We're not restaurant reviewers per se but we can't let things go unnoticed when we pop into places for drinks and a few bites. Case in point - Bar Artisanal, where we were subjected to amateurish service and underwhelming food.
After being seated, we waited ten minutes for some attention from the staff. Then a particularly zealous manager appeared - and gave us the "evening's menus" and a brief overview of how they are designed. Huh? This is a casual place? Then he circled the table, calling everyone sir and answering every request with "my pleasure." By the end of the circle, he had dispensed so much pleasure that we thought we'd need to book a room in the hotel upstairs.
Next up, some crimes against wine.
After being seated, we waited ten minutes for some attention from the staff. Then a particularly zealous manager appeared - and gave us the "evening's menus" and a brief overview of how they are designed. Huh? This is a casual place? Then he circled the table, calling everyone sir and answering every request with "my pleasure." By the end of the circle, he had dispensed so much pleasure that we thought we'd need to book a room in the hotel upstairs.
Next up, some crimes against wine.
The winelist is well structured and there are plenty of good values. You can get wines by the half-glass or glass, as well as by the bottle. Since we were four, we ordered a bottle of white with the intention of moving on to red. When the wine was served, after being tasted by the head of our table, the waiter proceeded to try to pour it all off between four not-very-big glasses. We stopped him with a just bit to spare but it was too late. Later he poured the last bit into one glass instead of spreading it across a few glasses, which was certainly possible. For our second bottle, we chose a red and this time he was able to pour a reasonable amount with some left-over. Later when it was time to finish off the bottle, he seemed completely lost on what to do so we suggested he split it among the remaining drinkers. Ugh, don't they train these guys?
The amateurish service included needing to wave down staff to get bread and steak knives for our hanger steak frites, which proved to be the best dish of the night. Worst dish was the underwhelming Poached Egg, Wild Mushroom, Ramp and Bottarga, which had undercooked ramps and none of the flavor one would expect from the ingredients. Other dishes were underseasoned as well and portions were on the small side, even considering the friendly pricing. Don't expect to be able to share most items at a larger table. The room itself looked great even if it is on the ground floor of an Hilton Garden Inn.
We don't doubt they'll get their act together but for right now, the place is a bit of a mess and should be approached with caution.
Bar Artisanal
268 West Broadway
The amateurish service included needing to wave down staff to get bread and steak knives for our hanger steak frites, which proved to be the best dish of the night. Worst dish was the underwhelming Poached Egg, Wild Mushroom, Ramp and Bottarga, which had undercooked ramps and none of the flavor one would expect from the ingredients. Other dishes were underseasoned as well and portions were on the small side, even considering the friendly pricing. Don't expect to be able to share most items at a larger table. The room itself looked great even if it is on the ground floor of an Hilton Garden Inn.
We don't doubt they'll get their act together but for right now, the place is a bit of a mess and should be approached with caution.
Bar Artisanal
268 West Broadway
Leave a comment