Luce Restaurant & Bar

01/23/11

Always Enjoyable

by localocavore at Citysearch

My boyfriend and I dine at Blue approximately 3 or 4 times a year. It is our first choice for birthdays and other celebrations. The staff is always warm and welcoming, although we are only semi-regular customers. The wine manager, Scott, is well versed in wines from just about anywhere and consistently makes excellent pairing recommendations. In the past twelve months, we have been waited on by Ali, Juan, Larry, and Rachel. Each server is a little different, but all were knowledgeable about both food and wine. The servers here are friendly and attentive, which most people prefer. If you are looking for cold, quiet, slave-style service, you probably won't like the service at Blue. Having worked in the service industry for 13+ years, I truly appreciate when my servers are enthusiastic and happy to anticipate my needs. Traditionally, I order the duo of boar (which is consistently amazing!). However, on our most visit (1/22/2011), the infamous Rachel, recommended the venison. It was the most tender, succulent venison that I have ever had, and I must admit, it is my new favorite. It helps that Blue uses local, farm fresh ingredients when possible, and that many of the meats are raised in a responsible, sustainable fashion. My only complaint is that, one time, a server dripped red wine on my jacket. But you see, we are all human (even servers) and accidents happen. Eating dinner is not a life or death scenario. If it doesn't come out perfect, its not the end of the world. 9 times out 10, I have had the PERFECT experience at Blue. We will continue to dine at Blue, despite some of the recent, silly reviews on citysearch.

01/23/11

YUM!

by foodieboodie at Citysearch

I have eaten at Blue several times. I usually go to the bar tables. The bartenders are friendly and come out to greet me. I get apps and drink a few glasses of wine. I always have a great time. I took a date there once. The food was phenomenal, my date was as interesting as watching paint dry. My server was friendly and efficient and funny (it helped make up for my date). I always feel special when I go to Blue, that is why I will always go to Blue.

01/23/11

Awesome Experience

by Aurora2012 at Citysearch

I went to Blue for my birthday with a group of six. Actually I returned to Blue for my birthday for the forth time. I had a wonderful experience. I have had every server from Ali to Juan to Gordon to Rachel to Larry, I have enjoyed them all. They are knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The most recent dining experience I had the fois gras, shared some diver scallops, lobster crab cakes, and a flat bread. Our appetizers were fantastic. I had to protect my fois gras from possible poachers at the table. My salad course was the poached pear salad. I absolutely love that salad. For my main course I had the Venison, it was beyond delicious. I have been to Blue several times and I always get the Boar, but they out did themselves with this Venison. I asked my server to pace my meal for me because I intended to be there for a while and just relax and enjoy my time. She was perfectly happy to do so. The wine director Scott came to my table and thoroughly explained the Far Niente Chard that we had with our first course, it's region, the winemakers, etc. It is so wonderful to have such a knowledgeable manager available and so eager to talk to tables. We had a delicious red blend recommended by the staff with our entrees that paired so nicely. I highly recommend this restaurant for both its menu and staff.

01/22/11

I agree about the poor service

by NUcustomer at Citysearch

Sorry, but I have to agree with the foodgirlC: we went to Blue and were astounded that for the price of the entrees, the servers not discreet or very professional. Too much talking, done too loudly. and I did get the "'ya still workin' on that?" Knowledgeable is one thing, but simply talking too much is another. I was also taken aback at how defensive and vitriolic the rebuttal review was from lavamonster. Manners, miss. Makes one think it came from Rachel herself.

In short, Blue needs to raise the level of service to match its prices.

01/02/11

poor service!

by FoodgirlC at Citysearch

We got a sitter for a rare date night out away from our four kids. We were seated and I was enjoying the peace and quiet until Rachel came over and, after asking us whether we dined there before (always say yes! we said "no") proceeded to give us her "personal tutorial" on the menu. What SHE likes, what SHE orders, HER favorites, and WHY, etc. She went on for FOUR minutes! We had just sat down! We are vegetarians and she detailed every meat dish on the menu. Please! Do not talk so much! She never paid attention to our body language that said: Please leave us alone to read the menu and talk quietly. For $30-40 an entree, I expect professional servers who don't ask halfway through my entree: "Ya still workin' on that?" Please! When we are deep in conversation, wait to clear the table. You don't need to come back 3 times to get every plate and crumb right away. Just observe your customers and you can usually determine if they want the familiar server to talk to them or in our case..not so much. We will not go back. The food was good but the service ruined the experience for us. If you have an upscale restaurant, have servers who know how to behave because it matters!