| Address | 415 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, DC 20001 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (202) 393-7777 |
Chef Smith:
I am a long-time resident of Capitol Hill that frequents restaurants throughout Capitol Hill and downtown Washington quite often. However, my recent visit to your Art and Soul restaurant with my parents for brunch was truly one of the worst dining experiences both in terms of service and food quality. Reasons for my dissatisfaction are listed below:
Our Waiter
When the waiter first came to our table we informed him of our drink orders; diet coke and lemonade. Still, my parents had to remind the waiter about their drink orders three times. Drinks were finally brought to the table while my parents were in the middle of eating their entrees.
Bread brought to the table was cold and quite hard. I even banged the bread on the table making our plates and silverware jump; the waiter apologized, but did not even offer to bring us fresh bread or an alternative. I asked if we could have the cinnamon rolls instead that I had before at your restaurant, we were told that the cinnamon rolls were served only until 1:00. It was 1:15 when I asked.
The waiter was extremely inarticulate when asked about dessert selections such as the strawberry shortcake and peach turnovers. His response, "I'm not really sure how it is served, because I never had it before."
The manager came to our table seeming as if he was in a rush to get somewhere else and apologized only for the kitchen being "out of white meat." And then he moved on with his day.
Food
Unfortunately, I did not get to enjoy your famous Maryland-style fried chicken, because we were told "the kitchen is out of white meat." I have a preference for white meat chicken, and I did not think that would be an issue at a restaurant where fried chicken is one of the chef's staples.
My mother first ordered the Reuben sandwich. The potato chips served with the sandwich were cold at touch an felt as if they had been in the refrigerator. The chips were so cold and gummy it made it difficult to chew them. My mother sent the sandwich and got fried chicken instead, however the waiter still included the Reuben sandwich on our bill.
The macaroni casserole reminded me of the industrial macaroni cheese served in public school cafeteria's or a senior citizen home. It was white, soupy and absent of any flavor. Quite frankly it was disgusting both in appearance and taste.
The Chesapeake bake was an oily mush of well battered seafood in a bowl. It was not crispy at all. Perhaps after frying the food should be placed on a flat service and papertowl to stay crispy and drain out some of the oiliness.
Despite the waiter's inability to tell me anything about the strawberry shortcake, I still took a chance. The small-triangular piece of pastry it was served with was again refrigerator-cold and hard and gummy like day-old bread. It tasted as if the pastry had been sitting out uncovered.
I had the opportunity to dine here, during OpenTable Appetite Stimulus Plan week! It was great.
Here’s what I love about Art & Soul Restaurant…
Terrific Hosts(ess) & staff: From the time you enter, until the time you leave, you’ve got a group of caring customer-lovers making sure that you’re satisfied & comfortable — and not in that annoying “please let me eat in peace” way. Everyone’s so knowledgable, which is a plus when you’re a new kids on the block. The Manager seated me himself. That never happens (to me, anyway). Customer Service: A+
Ambiance: Cozy, contemporary & fresh. The pictures online didn’t do this place justice! Perfect for solo trips, dates or parties. There’s seating available at the Bar, the main floor (booth or table) or in the off-side banquet room.
Menu selection: Let’s see… *ahem* I had the Brunswick Stew, Macaroni & Cheese Casserole, Spicy Greens (who knew spinach & collards worked so well together?!) & the House “Skillet” bread. So much for eating light that day. LOL For dessert, I had the Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. It has cranberries in it. Cranberries! It was such a nice, unexpected touch.
Once I was done chatting with the well-informed Bartender (Robert), I decided to mosie on over to the adjacent The Liaison hotel (www.affinia.com/Washington-DC-Hotel.aspx?name=Liaison-Capitol-Hill). My purpose was just to get a few brochures to read over. The next thing I knew, I was offered a cup (of COURSE, I had 2) of ‘Electric Elixir’ (fresh Pear Cider, etc etc etc!!) & a seat on the red (and black) leather chairs, while I waited for my grand tour to begin (thanks Lisa!). I was all for that!
The tour began on the 1st floor, with the meeting/conference rooms. Very nice! Perfect for engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinneres, baby showers, weddings, receptions, etc.
Even the elevator was nice! Black & White “a day in the life of a politico”-themed photos from a local photographer decorated the hallways, lobby & elevator. Such a nice touch, I thought.
And then, there’s the suite… The Suite. The bed was ohhh sooo comfy, I could’ve taken a nice little nap (or laid on the lovely plush chaise lounge) & watched the 37″ LCD flatscreen TV, while ordering (more food!!) from the yummy-delish Room Service menu.
Speaking of MENU, they have a Pillow Menu. A Pillow Menu! Hel-lo! Have you ever heard of such?! I was fine with the standard that was on the bed, because I sure did lay there long enough to “sample” it. I was too through! I didn’t want to leave :-(
I also cannot wait for the Rooftop Pool area renovations to be complete! (Summer 2009) Full-service bar, Bungalows with Daybeds with drapes, fly lounge chairs, table seating & of course, the pool! Come on, Summer 2009. I have plans for YOU.
As you can see, I can’t say enough great things about this place. Really. I’ve been raving about it, since I ran out of leftovers :’( LOL … Anywho, check it out & let me know what you think. You won’t be disappointed!
And an extra special thanks to Owner Chef Art Smith for blessing DC with this new neighborhood gem. Kudos to you, Sir.
