A Third Chance for Table 2 Grill & Lounge
After two disappointing dining experiences at Table 2 Grill & Lounge April & I had written the place off as all "cool space", no good anything else. With the news of a new Chef Eric Taslimi (formerly the Sous Chef of Easy Seafood), we felt it was reason enough to give Table 2 Grill & Lounge another chance.
We chose 7:00 pm. on a Saturday, hoping to experience the restaurant when it was moderately busy. We were seated immediately, met promptly by a waiter and waiter-in-training, yet neither could remember the specials or which meats & cheeses were on the meat & cheese appetizer platter, and both kept putting their hands on our table.
The menu was smaller and more focused than before, with more consistent offerings. Appetizers matched nicely with main course offerings, and the deserts were creative without being unapproachable. My wife's desert of Rosemary & Balsamic Reduction Ice-Cream was, in her words, "inspired". The idea of a tangy-sweat vinegar ice-cream is completely unappealing to me, and even I liked it.
Even after a second ask, our waiters still hadn't determined what was available on the meat & cheese appetizers. The risotto main course was almost flawless, with the rice just a hair over al dente, yet still the near-perfect starchy-creamy without-being-soupy that a great risotto needs to be.
Unlike the vastly improved & improving food, the service at Table 2 still utterly disappointed. The restaurant was never beyond 40% capacity, yet there were a half dozen waiters & waitresses milling about, often times around tables with patrons. When we requested some crostini to go with our Meat & Cheese platter, they brought us saltines in wrappers. The waiter-in-training confused our wines,and when asked, didn't know which was which. Finally, the manager considered it appropriate to be eating food in full view of the entire restaurant.
I'm excited about the changes occurring with kitchen and menu at Table 2; I no longer have concerned that I'll be lied to about being served broccolini, and with further changes and refinement may become comparable even to The Meeting Place. Unfortunately, the service remains second only to Aretha Frankenstein's in being insufficient. It would be unacceptable at any restaurant, and is abhorrent at a restaurant of the caliber that Table 2 aspires to be.
Chattanooga News | By Josiah Roe | 9:08 PM
Comments
janet wilson watch out.
wayne had the...
Posted by: jeff at October 9, 2007 9:21 PM
My wife and I had dinner there on a recent Friday evening. The food was quite good and the service was also good--until about the time we ordered dessert. It took 15 minutes or more to get a slice of cheesecake and some (delicious) ice cream, and then we experienced another long wait before getting our checks. It was a disappointing way to end what had been a great dinner.
Posted by: JohnH at October 10, 2007 12:32 AM
I had a pretty bad experience there myself when it first opened, the service was flashy (and damn they talked a lot) but slow and the food was dry, as in over-cooked. I may give it another chance but I kinda doubt it from what I've been hearing from people.
Posted by: James at October 10, 2007 1:39 AM
Jeff, thank you for reminding me why I quit reading that column.
Posted by: Carrie at October 10, 2007 12:25 PM
Good review, very well written and good points and observations
I figure I should try and be more encouraging.... you hang in there dad....(that's from about a boy)
Posted by: hjolton at October 10, 2007 3:00 PM
Who knew you were THE expert on the subject of find dining. You continue to surprise and to amuse.
Posted by: John at October 11, 2007 8:50 AM
I just got back from Table 2. It was fantastic! Space was beautiful. Everything I put into my mouth was great. (And believe me, I tried a little of all three of my companions dinners)Appetizer, wine, entree, and dessert were all great. Our waitress was fabulous and knowledgable. Food and check were prompt. The brocollini was broccolini. And you, Josiah, can't spell.
Posted by: Nikki at December 5, 2007 10:31 PM
