The Remy — Restaurant in San Diego

We've been here a couple of times, and I'll have to say that the food is delicious. The decor and atmosphere are lovey. However, the lighting upstairs is difficult to read the menus and see the food enough to really enjoy any presentation of it. First impressions of the table settings; the light that they have on the table doesn't seem to be the right style to fit with the rest of the decor, the table was wobbly and drinks spilled because of it, the table cloths were wrinkly and crooked. If you advertise your restaurant as a fine dining establishment, please pay attention to the details. Details matter. The second time we visited our table was so slanted that the two people on the ends had their wine glasses sliding off of the table. Again, the linens were wrinkly. It is unacceptable to sit at a table in a restaurant that I wouldn't even put in my backyard for an impromptu cookout. The tvs with the fireplace on them is tacky. They do not add anything to the ambiance but rather take away from it, and it seems like the owners THINK it's a good idea. If you can't have a real fireplace, please skip the kitschy decor. It seems like they are trying too hard to be fining dining but missing the mark in so many ways. I was disappointed with the lack of dessert menu/ choices. It seems like the desserts were a complete afterthought or disregarded as a whole. What a loss! They are missing out on at least another $50 to our bill and revenue for their restaurant.

The first time we visited was our first time, and we came in with a group of 4. We were seated upstairs, which was so hot that we had a difficult time enjoying our out of town guests. I'm glad I had a fan in my purse because I was sweating profusely, which is very uncomfortable. The table next to us was also complaining about the temperature of the upstairs. Our server told us that the ac wasn't working, so I'm wondering why you would seat patrons in a room that is not suitable for a fine dining experience. She was sweating so bad that she was wiping the sweat from her face and neck the whole time. I felt bad for her. It was gross and a turn off to eating here but we were already seated so we decided to stay. She kept apologizing that they were a new restaurant, so they were still working out the kinks. I get it, but there were tables downstairs to seat us at. Our server was great about what the specials were and any recommendations. We ordered several appetizers, steaks, a halibut, and sides to share. The food was well plated, and the flavors were delicious. The wait, however, was atrocious. HOURS waiting on food with no bread or anything but the cocktails we ordered. The second time we visited, we came a little later, in a group if 6, and were again seated upstairs. We were told there was ac on this time. At first, it was okay, but it got increasingly hot as the night went on, and again, I'm sitting there sweating and uncomfortable. The staff was pleasant, but I think some extra training in fine dining might be in order. The young kid that served our water, etc, was awkward, fumbled with our items, and didn't listen well. He seemed confused with what was going on the whole time. Our server was also sweaty and wiping his face a lot. He also kept making the excuse that they were a new restaurant.... stop with the excuses and fix the problems. He either completely forgot to bring the wine bottle for 2 of our guests at the table. The mixed cocktails came out at least 10 minutes before the wine was brought, AND we had to ask for it! The service was horrendously slow. We were there for a total of 3+ hours, and it was because we were waiting on the food the whole time! I love a long meal but only if there is food the whole time. We ordered fairly quickly because we knew what we wanted but also because our server was nowhere to be found, so we wanted to get food in before he disappeared again. No bread, etc, to satiate any hunger pains. The tables next to us also commented on how horribly slow the food was.

Final thought - not worth the wait...

This review includes an introductory story as I lived in San Diego for 40 years and now live in South Carolina; The Search for The Perfect Chile Relleno.

Residents of San Diego are spoiled with excellent Mexican Food everywhere, but an excellent Chile Relleno is hard to find. My plight is that South Carolina's interpretation of a Chile Relleno is foreign and unrecognizable; yuck. So, while visiting San Diego last week, I set out to find The Perfect Chile Relleno.

I headed towards Old Town as a potential opportunity, but upon taking the Taylor Exit, I spotted a restaurant called The Remy, what used to be the Hungry Hunter. The establishment was gutted and completely renovated! Ambiance = Great/Incredible change! I only stopped at The Remy for a beer and a short conversation with the bartender to obtain information to narrow my search for The Perfect Chile Relleno. OK, OK, this is NOT a Mexican Restaurant, and they do NOT make Chile Rellenos; the sign clearly says, "Cocktails & Meat".

I'll cut to the chase...my story was leaked to the Chef, Jammir, who visited with me at the bar, and I shared my story. This is a very talented chef; Jammir said, "Can you stick around for a bit, I don't have all the ingredients, but I want to take this challenge on!" Obviously, I responded affirmatively, and the attached picture of Chef Jammir's Chile Relleno is exquisite...my first bite is evident, and my mind and taste buds were suddenly on an epic epicurean journey. The sauce was impactful, spicy, tomatoey, with notes of flavors that melded into a savory sauce that was only overshadowed by the fluffy, gooey, cheesy, Chile Relleno, that I have been in search for, not for the weekend, but for the last 40 years; I still can't find my socks, they were knocked off!

I spoke with a number of patrons, who all agreed, that this gem of a restaurant is a shining star, not only because of the talents of chef Jammir, and his incredible menus (lunch, dinner, and happy hour), but because of the ambience, the service, the creative cocktails, the cleanliness, and their attention to detail, that may cause you to sit down, and write a positive review like I did.

I want all of you to try something new; take your girlfriend, or wife, and family to the Remy, you won't be disappointed, you will be left with an excited, satisfied pallet, and a desire to return soon, to The Remy.

P.S. I returned later that same evening and enjoyed the amazing Crispy Octopus...I am so sad that I to wait until October to delve into the many exciting food options at The Remy, 2445 Hotel Circle Place, San Diego.

Tell them...

First opening week. I’d had to say, was a little disappointing, but, to be fair, I’ll give them another try when they get the KINKS iron outs.

The restaurant was not fully opened when we had our “dining experience” (Sun., 05/07); upstairs dining room and the downstairs bar/dining area was not open. No one was at the door, but, Greeted by a host/restaurant manger, who let us know they were still not fully open.

Sat at the counter bar instead of the surrounding tables, just so we could interact with the bartender and bar back.

They had a lot of higher end whiskeys (Weller, Rip Van Winkle, Hakushu, Yamazaki, etc.), ALLquit pricey (no price list)! Ask the bartender/bar back for info on what the difference in taste; they didn’t know. Well, I’m always the one, if you are working behind the bar, you should know your liquors.

Well, started with two cocktails; the bartender and bar back were welcoming. Can’t remember what my wife ordered, but she liked it, I ordered the “Manhattan”, but, forgot to tell the bartender, to go with the more expensive liquor. When I went over and told him, he said, he had already poured the least expensive. Told him he didn’t ask me and there wasn’t a notion of correcting. So, I just went with it.

Next, we had the duck salad (good), appetizers: shrimp and sausage (very rich; swimming in sauce) and steak tartar with bone marrow (thought both were going to be mixed together, but, came as two dishes). 1-of-3 bone marrows we’re pretty cold; could not eat. When letting the bartender and bar back know. They didn’t offer to get me a new one or take it off my check.

Lastly, shared the New York steak, because, recent review (SanDiegoVille) mention the establishment as a “high end steakhouse”. A little bit salty for our taste and butter, but, cooked to our liking (Med Rare). Boxed it up, because, I usually can tell if the steaks good the day after. It was still good, but, “high end”, hmmmm.

Had the tour of what they’re planning on doing (members ($150 per month?!)/private room/speakeasy).

Now, the service was good and the staff that we talked with were engaging. No complaints. I’m just, you could call me a “snob” when it comes to dining; I ask a lot of questions. My nature.

To be fair, I’ll be back, in a couple of months. Maybe when they open the “members only” lounge and give...