Left Bank, Menlo Park

In a word, crowded!  After two failed attempts to make Friday reservations a day in advance, my wife and I decided to walk-in at 6:30 on a Tuesday evening.  There was a one-hour wait for the dining room.  After 10 minutes we managed to snag one of the tables in the bar area.

It was noisy in our corner, but conversation was possible.

The kitchen was slow.  Our waiter was pleasant and attentive, and provided dessert gratis as compensation for the 30-minute wait between salad and entree.

The salads were competently made, but I don't remember them being exceptional in any way.  The rosemary chicken and rock-shrimp risotto were both excellent.  (A neighboring diner was less satisified with the lamb.)  The wine list was decent; there were several good-quality modestly-priced options.  First-rate chocolate torte for dessert.

Bottom line:  I'd go back, but only if I can make a reservation.  I might avoid high-traffic weekend nights for a while until they've really got things running smoothly.

Allen

(To reply to me, please remove the random digit from my return address.)

In article , John Noble
Someone wrote:

> Opinions please?   Thanks!

Been there twice, not sure I'll go again. Appetizers are decent, specials fare, but execution on the main menu is lazy - overcooked pork loin, cold plates.  There doesn't seem to be much attention paid to the food.