I had heard some good things about Monterey Bay, and so went to check it out last night. I had the ahi tuna with lemon sesame butter. Thankfully the portion was large, or I would have had nothing positive to say about the place. Ambiance-Decorated in early seventies hotel style "tropical." Lots of brightly colored fish. I ate at the bar. What little chance the decor left for atmosphere was ruined by the staff's shop talk at full volume around me. Service-adequate. Bartender was there as I needed, between her chatting with the staff about how slow the night was. Wine/liquor selection-if all I wanted were single malts or Cognacs, I would have been in heaven, selections of both were very good. Wine selection, both by the glass and by the bottle, was abysmal. Beer selection equally bad. Food-Portion size, very generous. Sesame seed crust on the tuna not bad. Tuna cooked as I ordered it, rare. Fish pretty fresh, although not top quality. I've seen better tuna in Pittsburgh. Lemon sesame "butter" on the tuna was awful. Unfortunately, portion on the "butter" was as generous as that of the fish, and thus the entire plate was ruined. Made me wonder if it was margarine based ( I'm *almost* sure it was). Fish garnished with frisee and lemon, as if all seafood had to come with lemon. Came with a side of broccoli(gee, how upscale and original) with more margarine, and nasty dry "parmesan" cheese. Salads-for a place trying so hard to be upscale, need improvement. Selection no better than Hojo's: ranch, bleu cheese, french, thousand island, bleagh! Dinner for one, no dessert, and two glasses of wine $33. I can think of several restaurants in the city that could provide a much better, and more interesting, meal for the same or less. My last word: skip it. This is just the kind of restaurant that gives Pittsburgh a bad name among national foodies. Jeff
Pittsburgh, PA
Monterey Bay
Someone wrote: >Jeffrey N. wrote: >> >> I had heard some good things about Monterey Bay, and so went to check it >> out last night. I had the ahi tuna with lemon sesame butter. Thankfully >> the portion was large, or I would have had nothing positive to say about >> the place. >> . >> . >> . >> My last word: skip it. This is just the kind of restaurant that gives >> Pittsburgh a bad name among national foodies. >> >> Jeff Really? I think it's one of Pittsburgh's best restaurants! They pick one style of food (fish) and do it exceptionally well: never overcooked, inventive (and great tasting!) preparations, and good unobtrusive service. Try the Ichiban - it should win an award. As a bonus, they have the best selection of high end cognacs in the city, and welcome cigar lovers at the bar! Andy -------------- Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, ยง227, any and all unsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $100 US. E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.
Jeff, I couldn't agree with you LESS! Our experiences at Monterey Bay have been wonderful without exception! The wait staff and manager bend over backwards to make sure we are always perfectly happy with everything we order. On one occasion, I had a seafood something over angel hair pasta and asked the server to make sure that it wasn't overcooked. I *hate* mushy pasta! When my dish came, my husband and I had a good chuckle over the fact that one end of some pasta had obviously not even hit the water--it was stiff! I laughed about it to the server, assuring her it was not a problem with me, and the manager promptly came over and proceeded to play "tug-of-war" with me over the dish, insisting they would do it over so it would be perfect for me. She even let me have the "ruined" meal to take home to my cats. I can't compliment them enough on their wonderful food, service and sincere attitude. They really care that you are happy. If anyone leaves there dissatisfied, it's my honest opinion that it's their own fault for not bringing whatever problem you have to the attention of the staff. Susan Fuller, Monroeville