Patina

06/23/09

By far the worst restaurant I've been to in 40 years

by NJS at Citysearch

We decided to have dinner at Patina because it was close to Dorothy Chandler. The manager upon noticing the very expensive Prada bag my friend was carrying made it his mission to dote on her the entire evening. He was arrogant, shallow and rude. Beyond his behavior, the food was not worth the price----tasteless, bland, forgettable. I ordered the New York Strip Pave---again forgettable. I'm conviced any good reviews on this restaurant must be written by the staff. I've made it a point to mention my experience at Patina to as many people as I can. My friends intend to write their own reviews as well. Stay away...stay very far away!!!!

• Pros: None
• Cons: Arrogant manager, drab, bland overpriced menu

06/14/09

Horrible Service

by labz at Citysearch

The appetizer we ordered they were out of, so they brought a substitution without even making us aware beforehand.

We ordered several different bottles of wine, and the waiter poured a new bottle over a different glass of wine.

No apologies, just utterly rude and incompetent service.

• Pros: None that I can think of
• Cons: Read below

12/28/08

Great Dining Experience

by toloko at Citysearch

Went to Patina last night for a special occasion. We were a little concerned because of the recent poor reviews about the wait staff. Shouldn't have worried, our waiter Kevin was excellent. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. My wife wanted the tasting menu and I wanted to order off the regular menu. We have had problems with this in the past at other restaurants. Not a problem for Kevin. Not only did he accommodate the request and pace the meals well, but he also substituted a course (cheese course) in the tasting menu with a second dessert at our request.

Now to the food. Our meals started with an amuse bouche of salmon sashimi, fennel and creme fraiche. I ordered the roasted veal chop with sweetbreads in a maple syrup glaze with chanterelles and cipolini onions. My wife had the tasting menu with green pepper crusted tuna belly, sauteed foie gras with bartlett pear, alaskan king salmon with white truffle infused parsnip crust, kobe beef, pear sorbet with a sponge cake and chestnut nougat (in place of cheese course) and a chocolate parfait with marshmallow ice cream. My meal was very good and my wife enjoyed the tasting menu (good but not out of this world). However, the service was impeccable (although not very busy) and really made the dining experience.

The wine list was excellent, but since I was the only one drinking wine, I opted for wines by the glass. I had a couple of glasses of the chateauneuf du pape which was good. When I wanted a third glass of wine with my meal and received a stern look from my wife, again Kevin came to the rescue and offered up a wonderful half glass option. I ordered a half glass of volnay premier cru to polish off the night (probably should have started with this, it was very good).

Meal was pricey (expect to spend $100+ pp), but good special occasion dining. Not crazy about the new venue, would have probably preferred their previous location on Melrose, but service was impeccable. Will definitely be back.