"I had really high expectations of this place since so many people have raved about it, but unfortunately,it turned out to be a less than satisfying dinner experience. I know Michael Bauer eats at a restaurant three times before he writes a review, and my hat goes off to him since in instances like this, I have absolutely no desire to return a second or third time. They pack so many people into such tight quarters, I don’t understand how it can be enjoyable. My husband dropped me off while he looked for parking, and although I was seated promptly between other two-tops within handshake distance from me, the waitstaff completely ignored me. There I sat, for nearly 10 minutes, without anyone acknowledging my presence. No one offered me a glass of water or a menu while I waited. It wasn’t until my husband walked in and joined me that I suddenly became visible. Then, when we did order, the server had to shout in order for my husband to hear him across the tiny table since the din was so loud. The server bellowed deafeningly over my right shoulder and later, I asked him to switch to my other side while I plugged my good ear and he shouted some more. I kid you not. And, as another server cleared a dirty plate from a neighboring table and turned around, he clipped my husband in the head! The food was good, but was lost in the hot, noisy, claustrophobic bustle. I know they recently took over one of our former favorite spots, Clementine, but I’m wary to go back for fear that they’ve doubled the amount of seating to replicate the Chapeau! experience."
