the new location they just moved into at the Galleria mall. It is beautiful! A stunning location!
Due to the price, I would actually give it 3.5 stars, but I rounded to 4.
I was getting over a cold and realized my sense of taste was dulled, so I won't comment on the taste of the food. It all looked good, but nothing had much flavor because of me. However, whoever made the bread pudding is doing the Lords work. So good!
I've operated restaurants for nearly 20 years, so some of what I say is going to be picky. Also, our meal for two with tip was 170 bucks.. so with that price tag, I get picky.
They also add 18% tip automatically. They were very clear and honest about that. The communication was great, and I appreciate that. You can still tip more too!
First. Stop with the Pepsi. It's a nice place, please get Coca cola. I know Pepsi cheaper, but it just isn't as good, especially on the fountain.
Second. We sat at the bar. The service was VERY good. The guys did a great job!
Third. And this is what lost them a star. They only have wine. No beer, no cocktails. In addition, the wine list isn't very impressive or extensive. If that's all you're going to serve, there needs to be more wow.
I don't know why they don't have cocktails. It's a beautiful place, and good size. I know getting a type 47 license can be a little tough and expensive, but they would make the money back easily and then much more money. I heard 4 people ask for cocktails while I was at the bar, and then they were told they only have wine. I reluctantly ordered a glass of wine, but I would have much preferred a cocktail or even a beer. If they don't start doing liquor, it will be tough to keep that place full consistently.
Lastly, this lost them half a star to me. There was a lack of operational excellence. Again, when charging the prices Q1227 charges, it comes with expectation, and the expectation for operational excellence was not met in two specific areas (other than the pepsi). The first area was we were given a menu that had the food, beer, and wine. Then we were told they didn't have any of that wine or any beer. They only have the wine on this entirely different menu. The second area was the food runners. I counted 4 or 5 times the food runners took food to the wrong people at the bar. We weren't there that long. I don't know if the bartenders put it in under the wrong seat number or the runners didn't know the numbers, but it shouldn't happen that often in a nice place.
I get they are in a new space, but they aren't a new restaurant. Take time and get new menus printed so people aren't confused and make sure the staff is properly trained.
Again, some of these are small things, but I didn't pay a small price tag, so I had big expectations.
I will be back! With full taste buds and an empty belly to put that massive portion of delicious...
Read moreNestled in a chic shopping center, less than a mile from interstate 80 you'll find the famous Q1227, which stands for the executives chef's name and birthdate - Q, 12/27. The wifey and I made reservations thru The Open Table and managed to snag a table for two @ 8pm on an extra chilly Thursday night in January.
Upon entering, we were greeted with a smile and an attentive hostess who asked if we had a reservation. Once we gave the info, we were seated in less than 5 minutes near the bar next to an entrance to outdoor dining. The layout is inviting and the decor has a simple yet elegant style about it; with your wood grain and brick.
We were helped by my man Mr. Mark, who was an older gentleman and knew his craft as well as any true professional does. He was attentive and always there but wasn't if you get what I'm saying.
We started out with the lobster bites. Bomb Definitely recommend this appetizer! You will not regret it. They come with a chipotle dipping sauce and a lemon slice. With a squirt and a dip -- you're in business! Mark suggested the tomahawk pork chop over the beef Wellington (I dove 60 miles for the welly BTW), the former coming in at $52.00. The wifey got the fried chicken and mash @ $28.00. The fried chicken, gravy and mash taters did not disappoint... cooked well and the buttermilk batter was crispy and delish! Tasted just like grandmas...
The tomahawk definitely looked the part and came with spinach and a sweet and sour sauce on the side. It was a bit dry but portions did have a spot of moisture and tenderness. It definitely lacked flavor and with every bite, I must admit, I was imagining the welly with that flaky crust of goodness and tangy mustered spread with the filet; but my man Mr. Mark meant well.
I also had the mac & cheese which came out with the plate extra hot (which usually means microwaved). They were nothing to brag about. Still remembering Peg-Leg Porkers in Nashville Tennessee... the best Mac & cheese I've had in my life.
Moving on to the deserts; though stuffed to the quills, we couldn't pass 'em up. The berry lavender trifle came served in a glass and was loaded with flavor, from the whipped cream atop to the berry flavor and gram cracker crumb layers underneath. If you want something fruity, you'll love this.
I was torn between the carrot cake and brownie with ice cream - so you know we went with both No offense to Q's mama (the brownie is her recipe) but the carrot cake was the better of the two (which his mama also makes btw), so they're winning every time.
I'll definitely return for that beef Wellington real soon and recommend the place. Check out the executive chef's resume and take the walk to the restroom, you'll find him pictured next to George Lopez in one photo and Danny Glover on another,...
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