Recently, the Queen of Hearts and I went to the new RedSauce restaurant across from the Sylvan Street Grill with our friends, Legolas and Arwyn. As a public service I'd like to review the restaurant for you:
The Atmosphere: This restaurant didn't shout "Welcome, come have a nice quiet meal with us." In fact, the problem was that it seemed like the restaurant was shouting! There was a noticeable lack of walls which allows the sound from all around to echo throughout the warehouse-like eatery and made communication around our table quite difficult. The decor was attractive: there were beautiful chandeliers over the bar and some of the booths, large flat screen TV's by the bar, and huge black and white photos were placed around the perimeter of the dining area.
The Service: The service was very friendly. We were seated approximately in the amount of time we were quoted when we got there (30 minutes). However, it took longer than expected for our food to arrive. The staff was dressed in formal red coats which fit with the atmosphere of the establishment, but some of the waiters didn't carry themselves as though they were dressed in such attire. It was somewhat distracting and took away from the overall feel of the restaurant.
The Food: While slightly (just ever so slightly) overpriced for the size of the portions, the food was delicious. Our party had the eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and torteloni. The eggplant was cut a bit too thin but was impeccably flavored. The chicken was delicious as well. The torteloni was passable but noting to rave about. Their sauce is obviously something that is a source or pride for them. The sauce was a bit thin, but not too spicy. While I've had better (my mother-in-law's, for example) I thought it was very good as it complimented the seasoning used in the dishes garnished with their red sauce. One way they showcase their sauce is by providing the diner with bread and dipping sauce before the main course arrives.
Overall: I would give RedSauce a three out of five stars. The food was memorable and there is great potential for this establishment. Perhaps the largest problem is the same one that the previous restaurant had in controlling the noise level in the dining area. Random side note: five out of five stars for the restrooms.
So, give it a chance. You don't have much to loose if you are looking for good food. However, if you want to propose or have a deep meaningful conversation, you may want to enjoy your dinner someplace else.
And that's just my opinion.
3 comments:
That noise problem was the same with the previous restaurant that was there. The place is just too big and open ... everyone's noise just bounces all over the place.
Thanks for the review! I've been wondering about that restaurant since they started working on the building. Doesn't really sound like it's worth the money when there are so many other places around without the noise issues, ambience issues, etc.
Hi.. we went to the Redsauce last night and they really *are* too pricey for the portions they sell. I ordered the roasted haddock. Sounds good doesn't it? Well it wasn't good at all - it had absolutely no flavor and she slice of potatoes it sat on tasted as if they were boiled potatoes sliced and place under the haddock rather than roasting it all together for flavor - but then again, the haddock tasted like the chef didn't have any condoments handy. I ordered a Marguerita - I never had a mixed drink that tasted sooooooo horrible and much too strong!.. I had a few sips and could not drink the rest even after asking for and adding ice cubes - that is how strong it was. So the chef uses no condements and the bar tender doesn't know how to mix a good drink. Someone else in our party ordered a different drink and it was the same problem - too much liquor giving it an awful taste.
As for us, we won't be going back there again - next time we'll go to Sylvan's across the street. ;o)
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