"Service, service, service.... The treatment we received was efficient, bordering on surley. No time to crack a smile or answer a question. Some of the food was good. The tunna carpaccio was on point, though wanting for a drizzle of oil. A second course of lobster ravioli served as a main, rather than the second starter I asked for, my companion called “school canteen” food, tough packets of lobster flavoured gunk, more in common with packet ravioli from tesco’s than the lose, silky, self evidently hand made parcels of fresh crustacean I was hoping for. The butter and sage sauce was nowhere to be seen, I believe there were chopped tomatoes instead. The veal was good, sadly not to be had, as promised on line, with capers. The side of beans was as confronting as our server it was so al dente. A bowl of freshly grated parmisan left on our table by another server was a benediction. The bill: £82 change our drinks were a smallish a bottle of sparking water at nearly £5. I had worked out the costing of this meal based on the menu posted online at around £55 60 for actual food drink items. Apparently the new post Brexit/covid/war prices haven't made it on line yet the ravioli main course has gone up from £20 to £26. Even with the 15% service charge we could not have anticipated spending £82 on three plates, a side a bottle of water. Though I specified I wanted the plates in succession making the ravioli a second course before the main as pasta should be in Italy, the two plates were brought together as two mains, not what I had hoped for fair enough, it was after nine by the time we walked in, however it would have been nice to be asked before the chef/server took the executive role for us. With £90 in cash on the table the prevalent attitude was the balance would be a tip on top of the service charge. 25% for service? Possibly ok, if it was pleasant: that we had to ask for our change tells you about the service put a sour note on top of an already kinda dismal meal. I rarely eat out, this was my special treat place, I live around the corner. I thought I was so clever bringing a guest here, the experience was significantly different from the last few times (incidentally, I’ve always sat outside in the past and it’s cramped inside I ended up feeling embarrassed sad. I don't think I’ll be back soon. Here’s to cooking at home. :"
Sauteed Spinach
