09/22/09

Shocked by service & quality

by honestappraisal

I had been looking forward to eating at La Croix for some time, but could only talk friends into going for Restaurant Week, so be it. We were seated immediately, but then unattended for more than 10 minutes in a near empty restaurant. After putting an order in, we got our wine, but took almost 15 minutes more and three requests to get water to the table. Our server recited the specials so fast we could not hear them, and when asked to clarify something just paused and then asked if we were ready to order without answering the question.

The appetizers were beautiful, but unseasoned, flavorless & tiny. I expected small portions, but my entire first course could have been eaten in one mouthful! My friend's soup arrived covered in peanut butter foam (not listed on the menu) which is especially odd, as peanuts have a very high allergen rate and most places always warn of them in dishes. Bread arrived with the first course, but was stale on the outside and soft on the inside, clearly having been cut & left to sit many hours earlier.

Our entrees arrived and were again beautiful and perfectly cooked. Unfortunately they were also unseasoned and terribly bland. The ravioli were also completely mis-made and incorrectly cooked. Again, many of the items on the plate were not listed on the menu, which is very poor form and has a diner receiving food they may not have ordered if given an honest description. Dessert was forgettable and again tiny.

I was really stunned by the whole meal, and very sad having had huge expectations. The lack of seasoning is one of the most basic errors in a kitchen and really silly at the level of cuisine they supposedly provide. Having servers that do not understand the food they are serving is also a simple training issue and really unforgivable at this level of dining.

I am aware that we were eating from the Restaurant Week menu at a discounted price. RW is designed to give you a sample of a restaurant's food so you will come back again at full price. I have no problem spending fairly tremendous amounts of money on food, but not after a sample like this. I have worked in restaurants in Philly that chose to participate in RW and some that would not. La Croix needs to look at what they do and make a more honest appraisal. Putting out food like this will lose them both customers and reputation in the long run.

• Pros: beautifully plated food
• Cons: terrible service, dreadful food absurd portions

01/23/09

Best time EVER!

by lmarko

We were invited out to dinner with my cousin and her husband. They invited us for the chefs table,which we had no idea what to expect. All I can say is WOW!!! We were totally blown away by this experience. When they lead you into the restaurant and take you in the kitchen, I have to admit that was slightly strange, but if we would be treated to the 12 course tasting menu we had, I would gladly sit with the chef's every time I went out. Chef Jason was the most creative, astounding, passionate chef it has been our pleasure to dine with. I read in the paper just the other day that he is only 24 yrs old...well I definitely expect him to have an incredible future, and to become tops in his career. If one can cook at this stage the way he does at such a young age then look out, what a talent. Our waiter Ben was one of the nicest most knowledgeable, attentive, wonderful servers ever!!! I definitely donot want to leave out Max the pastry chef who also was very creative and definitely had a strong sense of pride in his work. All the kitchen staff was so friendly, they really wanted your input, and just gave us a very memorable evening. I would recommend if you want a totally impressive evening that will knock your socks off, treat yourself to this wonderful experience. Thanks again guys...Hope you see this.

Highly acclaimed fine dining hotel restaurant and bar gracefully overlooks Rittenhouse Square's verdant and manicured center.

by Contributor

Named one of Esquire Magazine's best new restaurants when it opened in 2003, the exquisitely polished hotel dining room has evolved past its French roots as subsequent chefs retooled the menu to incorporate a fusion of European, Asian and American influences. Outfitted with a hint of a balanced Japanese aesthetic, Lacroix remains a favorite among genteel locals and a cadre of A-list celebrities. Among them: the wall of windows that opens the vista onto Rittenhouse Square, the lavish brunch, the zesty yet delicate chocolates made on-site, the chef's table inside the kitchen and the open and raised lounge.

11/10/07

best Christmas dinner

by junegirl

I am not usually keen on buffets but this is like anything I have ever experienced. The Christmas Day buffet/dinner is something I think about all year. The items on the buffet are prepared with such skill and then they bring you an Entree from the menu. It's decadent but worth every penny.

