11/22/08

Good food, pitiful service

by FitlerSquareDad

Ever heard the Fountains of Wayne song "Haley's Waitress"? You know, the one where the server disappears for long stretches of time? Well, Haley's Waitress is a man and works at Brasserie Perrier.

After an absence of a few years, we returned to Brassier Perrier. Memories of flavorful Steak Frites and well balanced service called us back. Sadly, on a recent night we found the formerly bustling setting sparsely populated and off it's game, even though Chef Chris Scaduzzi was in the kitchen. The food and service were both highly variable - the food ranged from a tough hanger steak and overly sweet pear crisp to a flavorful, tender lamb shank and perfect warm chocolate cake with ginger ice cream; the service ran the gamut from attentive and solicitous to missing in action.

The setting is still swanky (if showing its age a bit) and the menu still creative. A leisurely meal with good friends is something to celebrate and savor, but waiting to order, waiting for coffee, waiting for the check, all the while frantically trying to make eye contact and eventually resorting to waiving ones arms at any passing server makes for a less than relaxing evening. Had we been tucked away on the raised platform in the back it would have been more understandable, but we were across from the main bus station, simply forgotten or ignored. At $85/head, I expect more.

• Pros: Distinctive, elegant setting
• Cons: Food quality is variable, service lapses frequent

09/15/08

Underwhemled

by subdose

I thought this was supposed to be one of the best restaurants in Philly.

My date and I went during restaurant week. To me, Restaurant Week seems like it would be a great opportunity to impress patrons that usually might not dine at your restaurant. To Perrier, however, it seems like they rolled their eyes and muddled their way through it.

The upstairs dining room we sat in was a bit too well lit, the decor gaudy, and frankly I felt like I was at a wedding reception or catered event rather than at a fine dining establishment. The escargot came in dreary cafeteria-style plain dishware with no artistry or attention paid to presentation. It was tasty, but nothing exceptional. The rib-eye steak was cooked properly but again completely uninspired in presentation. Just slapped onto a white plate atop a puddle of mashed potatoes with a bit of garnish thrown on top. Dessert was more of the same.

Look, the food was decent, but I thought this place was supposed to be top-notch. I would never go back here, especially at the prices they typically charge. This place needs someone to come in and kick them in the rear, big-time.

07/03/08

LIKE BEING AT A SWANKY PARIS BISTRO

by TGORDO

The food, atmosphere & service here makes you feel like you are in Paris again. The grilled items here are always a winner. Beautiful selection of wines to complement dinner.

• Pros: food atmosphere
• Cons: parking