Rosebud Theatre District

01/14/08

Much to be Desired

by jaynems at Citysearch

A recent post-matinee dinner visit left much to be desired. We had reservations, arrived and were seated on time. We were seated at a table on a corner inside the restaurant and could not count the number of times my chair was kicked or bumped by passing wait staff. The wait staff was far too busy which made our service lacking, though not for lack of effort on the part of our waiter. We had to wait extended periods of time for the waiter to take our beverage order, deliver the beverages, and each following step in the process. We watched numerous other tables, seated after us; get their food, while we waited. Once we received our food, after much delay, one member of our party did not get her food. Despite assurances from the waiter and Maitre d' that the food would be out in a couple of minutes, it was nearly 15 minutes. A kitchen staff member brought it out and had discussion with another waiter as to where the food belonged, all within our sight. It was finally brought to the table. Other members of our party ordered the same item and this particular dish seemed to have been thrown together and did not have the same eye appeal as the other dishes brought out initially. While we were offered and given free dessert it could not overcome the poor experience. The extended delay made for a very poor dining experience. We were at the restaurant for 2.5 hours, with no delay on our part. While a slow paced dining experience can be enjoyable, this was not designed or intended to be as such. During our stay there were also three episodes of glass/dinnerware breakage by the staff, which given the acoustics of the restaurant were highly disruptive. The final episode was tremendous, and probably an entire table full of dinnerware. The quality and price of the food was good, but I would hesitate to frequent this establishment again.

01/15/07

Good for lunches on the Loop

by ndgravy at Citysearch

Going to Rosebud for lunch is a great lunchtime tradition for many of the office workers in the Loop. The restaurant also has a nice free buffett during happy hour right after work that I recommend. The food is very good and come in very large portions. However, the placement of the restaurant, especially the spillage into the building's lobby, does hurt the mood somewhat. I recommend waiting for a table that is located in the actual restaurant if there is a choice.

• Pros: Good Italian in the Loop; Great Pre-Theatre Happy Hour
• Cons: Location in building lobby (With some spillage into lobby)

A great place to visit pre-symphony, this handsome space also draws business types in search of classic, carb-heavy Italian fare.

by Jennifer Olvera at Citysearch

In Short
Tucked into Three First National Plaza, this jovial spot caters to well-heeled working professionals by day and spiffy theater-goers by night. The open floor plan, which includes seating that spills into the building's lobby, tends to create a high-volume situation, yet the wood-backed booths and tables still manage an intimate feel. The large menu abounds with classic Italian favorites, including penne puttanesca tossed with fresh tomatoes, olives, capers and white wine. Many, however, believe the real reason to visit is the chicken Vesuvio, which is sauteed in white wine and served with roasted potatoes and peas. Other plates to try: chicken Parmesan, rigatoni alla vodka and mafaldine Bolognese or pasta ribbons in rich veal-tomato sauce.