Restaurants with Great Service

[bookluvingbabe]

I'm not going to touch on the late unpleasantness but it got me thinking that very few places get that the food can be perfect but a single rotten apple of an employee does more damage than anything else.

Rather than list the places that don't get it, I wanted to give a shout out to those that do.

My first selection is Proof. In addition to amazing food, the service is friendly and engaged. The host staff and managers take their work seriously as well.

Next is Dino. I experienced a ditzy server here and there at Dino but I also know that if I say something to Dean or Kay, that the training will be reviewed and it won't happen again.

I have more to list but I have a small child rioting for breakfast...

[monavano]

Interestingly, in light of the late unpleasantness, I'd like to give a shout out to BlackSalt in Pallisades. Rather than get into the delicious hot starters, entrees and dessert (shared) that Mr. MV and I had, I will say that our server was just spot on. She was gracious and solicitous in her desire to help us navigate the menu.

I also noted in the quieter back room that in general, the servers blended in with the tranquil atmosphere, which I would attribute to their training.

It's a really good thing when you go to a highly-regarded (at least on DR ) restaurant for the first time and "get it", thinking, "why have we not been here before?"

[Escoffier]

Brabo. Amazing service, very attentive when necessary but leave you alone with your companions otherwise.

[sandynva]

i don't know that this is directly on point, as the food at both places is excellent, but the service at Tosca and Vidalia has always been a major bonus for me. they both manage to be distinctly gracious and welcoming, and attentive without being intrusive. On eof the things i regret is losing the feeling i had when i was little and dining out. then, it felt very special and gracious, and it was lovely to be taken care of. These places come close to recreating that feeling for me, so much so that i'd probably go even if the food wasn't good. but luckily, their food is as good as their service.

[MarkS]

Volt- When I last dined there service was perfect. Attentive, extremly knowledgeable yet not over bearing.

[sphere777]

Volt- When I last dined there service was perfect. Attentive, extremly knowledgeable yet not over bearing.

I agree. When I went there solo for the prie fixe lunch on a jam-packed Saturday afternoon, the service felt as gracious as if I was the only person there.

Rob

[ktmoomau]

Another vote for Proof. Just plain outstanding service in every regard I could think of. I would also say that Hubby and I have gotten absolutely stellar amazing service at Fiola and CityZen too.

[Michael Landrum]

Another vote for Proof. Just plain outstanding service in every regard I could think of.

And it may be getting even better. It's with great pride that I can say that one of the best co-workers I've had the pleasure of working with at Ray's, Tyler, is returning to his original fold at Proof after several great years of service with us.

He's the one who looks like a younger, cuter Justin Bieber.

I'd be mad, but it's a little bit like a Wilbur/Charlotte's Web thing versus a Willard/Ernest Borgnine thing.

[hmmboy]

Thanks Michael. We could not be happier to have Tyler rejoin us - he is a terrific professional (though I personally find Bieber a bit cuter). And just so it is clear, his return was unsolicited - we would never poach from a friend. I have had a rough day dealing for several hours with - how shall I put this - "challenging" comments from the permit reviewers at DCRA on our new project. But reading this thread and the kudos to my great staff at Proof turned everything around. Thank you.

PS. You have named many of the city's great service spots, but I have to add that for me Marcel's has long been the standard bearer of great service in this town.

[Escoffier]

Another vote for Marcel's and for Volt. Eight of us had dinner at Volt one Thursday evening and left comfortably full from fabulous food and impressed with the level of service. (Now if Proof would just get Jessie back, the kudos would be even louder.)

[Tujague]

How about a shout-out to those non-"name" places we all frequent, that don't get (or even necessarily deserve) any kudos for their food, but employ staff who know a thing or two about customer service that would put the bigger names to shame--those places we may even be a little embarrassed to say we enjoy ("You eat THERE???"), in large part because a server or a bartender or pizzaiolo knows our name, our preferences, gives the little extra to know you're welcome and appreciated. (I'm looking at you, Ramon.) Even if they go unnamed, they are the places where we all have learned what kind of service to expect, even demand. Cheers!

