Cafe des Artistes

05/18/09

Marginal Service- AWFUL food.

by megankh at Citysearch

We were there for a birthday dinner. We had a reservation and they said that they "might be able to fit us in in 45 minutes" but that it would be tough. What was the point of having a reservation? They offered us nothing to compensate.

When my salad arrived, the goat cheese was frozen, hard as a rock, and they just rolled it in pinenuts trying to cover the frozen slab. When I told the manager, he said goat cheese is supposed to be hard (incorrect). When I asked why it was ice cold, he said they keep their cheese on the counter. Then why was it ice cold? I kept trying to thaw it over our candle.

My entree arrived, steamed mussels, and they were poor quality. They tasted like chemicals, the broth tasted like dirty water. I didn't even eat them but made no fuss. We ordered a dessert for our friend's birthday and after it arrived, they brought us a 2nd dessert that we didn't order in honor of her birthday. Nice gesture but they CHARGED us for it! We didn't even order it nor did we want it. I was just too embarrassed to make a fuss. I just vowed to spread the word that Cafe des Artistes is one of the most marginal restaurants I've ever had the displeasure of visiting.

• Pros: great ambiance, chill vibe, fabulous outdoor patio
• Cons: AWFUL quality food- RUDE host & manager

02/21/09

Going tonight , FULL review to follow by same author - Schizzleman (aka Aaron Schulman)

by BlitzCalifornia at Citysearch

Hi All,

Having grown up in LA and been fortunate enough to have family that love to enjoy great food, fine wine and lovely atmospheres I was surprised to read the reviews of such horrible evenings here at this LA establishment. I moved to Santa Barbara in 1993 for school and still reside here although Los Angeles is the hub where family meet almost monthly. Tonight is my sisters (a-hem) birthday and if tonight's experience is anything but enjoyable my intentions are to relay the experience to you all here.

Things to note:

1. We will bring our own wine, happy to pay corkage, unless of course they really screw something up.

2. We will be a happy group of peoples with enduring friends attending.

3. We do not wish to be rushed. Normally we require 15 minutes between finishing appetizers and beginning entrees.

4. We like to joke around with each other and the staff, but nothing rude and enjoy some play back.

Tomorrow, the reviews of this family will be here for all to see. Until then, let us pray.

Aaron Schulman

U.C.S.B. Communication Department

• Pros: Heritage of old Hollywood, Ambiance.
• Cons: People that have downright bad experiences write more than the ones with good experiences.

08/18/08

GREAT RESTAURANT, RUDE MANAGER

by picostreet at Citysearch

really awesome vibe. great music, fantastic outdoor patio in back with dim lighting and large wooden tables. really recommend this place. food is above average, although not spectacular. the only complaint is the manager who is a bit pompous and unappreciative of his clientelle.

• Pros: AMBIENCE
• Cons: RUDE MANAGER