We went to Blacksmith’s Bistro & Bar at 3914 St. Elmo Avenue with high hopes of having a great dinner.
We drove out to St. Elmo and found the restaurant just across from the Incline. As we entered, there was no one (or no sign) to tell us if we were to seat ourselves or wait to be seated. We waited a few minutes and, when no one acknowledged us, we took one of the several empty tables and seated ourselves.
After being there for approximately 10 minutes, a server came over and asked, “Has anyone come over to talk to you?” No, no one had, so she said she would notify our server. I was hoping for someone to take our order rather than to “talk” to us. It wasn’t long before a server came over with several pieces of paper, one menu and two wine lists. She said, “Oops, I brought two wine lists instead of menus. I’ll be back.” She returned a few minutes later, laid the menu down, and took off. Not only did she not “talk” to us, she didn’t even acknowledge that we might want something to drink! No drink order, no nothin’.
Wayne and I looked over the menu and had plenty of time to decide what we wanted. We both agreed that the Crab and Leek Fondue ($9) (although the seared quail for $7 sounded tempting) would be our appetizer.
We were wondering when our server might come back as we could see her talking to customers at other tables so it wasn’t like she just disappeared. It was at this point that Wayne decided to turn on his timer. Usually we will sit unnoticed for fifteen minutes and that is our limit; we were already passed that. We have waited longer to have our orders taken, and don’t mind a wait, but we will not sit and be totally unacknowledged.
Finally, one group that she was talking to got up to leave and we thought, “now it’s our turn”. But, alas, it wasn’t to be. She proceeded to clean off their table, carted the dishes away, and then came back with a cloth to clean the table. She even glanced in our direction several times (the table was right across from us). After that she went to get silverware and napkins so it would be ready for the next patrons. Hey – over here – we already have silverware and napkins – we just need someone to ask us what we want!
At 20 minutes after Wayne set his timer, we got up and walked out because we had been there for more than half an hour without so much as a nod. No one even said, “Where are you going?” They might want and need business, but they certainly didn’t want ours! I was so looking forward to the Braised Beef Short Rib with mashed potatoes, snow peas, pearl onions, Chantrelle mushroom sauce and parsnip chips ($21), while Wayne was hoping to try the Pork Chop with Chantrelle mushroom sauce ($17).
Maybe someone else will try it and let us know how it is, because we won’t be finding out. As we left, we wished the couple across from us “good luck” as they were just sitting down. Maybe they would have a different server that wanted to wait on them because ours certainly wasn’t interested.
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