[saf]

How about a shout-out to those non-"name" places we all frequent, that don't get (or even necessarily deserve) any kudos for their food, but employ staff who know a thing or two about customer service that would put the bigger names to shame

OK, I'll admit to being a regular at the Red Derby, both for the good beer and for the burgers.

And the service is always great. Very casual, but great!

[hapatite]

• I agree with Volt - it stands out in my mind as one of the *best* service experiences in my life. Friendly, energetic, and informative without being condescending.
  
• Green Pig - Service is always authentic and nice (though a bit slow)
  
• Inox (RIP) - the chef came out and talked to us and let us have extra bread! Had mixed results with waiters here though
  
• Sweetwater Tavern - service is great here because the waiters work together to provide you a seamless experience
  
• Rasika - easily provide recommendations and no rush for pre-theatre menu ordering
  
• Rogue 24
  

[DPop]

For me, this conversation begins and ends with Proof, but a few others that haven't been mentioned are CityZen, Adour, and Plume, which along with Marcel's have perhaps the most elegant service in the city. I'm also particularly fond of Tosca, The Source, and Fiola.

[lperry]

Palena Café, and on the lower end, we always get wonderful service at Taqueria Poblano, and the food is reliable.

[hopsing]

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

[kirite]

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

My vote goes to Crystal Thai. We are regulars there. As soon as we sit down, they have already delivered a Wild Turkey on the Rocks for me and a sparkling water for my husband. When I ask for tofu tod not too crispy and pad see ew not too salty, they do exactly that. I am spoiled for any other Thai restaurant.

I'd add The Oval Room and Corduroy for the city and Nostos for the suburbs.

[TedE]

The food is for another discussion, but the service at Old Ebbitt is day in and day out some of the best in town, at least at the bars. The Clyde's group usually gets high marks for service and training all around (and it seems rightfully so), but the staff at OEB is just consistently good, and good consistently. The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

[SeanMike]

Not to nitpick, but I'd say there's a difference between restaurants with great service for everybody, and ones with great service for regulars.

There are a number of restaurants I go to where I'm a regular, or where I know a lot of the staff. And that often means I get different service than someone who walks in off the street.

[JuneBacon]

The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

Except for that time they were stealing people's credit card #s. I have had some of the worst experiences here, including them thinking the $250 in cash we left to take off of the top was their tip.

So as to not end on a negative note...

BEST service we have ever encountered was at Morrison House. We had our wedding dinner there for 14 people in a private room. We have never been waited on hand and foot so happily by a group of servers, ever. They graciously accomodated ever request we had and were super knowledgable and helpful. You can rack this up to it being a private event, but it was only dinner for 14. (FOOD was fantastic as well.)

[goldenticket]

Palena Café, and on the lower end, we always get wonderful service at Taqueria Poblano, and the food is reliable.

I was just thinking that I needed to add Taqueria Poblano (Del Ray) to this list - I completely agree with lperry's comments.

Also on the lower end, the staff at the Hard Times Cafe in Old Town consistently provide excellent, friendly, and efficient service. As do the folks at Kotobuki, which I mostly use for carry out, but they are always friendly and my order is always ready to go and just as I ordered.

[genericeric]

The food is for another discussion, but the service at Old Ebbitt is day in and day out some of the best in town, at least at the bars. The Clyde's group usually gets high marks for service and training all around (and it seems rightfully so), but the staff at OEB is just consistently good, and good consistently. The other locations clearly aim for the same high marks, but miss occasionally (I'm looking at you, Clyde's of Gallery Place).

I completely agree about the bar staff at the Ebbitt. The trick about Ebbitt is most of their best staff work the bars on Monday - Thursday evenings. Weekends can be more hit or miss depending on the bar and day.

Similar to JuneBacon, I've had some experiences at Gallery Place that were so bad that I won't return.

[JPW]

At the expensive end my vote would go to the Oval Room for consistently having the best service.

At the inexpensive end I'm too biased by connections and familiarty to give an honest opinion about most places.

For example, when I walk in the door at Joe's, they know what I want before I do.

At both ends I won't go back to places with bad service.

[wendydb22]

I love this thread and all the positive energy!

Especially in the light of a rough weekend for all of us in the biz who lost power and threw away so much food this weekend.

Posting mostly for ARL since I don't get out much.

