12/16/07

Major disappointment

by poet522

Based on the other, stellar reviews, I wish I could find *that* Cresheim Cottage Cafe! The one I ate at last night was suffused with fireplace smoke (waaaaay past ambience) and presented unremarkable and undercooked food. My entree, fish & chips, took nearly an hour to arrive and was still partly raw/doughy when served. We politely asked for the check, minus the sushi, and left. I must say that our overworked waiter was very gracious (and most likely caught in the middle -- I've heard that the chef is also the owner, and if that's true then the waitstaff would have little say in what goes out to the tables).

I believe in supporting neighborhood businesses and when I find a place I like, I tell everyone I know. But based on my experience with this restaurant, I would not go back -- and based on my impression of the owner & staff, my feedback to them in person would not be welcome. All in all, a real shame.

• Cons: Overly smoky, undercooked food, attitude

08/14/07

good dining experience

by i_c_foodnetwork

The food is interesting and tasty for the price. Our waitress was very patient with us because it took us awhile to get seated and decide what to eat. All of the salads are yummy. The desserts are good as well.

They must have accidentally knocked over a Morton's salt into the mashed potatoes the night we ate there...they were really salty! I'm assuming that the chef/kitchen staff might have had an off-day.

• Pros: service, salad, desserts
• Cons: salty mashed potatoes

04/28/07

Consistently good service, fabulous fresh, fresh, fresh food, beautiful outdoor setting in season, romantic fireside dining in fall, winter, spring

by dicarob

This place is my home away from home when eating out. I love a place where the service is attentive, responsive, but not overly intrusive or bothersome. They seem to have achieved the perfect balance. They attract an interesting diverse crowd. I

I don't eat meat, but the rest of my household does. The menu is interesting with daily specials and seasonal changes. My teenage son thinks the mussels in white sauce are to die for. My daughter longs for their chicken wings. I love their soups, salads, crab cakes, tilapia, salmon, various funky veggie dishes. And if you need comfort food--ask if they have their homemade mac and cheese.

We also appreciate the artistry of each dish that's served and the fact that they use locally grown farm produce in season. One day we strolled in to catch an early bite before heading downtown and my husband really had a craving for a juicy fresh grilled burger. Wasn't on the dinner menu. He asked. The waiter checked to make sure they had fresh ingredients available and my husband's craving was fulfilled! Whatever you ask, they aim to please. Unlike a much more expensive place we took friends to recently--Waterworks Cafe on the Schulykill--where we asked for a roll or bread with our appetizer $12 salads and lobster bisque and were told by a flippant waitress "we don't do bread on Saturdays before dinner." They had bread, they just wouldn't serve it unless it was part of the entree ordered (like a burger). And the food was served luke warm and greasy (limp fries, wilted salads)--it had been sitting too long. We figured we paid for the view--but we should have gone to Cresheim instead!

We've taken scores of friends and family out-of-towners to Cresheim. They've all become enthusiasts who ask "can we go there next time?" I've also taken business associates many times and have never been disappointed. So try it. You'll love it.

• Pros: Convenient parking, beautiful outdoor dining, romantic fireside indoor dining
• Cons: Once in a while they are too busy to get in!