^That was fun.
We've been overbooked if anything. We had to completely redo the schedule, because our Monday night will actually be the busiest (by head count) that we've done yet. And it only gets better as the week goes on. Should be fun. But yes, we're booked solid all week.
frankiefaun wrote:I can't get a decent reservation at Fondue to save my life, what gives?
We've been overbooked if anything. We had to completely redo the schedule, because our Monday night will actually be the busiest (by head count) that we've done yet. And it only gets better as the week goes on. Should be fun. But yes, we're booked solid all week.
trent wrote:^That was fun.
frankiefaun wrote:I can't get a decent reservation at Fondue to save my life, what gives?
We've been overbooked if anything. We had to completely redo the schedule, because our Monday night will actually be the busiest (by head count) that we've done yet. And it only gets better as the week goes on. Should be fun. But yes, we're booked solid all week.
I guess that's because you can only turn the tables once or twice a night. What's the best you can hope for? Three seatings for a table in one night?
We usually book for about 2 hours on a table of 2-4, 2.5 for a table 5-8. But we've got a ton of big parties coming in, and we have to reserve those for about 3 hours. Our hours are 4:30 - 10, during . Which means that our kitchen closes at 10, we still have reservations at 9:30 (and in some cases 9:45).
Since it's a 3 course meal, instead of our usual four course meal, we're hoping to get a little bit quicker of a turnaround.
Since it's a 3 course meal, instead of our usual four course meal, we're hoping to get a little bit quicker of a turnaround.
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trent wrote:We've been overbooked if anything. We had to completely redo the schedule, because our Monday night will actually be the busiest (by head count) that we've done yet. And it only gets better as the week goes on. Should be fun. But yes, we're booked solid all week.
Glad to hear business is good. Maybe you'll see me at SF again at some point, along with other forumers, now that the word is out about the gift certificates on the KMOX website (see the Simply Fondue thread).
foodicles wrote:frankiefaun wrote:Does anybody know if this place is open or when it will open?
They were running some food through the kitchen over the weekend, It looks like they are going to open the doors for Restaurant Week. I would still call ahead to verify if you have reservations.
I was just in Red and they are Not open yet. Couldn't get a straight answer from the a worker. The place still has a lot of cleaning/ organizing before they can open. I still don't see any employees training, etc. Maybe they wised-up and decided not to try to open for an event.
It will be better for them NOT to open. Simply Fondue has been open for two and a half months, and this week is stressing us. I can't imagine being open your first week, and doing 160 covers a night.
I want to see Red open and do well. For their own sake, I hope they aren't open this week.
I want to see Red open and do well. For their own sake, I hope they aren't open this week.
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From what I've heard, Red's been held up with getting utility/AC issues resolved, delaying the opening month by month throughout the summer. It's a shame if it's much further drawn out, especially since the owners are surely wanting to capitalize on the advance press in Sauce/RFT/Alive, likely in connection with the restaurant week promotion. I was really hoping they'd be open this week. Maybe someone can tell me -- are delays in renovations usually this prolonged (in downtown St. Louis)?
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We ate at Copia last night, and the place was packed. Afterwards, we took a walk down Washington, and it looked like the other restaurants in the area were doing a brisk business as well. Washington really looked beautiful - the lighting of the Merchandise Mart, Bankers Lofts, Dorsa Lofts, Bee Hat Lofts, etc. really have a dramatic effect - I hope that the Days Inn and other buildings under development will be lit up as well.
Last night was definitely one of the instances in which I felt like I was in a "real" downtown. Once Post Office Square and its environs are fully rejuvinated, connecting Washington to the downtown core, we're really going to have something special.
Last night was definitely one of the instances in which I felt like I was in a "real" downtown. Once Post Office Square and its environs are fully rejuvinated, connecting Washington to the downtown core, we're really going to have something special.
Monday night we went to dinner at Kemolls. They're not part of the downtown restaurant week. However we did their standard early dinner special: salad, select entrees and desert for $19.95.
Things got pretty busy as dinner went on. A table of 8 out-of-towners sat down by us and I overheard them talking about not being able to get a table at a couple of other restaurants they tried.
Things got pretty busy as dinner went on. A table of 8 out-of-towners sat down by us and I overheard them talking about not being able to get a table at a couple of other restaurants they tried.