Service with a smile from the following: and in no particlular order.

Tauqeria Poblano - Lee Harrison Center - We always sit at the bar. Most of the servers have been there 10 yrs!

Lost Dog Cafe - Westover

Boulevard Woodgrill - one word - BILLY

Rest. 3 (sadly closed)

Green Pig

Tandoori Nights - Martin

Have a Happy 4th!

-Wendy

p.s. if someone can recommend a priest or shamon or remover of Haints for all of our HVAC systems, I'd be open to that!

LOL

[zoramargolis]

An extreme reaction to slow service.

[dinwiddie]

I must say that the service I have received at Cedar both times I have dined there has been fantastic.

[giant shrimp]

I am surprised nobody has mentioned Little Serow (maybe they have and I scanned down the list too quickly). It's a lot of work delivering so many courses to the table. The servers pace it just right and they know what goes into each dish. They are equally adept in their tasting notes for the wine list and at introducing you to the ice wines, concoctions that go well with the food but that I probably would not have bothered to explore otherwise. They are also friendly without carrying things too far. I would say the service here is as expert as at Komi, which is another thing that makes this restaurant a bargain. At both places I feel like I am living briefly in a glamorous movie, and that is something you can't get from 3D.

I agree with those above who have cited the Oval Room for its exemplary service, but things can be taken too far when they remember the last time you were in, and it was a few years ago (they are wrong), and they know what you like to drink. They remember you at Little Serow, too, even how many times you have visited, but they don't rely on Open Table to read your mind. (At least I believe that is the source of the information at the Oval Room). Also, the dining room looks a little tattered these days. A little patching up would do. The food is still as good as ever here, so they don't need the major renovation Jaleo resorted to -- or a sprinkling of pork informed by acorns and morels in cocktails -- in order to signal that the kitchen has improved and divert faithful diners from memories of earlier times when the dishes were even better.

[Pool Boy]

We recently had quite good service at Macon Bistro & Larder.

[DonRocks]

We recently had quite good service at Macon Bistro & Larder.

Can you expand? (Just a couple sentences for my own curiosity.)

[bookluvingbabe]

(I love when a thread pops back up and I see how "clever" I was trying to be and for the life of me I have no clue what I meant or what the controversy was in 2012 that prompted me to start the thread in the first place.)

Locally, the service at Athens Grill is terrific.  The owner knows everyone--by your second visit you are a regular. He knows everyone's kids, their spouses, he knows their voices on the phone even when you haven't ordered in forever and call from a different phone number.  And the food is solid.

I think Coastal Flats at Downtown Crown is trying really hard.  But in the 6 months or so they've been open they haven't quite hit their stride or had a sufficiently stable staff to elevate them to where they are striving.

[Pool Boy]

Can you expand? (Just a couple sentences for my own curiosity.)

They were gracious on the phone when I called because we were running late for our reservation (damn Metro was slooooooow for my wife making her way to Friendship Heights where I was to pick her up). When we got there, they quickly separated a table set up for 4 to make it a two top to give us the prime window spot (so we could people watch, naturally). And our server (who, it turns out, had been a server for a while at Mussel Bar in Bethesda, but hey I have not been there in 2 or 3 years) was just great. She knew the menu, went over the snacks (hence how I ordered the fried oysters) and the specials.  Also had a chance to chat briefly with the GM before we left. Just very friendly and relaxed, but professional and not toooo friendly/casual. There is a fine line there where friendly/casual overtakes the professional side of things -- this is not the case here. They threaded the needle perfectly.

[pras]

I think Coastal Flats at Downtown Crown is trying really hard.  But in the 6 months or so they've been open they haven't quite hit their stride or had a sufficiently stable staff to elevate them to where they are striving.

It is interesting to see how long it takes a place to hit their stride.  I had some issues at the Germantown Wegmans and discussed them with the manager.  My experience with the chain was from up in Syracuse (the Dewitt store to be exact).  The manager said that he helped open the Dewitt store along with many of the stores here locally and that it takes him a couple of years to get the store where he wants it to be, to have a staff that really understand and buy into the company's culture.  I am not sure how this translates to a restaurant, or what a sufficient time frame is, but it spoke volumes from the manager how Wegmans is invested in their stores and is willing to take the time so that it runs correctly, their way.

