05/04/09

Not A Brunch Place

by tadevosy

Ok, so I violated my golden rule of never eating in hotel restaurants at home and went to the Ritz Sunday Brunch for my mom's birthday. I was inspired by an outstanding brunch experience at the Ritz in Grand Cayman and hoped--vainly--that this one would come close. In one word-NO! The most stunning discovery to me (being a New-Yorker, I obviously do not stay in hotels here) was that not all Ritzes are born equal. The service at this one was frankly bad. Sluggish hostess, who, after seeing us standing at the hostess station, dragged her feet across the room for another five minutes and answered the ringing phone before acknowledging our presence. We were approached by a grumpy waiter who asked us what we wanted to drink. We asked for juice and coffee, and he came back with both, poured some for my husband (there were two women in addition to him at the table, and he went to the only guy first!), and turned away to service the other table. When I called him back, he said, without turning--hold on, I'll be right there. Since it is a buffet brunch, we left our plates on the table and went to get desert. When we came back, the plates were still there--five minutes ago. The same unhappy looking waiter eventually asked us if we wanted them removed. t our affirmative, he carefully placed the dirty silverware back on the table--I KID YOU NOT, and took the plates. Now, had I gone to some all-you-can-eat joint on the side of the road, I'd be perfectly happy with this. But for $60 dollars and rather shaky food, surely, they could at least provide decent service. The brunch side was steamed vegetables cooked to a disgusting mashed potato consistency. But all of that I was willing to forgive--if only the service was decent. A particular waitress stood by a table with two customers for roughly 45 minutes, discussing some pressing issue with Broadway, while the rest of the room languished. Perhaps their dinners are better, but certainly not the brunch. Do not go!

• Pros: Shrimp Cocktail Worth Eating
• Cons: Service, Brunch

04/02/09

great food!!

by shishagirlnyc

lobster bisque is all i have to say!! the place is comfortable and the staff in friendly. you must try it!

• Pros: food and staff
• Cons: nothing

02/07/07

Perfect Cozy Dinner on a cold winter evening...

by andreabianca47

Had dinner last night with a friend, the first time to 2 West. The restaurant is in the lobby area and its very roomy with pink and champagne colored walls and accents, dim lighting, which lends itself to a cozy and relaxing ambiance. The staff and waiter are very polite, attentive and genuine, very sweet and not cocky at all. The bread was a cross between dark and white bread, quite yummy. The white plates and dinner ware was very modern and strange looking, very sheik. The wine glasses were huge and VERY sophisticated, the wine list was decent and I had a very dry but good French Merlot. I started with a cup of the lobster bisque which was so delicious!! The broth was not too creamy, and lots of lobster chunks...I should have gotten the bowl. Then I had the special appetizer hot scallops with salad and pomengrates, which was tasty and different. I had the sea bass which was perfect, the basmati rice was a bit dry, so I ordered a side of creamy spinach which was total comfort food! My friend had the filet mignon and fries which was heaven. For dessert, I had the passion mango cheesecake with blueberries, raspberries, very tasty to end off the meal. The dinner was very laid-back, cozy, the food quite delicious, and the staff just right. This is a perfect place for a first date, quiet conversation or to take your mother for her birthday. I would definitely go back and try the steak, esgargot and crabcakes!!

Andrea

• Pros: Dim-lighting, quiet, cozy ambiance, good food, attentive service
• Cons: The rice was dry and had no taste. That's it.