Artisanal Fromagerie and Bistro

04/09/2008 Posted by jes92

My experience at Artisanal last night was so bad it actually motivated me to sign up on CitySearch to write this review. I do so with sadness and regret in that I have for many years enjoyed this lively bistro which, for our neighborhood, was something of a culinary trailblazer at a time when there were not many great dining options. I would venture to say that the food is still pretty good here, but the total rudeness by those staffing the front of the house moved my friend and I to leave before we were even seated. We arrived at the appointed time of our reservation to find one other couple standing at the host's podium and two men in suits (presumably the hosts) with their backs to us, discussing something, and looking into the dining room. We presumed they were trying to find a table for the people in front of us (not difficult since there were MANY empty tables..and we had no problem getting a reservation calling just two hours earlier). This went on for a minute or two, when one of them finally turned around and addressed the people in front of us...they had not checked in yet! What kind of host turns his back to the arriving guests?? They had a reservation, as did we, and the people behind us. All three of these parties were told it would be just a minute, and then the hosts turned their backs on us again and resumed their conversation. After a few minutes, I tapped one of them on the shoulder to ask if there would be a wait so we could make other plans if so...he gave me dirty look, and informed us that our table was ready but it would be a minute before we could be seated...he turned back, then did a double-take to give me a particularly dirty scowl before turning his back on all of us again...so we left! I'm sorry for the talented chef/owner of this establishment that he has such rude, officious hosts ruining a great Murray Hill institution's reputation. I'll keep buying their cheese online, but will never go to the bistro again.

03/29/2008 Posted by lasterd

As echoed by others here, the quality of food and service has dropped substantially. It is sad to see another neighborhood restaurant falter in a location otherwise devoid of quality dining options. Last night's experience there has lost another customer for good. After sitting down, we waited perhaps five minutes for water or a menu, and waited exceptionally long to get our drinks and appetizers. When the entrees came in, I had received the wrong item. The waiter was surprised by the error, and after perhaps another five minutes of waiting, he came back to tell me that they had run out of the dish. He said I could select another entree and it would come immediately. I picked the wild mushroom risotto and waited at least 20 minutes for it to arrive. Meanwhile my fellow diner was being neglected by the waitstaff, not even receiving refills of water. Finally I gave up on the order and asked another waiter for our check. I never received my entree. The check came back and everything but my entree was on the bill a total of $80. Not even a token discount or drinks removed from the order! According to the time on the receipt, we wasted an hour and a half there for one round of drinks, apps, and half of our table's food for $80. Meanwhile, the quality of the food was lacking compared to most restaurants in this price range. The foie gras millette was eggy and had an intense mayonnaise flavor. The gnocci dish was unbalanced with it's root vegetables. The risotto was soft and lacked truffle flavor. If you are looking for a brasserie experience, head to Balthazar or Pastis instead, or go a couple blocks away to Le Halles.

Pros: Convenient Murray Hill Location

Cons: Abhorrent service, overpriced and underperforming