Mike Shannons was vibrant on Monday, good food excellent service, however they added in 18% gratuity and 20% for parties of 7 or more for restaurant week. I wasn't really feeling that....you would think restaurant week gives people an opportunity to see what they like and come back if they do which should be good for business anyway
STLight wrote:Mike Shannons was vibrant on Monday, good food excellent service, however they added in 18% gratuity and 20% for parties of 7 or more for restaurant week. I wasn't really feeling that....you would think restaurant week gives people an opportunity to see what they like and come back if they do which should be good for business anyway
Wow, I went at the same time and had the completely opposite experience (other than the auto-grat). I won't post all the details but they're on the stltoday forums if interested.
American Place and Copia so far have been good restaurant week choices.
has anyone been to the mosaic restaurant? does anyone think it would be a good choice for restaurant week?
If you're going with a group of people and enjoying sharing different things, sure. It's a lively place. I've been there at least five times. I was initially impressed, but later found the quality to be hit or miss.dina wrote:has anyone been to the mosaic restaurant? does anyone think it would be a good choice for restaurant week?
I'm a wine drinker, and Mosaic is a great bar downtown to sit down have a nice glass of wine and a couple of Tapas. I've had several items from their menu. All were pretty good. None were great.
I don't know what their menu is like for restaurant week this year, but in years past, it wasn't as great of a deal compared to some other restuarants participating.
Is Harry's participating this year? We went once, and were very impressed with their offerings for restaurant week. I definitely give them the endorsement if you've never gone for dinner.
I don't know what their menu is like for restaurant week this year, but in years past, it wasn't as great of a deal compared to some other restuarants participating.
Is Harry's participating this year? We went once, and were very impressed with their offerings for restaurant week. I definitely give them the endorsement if you've never gone for dinner.
Went to Harry's tonight with a group of foodie friends. Had a great meal with a great view of the downtown skyline. Besides American Place, one of the best values for DRW, imho. Mosaic is a great happy hour spot for downtown!
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did American Place last night and it was terrific. Space was awesome, as it was the first time I had been in. Had the slow cooked Lamb Canneloni.
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dina wrote:has anyone been to the mosaic restaurant? does anyone think it would be a good choice for restaurant week?
I went there for Restaurant Week last year. Had a good meal, but I remember thinking that the $25 deal wasn't necessary there, like the meal that I had would have been a little less than $25 if priced separately.
Went to American Place on Monday. Glad it was only $25 a person. Won't go back especially for full price. It was good but I'd rather go to Mosaic or Shannon’s.
Speaking of, went to Shannon's last night. Awesome, awesome, awesome! The service was a little slow but that was ok, we weren't in any hurry. The place was PACKED so it was forgivable. Hell, we were getting a $75 meal for $25. I can wait a couple minutes.
On a side note, the valet was charging $10. Is it always that much? I always walk there but since we were going with another couple from Ucity and it was 183 degrees outside, they picked us up. Whgen we picked up the car, the valet tried to tell us we didn't pay when we dropped off the car and proceeded to try and charge us again. Of course, we told him we distinctly remember paying him $10. Seems shady.
Speaking of, went to Shannon's last night. Awesome, awesome, awesome! The service was a little slow but that was ok, we weren't in any hurry. The place was PACKED so it was forgivable. Hell, we were getting a $75 meal for $25. I can wait a couple minutes.
On a side note, the valet was charging $10. Is it always that much? I always walk there but since we were going with another couple from Ucity and it was 183 degrees outside, they picked us up. Whgen we picked up the car, the valet tried to tell us we didn't pay when we dropped off the car and proceeded to try and charge us again. Of course, we told him we distinctly remember paying him $10. Seems shady.
Valet @ Shannon's was $6 when we went on Monday night....Loved the food and atmosphere, but it does seem that this restaurant week has made'em a bit shady
Been to Harry's before and I must say downtown skyline view awesome and food and drink just as......one of my fav spots
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^ That's good to know. I haven't been to Harry's in a long time, and you don't hear as much about it anymore (probably because there are so many great restaurants that have popped up throughout downtown in the last three or four years- that's my guess at least).
And while I'm a big fan of Mike Shannon, I've never been that impressed by the restaurant bearing his name (old or new location). My previous experiences there have been okay, but there are many other restaurants at that price level in St. Louis that are far better than "okay" IMHO.
And while I'm a big fan of Mike Shannon, I've never been that impressed by the restaurant bearing his name (old or new location). My previous experiences there have been okay, but there are many other restaurants at that price level in St. Louis that are far better than "okay" IMHO.