at first glance, as i walked through the beautiful crystal glass door, i was impressed with the refurbished building which once was thegreatwall chinese place. the redone walls, bar and the refinished tin ceiling (hence the name, tin 202) were a warming welcome to what became the most disappointing visit to a new, and potentially noteworthy atmosphere. as we sat at the bar to await the rest of our party's arrival, we were warmly greeted by at least 3 bartenders (none of which seemed to fill the pint to anywhere near the top, if those brandy snifters in which they were serving the beer were anywhere near an actual pint). i am not sure if he was the head bartender, or what, but whoever he was, had answered a question concerning allergies, and replied with "is that a dietary restriction, or do you just not like them?" either way, does it matter? i feel that this was insulting and presented in a condescending manner. i wanted to ask him if he needed those thick, black-framed glasses, or if he just liked wearing them.... anywho...at the piont of our friend's arrival, we were finishing our drinks and the hostess was amiss of the conversation i had with her earlier in which we were to be seated at a table for four. we waited at the bar for about 20 minutes before i had to go up to the hostess stand and ask "is that table for us, or is it another reservation?", referring to the empty 4-top directly next to her. not worrying about the bar tab we started,we sat to order our dinner; we were assured the tab would be transferred. after ordering a barrage of tapas and entrees, and to my surprise (given the delectable menu options), we were less than awed or inspired by the presentation of the dishes. the shrimp ceviche was bitter and not tender at all, and tasted like some cilantro and a lime did it with some cocktail shrimp in the back of a cheap latino grocery store. next was the bland as paper polenta masked with the gorgonzola sauce and sautéed mushrooms. the cheese was the only thing g you could taste. scallops were well cooked, and the asparagus was buttery and smooth. no complaints on taste there, but presentation was lacking. even more sever in the lack if presentation department were the petit crab cakes. 4 smashed, poorly seasoned crab patties that looked like they had been stepped on.
ok. i could go on but i am sick of typing. long story short, this could have been agreatexperience, but i learn from my own mistakes. maybe some of you can save time and learn from mine as well. i will never eat there again. too bad. i had my hopes up and everything, eve up to the piont when i walked in....