08/21/09

Condescending Wait Staff

by seeseattle

Went here with a couple of girlfriends and was really excited to try it. The menu was fantastic and we had a hard time choosing. The food was actually good--not amazing, but with the right service and atmosphere it would have been great. HOWEVER.

Our waiter was AWFUL. Rude, condescending and completely put-out by having to help us.

1. asked for extra anchovies for my salad, to which he responded "there are plenty in the dressing." i said "can i have a few more all teh same?" never brought them. 10-15 minutes later (half of which i was trying to flag him down and he was pretending not to see me) he finally came back to the table. everyone's salad was gone except mine, because i'm still waiting for anchovies. i ask again. He first chides me for flagging him down too vigorously (all you had to do was <imitates> and i would have come over. <eyeroll>) then goes to get them. When he finally comes back with them he can't just pleasantly put them on the table, but has to make me feel BAD for asking for them "The chef is REALLY busy back there, but...i MANAGED to get some." Gee. thanks.

2. Friend was considering if she wanted a strong bold wine or something lighter, because we'd ordered a bunch of share plates. She sort of said the two she was considering, knowing full well that they were vastly different and he was RUDE. "WELL, those are VASTLY different options, so why don't you just tell me what you are in the MOOD for and i will make a reco." It was just obnoxious. She knew that they were different, and even if she HADN"T, no need to be condescending.

3. just overall not good. slow service, messed up orders

4. when i left i realized i had a sore throat and buzzing ears because it was so freaking LOUD inside you had to yell to have a convo.

Too bad. Love the neighborhood vibe and the food has potential. Service just makes it not worth trying again.

• Pros: Food was tasty, easy parking
• Cons: poor service, attitude, SO LOUD

08/27/08

Gorgeous, gourmet food!

by izzysmom

What a treat to discover a wine bar that is actually a gourmet restaurant! The flights here are lovely and affordably priced, and the ambiance is great for a date night or night out with friends, but the best thing about Verve is the food! The menu is inventive and unique, with thoughtful bistro-style dishes and delicious combinations like perfectly seared fresh tuna atop a bed of lentils and a pork belly so tender you don't even need to chew. I don't even eat beef, but I made an exception after tasting my friend's short ribs--they were so good, I actually ordered them next time! My favorite dessert is the chocolate torte with peanut butter caramel and a hint of sea salt, but there's always something new to try, like that awesome earl grey creme brulee. The menu changes weekly, taking advantage of the best seasonal offerings, so you never get bored (though I could never get bored with that fabulous bacon-leek flan...) This place has become my favorite, and is well worth the trek to Columbia City. I bring friends here all the time, and wasn't at all surprised when Seattle Metropolitan chose Verve as one of the best new restaurants of 2007. They just caught on to what we regulars knew all along!

• Pros: inventive, gourmet food; great service
• Cons: none!

05/30/08

Great Service, surpassed only by the Food

by marcsch

We've been to Verve quite a few times, and it is always a positive experience. Definitely a place to bring friends to just hang out, eat some great, affordable and interesting food along with new and unique wines. The staff is always happy to educate about the wines to the level the diner is interested, and the chef Garrett Brown is completely into this job, and his passion shines through to his food. Definitely come here if you want a fun, unpretentious wine and dine experience.

• Pros: Service, and Great Food
• Cons: none