Tallulah -- CLOSED

04/05/08

Tallulah

by frescina at Citysearch

Two friends and I dined at Tallulah last night (4/4/08). We were eager to experience what I had been told was a lovely restaurant. For the most part, the food and service lived up to the hype.

I ordered the salmon with black truffle gnocchi - sounds great, right? Unfortunately, the salmon was far less than medium-rare and the gnocchi was even more of a disappointment. There was absolutely NO FLAVOR at all: no black truffle, not even a single hint of seasoning!

One of my friends had the steak frites (lovely), well prepared and tastey. The other had the fish special of the evening (halibut with strawberries?). Sounded odd to me, but she liked it except for the fish being every so slightly overcooked.

The server thoughtfully gave us our two delicsious desserts for free (chocolate peanut butter mousse - yum, and the crumble/cobbler, also very good), which was kind of her and much appreciated in light of the disappointing entree.

So, by this time, I'm enjoying the experience and thinking I'll definitely revisit this place again.

Then, everything came to a skreetching halt!

The host or whoever he was came over and, I swear, bluntly said: "Um, we kinda need this table." I was sooooo offended I was speechless. Now, being a frequent diner and reviewer I completely understand the need to turn over tables in a small restaurant - totally reasonable. But, what I do not understand nor do I accept is the way in which this idiot approached us about leaving. All I can say is a few select words, graciousness and tact is all it would have taken. I must have had quite an expression on my face because about a nanosecond after he uttered his rude request he quickly offerred us a cocktail at the bar. Too late, buddy.

Now, I'm afraid I have a very sour taste in my mouth and I'm in NO RUSH to return.

I'm sorry Tallulah, but you may want to rethink your customer-facing hire ... he isn't doing you justice!

• Pros: Great atmosphere, nice server, overall very good food
• Cons: The host - rude and unprofessional