My friend and I have been to this restaurant several times. It has become somewhat of a tradition for us because the food is consistently exceptional. Even the bread and the house-made butter are memorable, which says a lot about the care put into the menu. Every dish we have tried over multiple visits has been impressive, and the kitchen deserves recognition for that level of quality.
I also want to note that our bartender was very knowledgeable about wine. She took time to explain pairings and origins (France, Ontario county, etc.), and at dessert she offered us an exquisite amaretto and a high-quality spiced rum for my friend. Those details were appreciated.
During this visit, however, the service dynamic at the bar did not align with the overall standard of the restaurant.
While we were seated at the bar, the bartender and another staff member were at moments engaged in personal conversations. I have worked in hospitality management, so I understand staff communication happens, but in a high-end environment those conversations should remain discreet. Anything said at the bar can be heard from one end to the other, so what guests hear should ideally relate to service or the dining experience.
After we had already paid and tipped, I decided to offer feedback. I said to the bartender directly that staff should be mindful of what is said at the bar, since conversations can be overheard and misinterpreted. I was not trying to obtain anything; I directly expressed that discretion matters in environments like this.
The reaction was unexpectedly defensive and disproportionate. The bartender insisted that I was “accusing” her and demanded that I repeat exactly what she had said. Her tone escalated enough that other staff members paused to observe the exchange. At that point, I became reactive as well, which I acknowledge. However, the dialogue did not involve insults or raised voices on my end, and once I realized the conversation was becoming unproductive, I chose to end the interaction. I thanked her, my friend praised the food again and we said goodbye, leaving respectfully.
I really enjoy this restaurant, and that is why we keep coming back. This feedback is not about the kitchen or the venue, but about the service dynamic at the bar on this particular evening. In a restaurant operating at this level, professionalism and discretion are part of the guest experience.
I hope management reviews this, because the kitchen consistently delivers excellence and deserves service that reflects the same standard.
