Emeril's makes it right/ Madrid revisited

[jodyrah]

I look at dining out like taking a trip, more often than not, something will go wrong. I choose to not complain and roll with it, not letting it ruin my experience. Some establishments handle these mishaps exceptionally well.

We had dinner at Emeril's Fri. Food was excellent, there was however a glitch which management noticed and remedied immediately. Mishap forgotten until we ordered dessert. Instead of our 2 pies, 2 servers and the manager brought out 4 desserts. They said "sugar muddles the memory, we know you're here a lot and hope this erases any bad memory". Totally unexpected and truly unnecessary. Service done right, with an emphasis on "local" appreciation. It doesn't get better than this.

Before you go to Madrid, take note.
We returned Sat. Since there's been a lot of buzz, we decided to get there early, 5:30. This place is seriously busy and understaffed both in the kitchen and service areas. This is a fact, not a complaint. Hopefully, help is on the way. Food this good and inexpensive draws a crowd.

The rest. filled up quickly. If you arrive later than 6:15 you will have a minimum of an hour wait. It was 45 min. before our first app. arrived. Again, not complaining just informing. By 6:45 they put a closed sign on the door. There is no room inside to wait and their very small bar area is not yet open. (no liquor license). Our waitress said they are swamped EVERY night.

Not a problem when you know what to expect.

[nolagirl]

I went to Madrid Saturday night too. My boyfriend and I arrived a few minutes before 9 pm. It was immediately obvious that they are very understaffed and very busy. It took about 5 - 7 minutes for us to be seated. Our order was taken 20 mins after our arrival. Our first apps arrived 40 minutes later, so one hour after our arrival. Service was friendly and helpful, just very slow. I took this as normal new-restaurant glitches and it will not impact my return. The food was very good. We had the beet salad with grapefruit, pistaschios, and goat cheese -- excellent. Then we had the garlic shrimp, which were truly superb -- simple and perfect. Then mussels w/chorizo -- also very very good. Our entree was the combination paella, which was very good also -- I can't say it was better than Lola's, but it was good. For dessert we had, at the recommendation of our waitress, what I believe the menu describes as cold berry soup. This was exceptionally fantastic -- really a wonderful dessert. I recommend this place and will definitely go back, but I'll go EARLY for now until they get their staffing issues under control. :-)

[Turbodog]

jody, what was the "glitch", or would you rather not say? I think emeril's is, for the most part, a very well run restaurant. I have never been anything but happy with meals there.

[jodyrah]

Turbo, I sent you a PM