I Will Have My Freedom Fries, Thank You!
Though it's hardly over, I can't help but share some reviews from this weekend's jaunts in Coral Gables and South Miami ...
I went there because a friend of mine announced they'd be celebrating their new ownership with a free drinks/horsd'oeuvre party on Friday night. I went earlier than party time just to get out of the house in the hopes of savoring a nice meal. I don't think twice about dining out alone as it's one of many great pleasures I have when traveling abroad ... so why not do it in my own backyard?
Well, the place was packed, but I didn't mind sitting at the bar. Two kind ladies moved one stool over so I could have a seat. But guess what? The bartender completely ignored me for 30 minutes. Not one acknowledgement, look in the eye, point a finger -- nothing, nada, rien de rien.
He eventually gained assistance from a second bartender and had no more than a dozen customers seated to tend to. To be fair, I'm assuming he was also giving service to the waiters, but still. I've bartended before. I've been to clubs with five hundred horny and ornery customers demanding drinks over loud, pumping music where I've gotten faster, friendlier service than this. In a quieter situation as in this French bistro, it's puzzling at how he completely ignored me as a customer.
After 30 minutes, an elderly French couple sat next to me and then it was all "oo-la-la bisous bisous" (by the way, I speak French) and when the bartender finally took my order, he served the couple and not me, moving on to another order at the other end of the bar. Now, I don't know about you, but I'm just not the kind of masochistic person who relishes being tortured at the velvet rope, especially if my belly is growling and my throat is parched. And then I thought "What? Do I need a penis next to me to be acknowledged?"
At this point, I simply got up and left.
Excuse my French, but this was incredibly fucking rude pretentious bullshit. Had I really been an actual tourist, what kind of impression would I have of Miami at this point?
Good thing I'm not writing for Conde Nast ... though I'm sure original founder Anthony Bourdain would appreciate my language, clearly he would not accept this kind of service.
Fortunately, it's not like that at other places in Coral Gables. I ended up bumping into former Metroblogger Blaine Zuver and we headed out to The Bar in Coral Gables because Houston's was wall-to-wall crowded. (Why? Do they serve crack there?) At The Bar, we got drinks lickety split within FIVE MINUTES of being at a much more crowded establishment than Les Halles. Talk about good service. Nosh followed later at Novecento, which has never disappointed. Their ceviche and empanadas made a nice appetizer-based supper. If you go, definitely try the empanadas.
Last night, I had dinner with a friend at Jake's in South Miami, which sells itself as a "watering hole for grown ups" and it's very true. The service there is excellent, the atmosphere is pleasant -- not too upscale but decidely elegant. If you go, ask for Sean -- he's a great bartender. The food is really fresh and reasonably priced and they offer delicious little tapas during happy hour (like the olives stuffed with chorizo). Yesterday, my friend and I shared a portobello mushroom appetizer that was to die for. Afterwards, I followed with a tuna sandwich on very healthy whole grain and nut bread.
Bon appetit, everyone.
