The layout of this restaurant is confusing as it blends into the lobby of the hotel.
We were not greeted upon arrival. Then told we could seat ourselves. We collected our own menus and headed to a booth area at the far side of the bar, as we passed by, the bartender calls out asking in front of other patrons if everyone was 21. My adult son is not. He answers, "I am not going to sit at the bar, we are going to sit over there in a booth". Then we are told this whole section is the bar and he cannot sit there. No apologies were given. And I did not appreciate the lack of privacy and manners. Still no assistance from staff finding seats. ANYONE can sit in a booth or at a table, they just can't sit at the bar. Someone needs to educate the bartender. None of us were ordering alcohol anyway.
Looking back, we should have left at this point. But, sadly, we stayed, made our way to the other brightly lit area and sat down. Neither of us like bright lights. The bench my spouse sat on was uncomfortable and one cannot lean back because there really isn't a back. There is no way to tell where the restaurant begins and ends. And the only nicer places to sit were behind the bar area.
The server had a good demeanor which is why we stayed.
Food is quite pricey for what it is and portions you receive. Lastly, BLACK FOREST cake (our original review called the dessert the wrong name and this was pointed out) is a very specific dessert. If someone is going to do their version or "vision", this should be very clear on the menu. And whether one is doing the German chocolate cake or the Swedish version of this torte, there is cake and most importantly Kirsch. You should taste Kirsch easily, the cherries should be marinated in it. What this restaurant has is NOT Black Forest Cake, it's more a vanilla mousse with a few cherries and cream. Since it was promoted online as a pastry chef creation, I expected something fabulous and worth the price. As a matter of fact, I expected that with all the items. My son enjoyed his French onion soup, but it was a tiny bowl and the Brussels sprouts were tasty, but oily and small portioned for a small plate. More appropriate to label this a side dish. This was not what I expect from a place saying there are chefs and charging the prices of a high-end restaurant. So, after checking around online for what was supposed to be a special meal and my spouse's birthday cake, instead we got an uncomfortable experience in more than one way and huge disappointment.
At the very least Bistro - read the review as intended. Advertise your "creations" properly. And when someone arrives do not yell at them across a bar.
