MONARCA — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

So if you read the many reviews of this trendy downtown restaurant, you'll wonder why I would drop a few stars in my rating. To be clear, there are a LOT of Mexican restaurants in the area, but not many in this main strip. Venture a few blocks to the west or south and you'll find all sorts of both established and new "authentic" places to eat. But this is downtown and bubbling with a young energy and the crowds here from 5 PM on indicate that. All that said, and despite our friends raving over this place because of their granddaughter having been there, we left with an overall blah, and a dent in our pocketbook. So let's start with the basic drink menu, one geared mightily towards soft drinks and limited beers such as Pacifico and Corona (the "local" lager is from Shades brewery); wine is even more limited and pricey, and sad to say, quite stingy with a 3-oz. pour. We ordered the Lees-Fitch chardonnay (which is $12.99 a BOTTLE at the state liquor store), and got this small glass, and priced at $15 a GLASS (note the picture). When we asked the waitress about the "light" pour she shrugged her shoulders and said that she didn't question the Utah laws. We asked for the manager who said she'd add a little, which she did, and brought it back to a "normal" pour. Lesson one: you don't get if you don't ask (or better yet, don't order wine). Our meals arrived and looked quite nice, although be aware that if you order tacos and such, there is nothing else that comes with it (a small, as in small, bowl of yellow Spanish rice is $5 additional). The mole sauce was good on my enchiladas (my wife had the suiza version) and we both found them a bit dry (see picture). We're not asking that they be drenched in sauce but a bit more would likely help. And when our friend ordered the lobster tacos and was told later that they were out, he changed it to salmon tacos (their fish taco made with salmon) but the waitress heard only "salmon" and brought out the salmon/chorizo dish (at nearly double the price). Our friend corrected her when she brought it out and she offered to take it back, but since all of us were already eating, he politely said that it was okay; she then said that she would only charge him for the price of the taco dish since she misheard his order...but she didn't. So we come to the bill, which you don't see so you can't review it; and the credit card machine defaults to 25% as the tip so it is up to you to "lower" it to just 20% (if you wish) or up it to 30% (if you wish). It is only when you ask for a printed copy of the receipt that you can see the prices charged on your meal. Bottom line, this place was a bit noisy for us, and the food far from the "great" and the tasty dishes were read about. And the prices? Okay, they're downtown and likely have a ridiculous lease payment so we sort of understand but... By the time the four of us got to our cars, we took a vote and it was unanimous: the food was "okay" considering the price, and while it was far from "bad," none of us would likely go back. If you're at all familiar with the many Mexican restaurants nearby, and many of them truly providing delicious food and drinks at nearly half the price, this is a place more to say "I've been there" rather than a place to steer guests looking for a great...

As a multiple time diner with Monarca we were disappointed this time A fine dining restaurant requires a well orchestrated collaboration of atmosphere, service, high quality ingredients and well prepared food with a well plated presentation. Monarca used to hit on all points, sadly this last dinner hit on some but missed on others. The quality of the core food is there, the presentation is still well executed, the atmosphere is still great. Where things have fallen is in the level of service. The staff were all pleasant and were attentive but simply lacked the training needed for a fine dining experience. The hostess is great but the servers, runners, and bussers were simply not aware of what is expected at a restaurant charging $100+/per person. The initial table greeting was like I was in a gym locker room. We were told how it was going to go, drinks then food and I will take the order from this person clockwise. YES SIR (saluting)! When adding a few Apps for the table during the round the table drink order collection, a sigh of subtle disgust from the server was evedent that we broke from simply ordering drinks. When the Apps came they were dropped unceremoniously and haphazardly to the table (again not from a lack of caring but simply a lack of training). When the main courses were ordered there was an air of 'hurry up' despite the restaurant being 2/3s empty. As the Apps finished up no plates were cleared. As the main courses started to arrive, still no plates were cleared. Finally we asked to clear the Apps and App plates and we're told to keep our forks (not fine dining, corner street dinner perhaps?). Then the haphazard arrival of the main courses for our table became apparent. The timing from the first plate to the last was over 15mins apart. Many of the dishes were, as expected, luke warm at best. The food was not bad but off temperature made things less than ideal. But despite this LONG main course service we were all expected to eat our meals with the for mentioned forks only, having to ask for knives, spoons etc to eat our meals like steak and such. One in our party was having a birthday and without notice a cup of ice cream and a couple pieces of churros arrived in front of her. Then the server asked if we wanted the bill. We replied that there might be other people wanting desert? Overall again, having been in the restaurant business for years, in my opinion this is NOT for lack of caring, but lack of training. The main courses delay could very well have been greatly influenced by the untrained servers and support staff in the way they put the orders in. All in all we hope the owners get their staff the needed training and we can once again enjoy the Monarca experience like...

Title: A Majestic Culinary Journey at Monarca: Where Latin Fusion Reigns Supreme

Nestled in the heart of the city, Monarca exudes an aura of sophistication and flavor that captivates the senses from the moment you step through its doors. As a connoisseur of Latin cuisine, I embarked on a culinary adventure at Monarca and was left utterly mesmerized by the fusion of flavors and the impeccable service, particularly by the dynamic duo of Bambi and Tommy behind the bar.

The ambiance of Monarca effortlessly marries modern elegance with a hint of Latin charm, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment I was greeted by the warm and attentive staff, I knew I was in for a treat.

Bambi and Tommy, the masterminds behind the bar, elevated my evening with their craft cocktails that were not only visually stunning but also bursting with intricate layers of flavor. Their passion for mixology was palpable with each sip, as they skillfully crafted cocktails that perfectly complemented the vibrant Latin-inspired dishes.

Speaking of which, the culinary offerings at Monarca are nothing short of exceptional. From traditional favorites with a modern twist to innovative creations that push the boundaries of flavor, each dish tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and creativity. The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients was evident in every bite, leaving me craving for more.

But what truly sets Monarca apart is the unparalleled service provided by Bambi and Tommy. Their genuine enthusiasm, attention to detail, and extensive knowledge of the menu elevated my dining experience to new heights. Their recommendations were spot-on, and their ability to cater to individual preferences showcased their dedication to ensuring every guest leaves Monarca with a smile.

In conclusion, Monarca is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary where Latin flavors reign supreme and hospitality knows no bounds. Whether you're seeking an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, Monarca promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you coming back for more. As for Bambi and Tommy, they are undoubtedly the shining stars of Monarca, and their passion for mixology and unparalleled service are the cherry on top of an already exquisite...