foodfiend

I was there early Saturday night (before 6pm) and there was still at least a 30 minute wait to be seated. Now, I know this place is popular, but it seemed like they were making people wait just to make it look like there was a huge demand. I would estimate that at least 25% of the tables (of varying sizes) in the restaurant were empty both when I started and ended my meal. This seems totally inefficient and frustrating for customers trying to get in the door. What is the deal?

Checked out the new spot on Sunday and there was a line out the door a la Magnolia in NYC. Pros - Good variety; tasty, white frosting on the red velvet and chocolate/vanilla (cream-cheese based; see "cons" on texture). Cons - Cake itself was a bit dry; frosting a little too aerated; pricey (runs $2.75 a pop, a little bit less if you buy more). I would be interested in hearing if folks have tried the other varieties...

I went to Ray's the Classics on Friday night and it did not disappoint. I've been to Ray's the Steaks a few times; I've always enjoyed the food but Ray's the Classics really made the total experience! Everything was delicious -- I had the crab bisque and the culotte steak special for the evening, which arrived with sauteed mushrooms and a porcini mushroom sauce. Not only was our server super friendly and helpful, we were also paid visits by the owner/chef, manager, and several other servers. All were attentive without being overbearing. I will definitely be back! Love the cozy booths too and the variety of seating options throughout the restaurant. I have noticed that the walls at both Ray's the Steaks and the Classics are a bit sparse and my only (minor) suggestion is to get some great artwork to complete the atmosphere!

I agree. I meant to say this in my original post... until they get do a better job estimating, they are better off under-promising and over-delivering. This, however, still doesn't excuse general attitude of the hostesses. I understand she is probably under pressure, but I'm pretty certain she would get a better response from folks if she seemed more sympathetic.

With all of the buzz, I was very eager to try Cork last Thursday night. I have to say though, my initial experience with the place made me want to run in the other direction. My party called ahead (under Cork's policy allowing a 30 minute call ahead for a table) and yet we waited about an hour for a table. My problem really wasn't the wait, so much as the attitude of the hostess staff and the fact that they were not being realistic with the wait times. There were a few tables when my group arrived but we weren't able to be seated though we had 2 out of the 3 in our party present. When our 3rd member arrived 10 minutes later, all tables had been filled and we were told it would be a 30-minute wait. This, too, would have even been fine... but when we made our way across the crowded bar to check in with the hostess 30 minutes later, we were told that we would have to wait another 30 minutes. No acknowledgement of how long we had been waiting but, "People are lingering longer than we expected." We were finally seated about an hour after we arrived and my party enjoyed two grat bottles of wine and the variety of small plates. Our waiter was also nice as can-be (and he even commented that my party had been waiting for awhile!), but the unsympathetic and unhelpful hostess really is a bad introduction to the otherwise delightful Cork.