[DaveO]

I love this thread and all the positive energy!

Especially in the light of a rough weekend for all of us in the biz who lost power and threw away so much food this weekend.

Posting mostly for ARL since I don't get out much.

Service with a smile from the following: and in no particlular order.

Tauqeria Poblano - Lee Harrison Center - We always sit at the bar. Most of the servers have been there 10 yrs!

Lost Dog Cafe - Westover

Boulevard Woodgrill - one word - BILLY

Rest. 3 (sadly closed)

Green Pig

Tandoori Nights - Martin

Have a Happy 4th!

-Wendy

p.s. if someone can recommend a priest or shamon or remover of Haints for all of our HVAC systems, I'd be open to that!

LOL

I can believe that part about Billy.  btw:  I believe he has left and is elsewhere in Arlington.

[darkstar965]

Palena had great service over the years. Friendly, professional and memorable. Anyone remember servers like Courtney, who left to go home to Mississippi or Louisiana maybe 5 years before the restaurant closed? Incredibly nice. Or how about Ben, also maybe from 6 or 7 years ago? Think he went to a downtown eating club of some kind. He was the best kind of character; we always learned sonething and felt we were in the best of hands. And, of course, Kelli (now oval room) has to be as wonderful a FOH GM as any in the city. So many more I'm forgetting. Before the expansion especially, it was such a special culture and team to complement the wonderful food.

[DaveO]

I love this thread and all the positive energy!

Especially in the light of a rough weekend for all of us in the biz who lost power and threw away so much food this weekend.

Posting mostly for ARL since I don't get out much.

Service with a smile from the following: and in no particlular order.

Tauqeria Poblano - Lee Harrison Center - We always sit at the bar. Most of the servers have been there 10 yrs!

Lost Dog Cafe - Westover

Boulevard Woodgrill - one word - BILLY

Rest. 3 (sadly closed)

Green Pig

Tandoori Nights - Martin

Have a Happy 4th!

-Wendy

p.s. if someone can recommend a priest or shamon or remover of Haints for all of our HVAC systems, I'd be open to that!

LOL

I ran into Billy on the street in North Arlington. He left Boulevard Cafe and had worked at Muscle Bar and Grill and now isn't working. I have no idea why. He is such a great FOH person.

Then I scanned yelp reviews for his name for the two above mentioned restaurants. His name comes up in a variety of reviews, and the commentators always love him. There were no reviews wherein his name was associated with bad service. The guy is simply great. If I were a restaurant operator I'd vacuum him up in a minute, and market him. The guy brings in business because his service is so exceptional.

---

For those particularly fond of Billy's terrific customer service he is currently working as a waiter at Old Ebbitt on lunch shifts (don't know the days).

[Genevieve]

Fiola Mare - went there last year for our anniversary, and I have rarely seen such attentive service (but not overly so) and warmth and attention to detail.  We're going back for our anniversary this year because both the food and the service made it so wonderful.

At Garrison, the bartender was wonderful while I was waiting for my table since my friend had trouble finding parking - she made me a marvelous mocktail that wasn't on the menu, asked what I knew about the menu and what I was thinking of ordering, and made great recommendations.

[cheezepowder]

Plume's service impressed me.  I felt like treating myself to a relaxing, multi-course dinner, and I was curious about Plume so I made a reservation for one.  I sat in the dining room, and the service - from the hosts to the server to the sommelier - was super.  For example, without my asking, the sommelier came around to give me recommendations even though I was only looking at wines by the glass.  She was very helpful and friendly.  Also, the server brought me an extra course for some reason.  I didn't feel neglected or made to feel awkward for being a solo diner.

[Genevieve]

Me Jana has always had wonderful service when I've been there, both my first few times, and as I've become a regular (more like a once-every-couple-of-months regular than a true regular, but the owner always recognizes us and gives us a very warm welcome).  

[DonRocks]

I agree with all four of these last restaurants, with Me Jana being on the level (and having the level's best attributes) of a "friendly, neighborhood, mom and pop" more than the others, which have polished, professional programs - all four are excellent.