• Pros: spectacular food
• Cons: pricey

10/02/07

Wonderful Night

by emaxwell79

I took my sister to the Adolf Biecker spa at the Rittenhouse for her birthday. We finished the day with dinner at Lacroix. I had the four course tasting menu (blue fun tuna, hierloom tomato, rabbit, and foie gras). The portion sizes were perfect. I wasn't hungry, but I didn't feel stuffed. My sister said her ribeye was the best she's ever had. This is a very high compliment since she attended culinary school and also happens to be very picky. We both had this "smore's" type dessert that was AMAZING. When I made the reservation, the woman inquired as to whether it was a special ocassion and I said it was my sister's birthday. They must have made a note of it, because they sent her a beautiful petit fore from the kitchen. The presentation and service were phenomenal.

• Pros: Valet Parking, Excellent Service, Food was prepared perfectly

05/29/07

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE

by rittgent

Our experience at Lacroix the other evening was horrible. From the greeting to the unknowledgeable wait staff to the food and I use that work loosely. One thing after another was a complete disappointment. You'll NEVER see us there again.

03/17/07

HYPE HYPE & EVEN MORE HYPE!!!!!

by foodieonthesquare

We had reservations at James (which we LOVE) but didn't want to trek in the snow to Queen's Village so we opted for Lacroix which is just next door. The room was pleasant with views of the park. We found the staff unknowledgeable on the menu which is inexcusable for a restaurant of this caliber and reputation. The restaurant was not busy we were greeted pleasantly at first then totally ignored but noticed that groups of servers were gathered together with animated personal conversation or doting on the GM and concierge of the hotel having dinner with elaborate wine tastings. At a major discount I'm sure. To get their attention we had to knock on the glass partition, this occurred several times. We ordered cocktails which took forever to arrive, then when we had several questions regarding the menu the server replied with ah ah.... apparently not knowing how each dish was prepared. Was it revenge for banning smoking in restaurants that led the chef to have every item on the menu whether fish or fowl to be smoked smoked smoked! Then when the food came they didn't know who ordered what, it was not hot and a total disappointment to boot. The meats were tough and tasteless, the lobster rubbery and the ravioli accompaniment was uneatable. We can't understand from this meal how Lacroix has received so many accolades especially from Philadelphians who are very much in the know when it comes to good food. Perhaps it is from guests of the hotel who are used to lower standards. We recommend you pass on this mediocre establishment for there are many finer eateries in Philadelphia that merit your patronage.

• Pros: VIEW
• Cons: FOOD+ RUDE UNCARING SERVICE

02/01/07

Wonderful Place

by jd888

Lacroix is such a great find. Had dinner there yesterday. Service was excellent. Food ?.Delicious! I thought the ambience was very romantic. Not as expensive as I thought it would be.

• Pros: ambience, food
• Cons: none

09/04/06

loved it

by pugsthgs

went here for an anniversary. Intimate and relaxed dining. Service was fine and appropriate for a higher end restaurant. Dinner for 2 with a 5 course tasting menu + wine + cheese plate was about $300 + tip. Satisfying french food.

as far as comparison w/Le Bec Fin, it offers different things. Le Bec is a showcase of food and the atmosphere is exciting and the courses are the center of attention. At Lacroix, it is more romantic and relaxed with the food being satisfying but not as exciting as Le Bec (cheaper than Le Bec however).

• Pros: romantic atmosphere, food, service
• Cons: not a place to save money

07/31/06

Lacroix is the Best - trumps Le Bec Fin

by anne28star

This is TRUE fine dining - If you want to spend a nice buck for some great fine dining Lacroix is by far the best place to go. They have the option of "a la carte" or tasting menus in 3, 4, or 5 courses with a lot of dishes to choose from. For an appetizer I started with the "Mussels and Gnocchi Gratin" which had Foie Gras which was PHEONOMENAL! All the courses were wonderful; however I would recommend the Lobster soup, the diver scallops and the short rib- all amazing. And with the tasting menu, desert is included in the price, which was also very delicious. Portion size is smaller in the tasting menus but the flavors are so intense that you probably couldnt go any bigger than what they give. I would suggest splitting an appetizer and then each getting a 3 course meal. Lacroix is definitely not cheap, but worth every penny. I feel ithat Lacroix is better than "Le Bec Fin" because its not as stuffy, the dinning area is beautiful and trendy with a perfect view of Rittenhouse Sq, and the food is something out of this world. Every Philadelphian MUST try this restaurant at least once, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep coming here often!

• Pros: Spectacular food, View of Rittenhouse Sq, Relaxed environment
• Cons: Pricey, but well worth every $