[dracisk]

I ate recently at Tiffin in Takoma Park. The food was tasty and the service was generally more than competent, but they were so amazingly nice to my toddler. When we fed her a pakora that we thought was a green bean and turned out to be a hot pepper (oops) they brought her a scoop of vanilla ice cream to cool off her mouth. After her shoe fell off during the meal two members of the wait staff came over separately and asked her in a really cute way whether she lost her shoe and if the shoe on the floor might be hers. We've never had anyone be less than pleasant to her in a restaurant, but they were so extra nice I had to give them a shout out.

[DaveO]

Me Jana has always had wonderful service when I've been there, both my first few times, and as I've become a regular (more like a once-every-couple-of-months regular than a true regular, but the owner always recognizes us and gives us a very warm welcome).  

Both of the owners are very nice.  They are good at recognizing repeat customers and will make them feel at home.  Additionally they have a large percentage of core FOH staff that have been there for years.  Pretty stable....and those staff give great service.  Really a very friendly environment with many excellent dishes  (get the lamb chops--they are melt in your mouth delicious)

[The Hersch]

Fiola Mare - went there last year for our anniversary, and I have rarely seen such attentive service (but not overly so) and warmth and attention to detail. 

I had dinner with family at Fiola Mare the Saturday evening before last, and I should probably post a full review in the restaurant's own thread, but for now I'll say that all of us agreed that the service was pretty bad. It could be we had the only sub-par waiter in the place; I don't know: It was my only time there. We had to practically beg the waiter, repeatedly (when we could get his attention), to pour more of the wine we had ordered, both the first and second bottle. We couldn't pour it for ourselves, because it wasn't merely out of reach, it was out of sight and we had no idea where it was. If a restaurant takes that approach to wine service, they better damned well pay attention and pour the wine as the glasses get empty.

The other major service lapse (and there were other minor deficiencies) was this: Three of the four of us fancied octopus for a main course. I think with younger eyes (even at my advanced age, I was the youngest of the party) we might have seen that the octopus on the menu was listed as one pound, but we didn't, and when all three of us ordered the grilled octopus, the waiter really ought to have asked us if we were aware we were ordering enough for about eight people. But not a word. As the only one of our party who lives in the area, I ended up taking more than two pounds of the stuff home, and after eating as much as I wanted in the following few days, threw most of two pounds away.  I don't call that good service, I call it utterly careless. (The grilled octopus was delicious, as was everything else we had.)

At some point there was some verbal exchange with the waiter about the food, and he said something like "I don't know, I'm not a chef!" as he walked away, and I commented "you're really not even a waiter." This got a big laugh from my companions, but it was, shall I say, rueful.

[reedm]

I had dinner with family at Fiola Mare the Saturday evening before last, and I should probably post a full review in the restaurant's own thread, but for now I'll say that all of us agreed that the service was pretty bad. It could be we had the only sub-par waiter in the place; I don't know: It was my only time there. We had to practically beg the waiter, repeatedly (when we could get his attention), to pour more of the wine we had ordered, both the first and second bottle. We couldn't pour it for ourselves, because it wasn't merely out of reach, it was out of sight and we had no idea where it was. If a restaurant takes that approach to wine service, they better damned well pay attention and pour the wine as the glasses get empty.

The other major service lapse (and there were other minor deficiencies) was this: Three of the four of us fancied octopus for a main course. I think with younger eyes (even at my advanced age, I was the youngest of the party) we might have seen that the octopus on the menu was listed as one pound, but we didn't, and when all three of us ordered the grilled octopus, the waiter really ought to have asked us if we were aware we were ordering enough for about eight people. But not a word. As the only one of our party who lives in the area, I ended up taking more than two pounds of the stuff home, and after eating as much as I wanted in the following few days, threw most of two pounds away.  I don't call that good service, I call it utterly careless. (The grilled octopus was delicious, as was everything else we had.)

At some point there was some verbal exchange with the waiter about the food, and he said something like "I don't know, I'm not a chef!" as he walked away, and I commented "you're really not even a waiter." This got a big laugh from my companions, but it was, shall I say, rueful.

That's shockingly poor service for Fiola Mare (or any of the Fiola restaurants, for that matter). Don't take this question as a criticism, but did you speak with a manager? If you hadn't considered it already, I would send an email to the restaurant. I bet you will get a reply.

[reedm]

My favorite restaurants for outstanding service are Fiola and Fiola Mare, Rose's Luxury, and Little Serow. I've had celebratory meals at Fiola and Rose's Luxury, and was more than pleased every time. Little Serow's service is always friendly, welcoming and helpful, in a way that, like Rose's, appears to be casual, but is in reality probably very practiced and polished.

The service at ABC Canteen, even though it is a fast-casual spot, also makes my list because of the incredibly helpful and friendly atmosphere.

[The Hersch]

That's shockingly poor service for Fiola Mare (or any of the Fiola restaurants, for that matter). Don't take this question as a criticism, but did you speak with a manager? If you hadn't considered it already, I would send an email to the restaurant. I bet you will get a reply.

No, we didn't speak with a manager. I know that's what you're supposed to do, but on an occasion such as this, raising a fuss about the service would have transformed the experience from an annoying service issue to a ruined evening, and none of us wanted to do that. However much that might have benefited future diners, it would have made our dinner incomparably worse. The "raise the issue on the spot" mantra often fails to take into account the affect that that course of action can have on an otherwise not terribly bad evening. Maybe an email now would have some kind of salutary effect, but I can't quite think of what it would be. I'm certainly not looking to have something comped.

[The Hersch]

If you want first-class service, along with first-class food, there's nowhere better than Marcel's. The best service you're ever likely to experience in Washington, and probably the best food too. And they don't make you wait in the street!

[DonRocks]

If you want first-class service, along with first-class food, there's nowhere better than Marcel's. The best service you're ever likely to experience in Washington, and probably the best food too. And they don't make you wait in the street!

This starts at the top with GM Adnane Kebaier, who has been GM of Marcel's since before this website was founded.

[Genevieve]

My husband says Bar Taco in Reston has great service, though he's only eaten at the bar.

[reedm]

No, we didn't speak with a manager. I know that's what you're supposed to do, but on an occasion such as this, raising a fuss about the service would have transformed the experience from an annoying service issue to a ruined evening, and none of us wanted to do that. However much that might have benefited future diners, it would have made our dinner incomparably worse. The "raise the issue on the spot" mantra often fails to take into account the affect that that course of action can have on an otherwise not terribly bad evening. Maybe an email now would have some kind of salutary effect, but I can't quite think of what it would be. I'm certainly not looking to have something comped.

I certainly agree with you, and it's usually easier said than done. (My wife usually begs me not to say anything in the rare instance something is not right)

I mentioned email only because I've sent notes on a couple of occasions (to request a recipe and to thank them for a great evening), and I received a nice reply both times.

Like you, I'm never interested in getting comped, etc., but I'm sure Fiola would like to know if you had uncomfortable moments.

[DaveO]

There was a local neighborhood restaurant that closed that offered anything but exemplary dining, but it had several FOH people that offered the most extraordinary customer service...in a friendly ...no extraordinarily possibly "Cheers" type of welcoming...make you feel right at home kind of environment.  That level of customer service was reflected in reviews in Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google.  Really extraordinary...I grew to be quite friendly with the owner.  Heard from him recently.  He has opened a restaurant elsewhere.  Its fairly new.

Looked it up.  In Yelp and Google reviews  they are getting the exact same kinds of remarks wherein the front of the house friendliness simply stands out.  That friendliness is mentioned pretty frequently.  When they were local they also built a consistent regular following.  It was without a doubt a function of the customer service.  Admittedly the food was so so.  Reviews would often "rave" about the food...but I would bet diners rated the food far better than it was simply because the friendliness/neighborhoodliness was something you couldn't find elsewhere.

One interesting thing was the owner could recall amazing specifics from when he was a front of the house server at some expense account restaurants in downtown DC years earlier as it reflected the dining habits of some DC celebrity/regulars.  He did this on more than one occasion with more than one "celebrity".  He recalled specific dishes, likes and orientations of the celebrities and these incidents were from many years earlier.  

You can't teach that kind of customer service or more specifically "warmth".  Its really unique.  He really should bottle it and sell it.  Its probably worth a lot more than the restaurant...and if the food is similar to what it was here....its really not that "great".