I love steak. And I like the steakhouse experience–probably because it’s “fancy” dining like we were too poor to do when I was a kid.
So I was traveling for work [in April] in Washington DC and thought I’d treat myself to a proper steakhouse meal. Just 3 blocks away was the DC branch of Smith and Wollensky, which according to the New York Times (and SandW’s website) is, “a steak house to end all arguments.”
Liars.
First, they put me in the corner booth, out of the line of site of all staff. Not that it mattered though, my server had no intentions of paying me any attention. He’s got friends a few tables over and a table of 8 beefy businessmen to help–why bother with a single female diner?
What he doesn’t know is that I love steak and if I get an especially good steak coupled with really good service, I’m a really good tipper. Eh. His loss.
It should be said that the other server working tables near mine was doing a great job.
I’ll not recount all of the details. The pertinent ones are: my steak (a 10 oz. filet mignon that I’d ordered “a bit more done than medium rare”) arrived grossly overcooked and the beer I’d asked to be delivered with my steak never materialized. I sat for a while, assuming I’d get to customary “how’s you’re dinner” but it never came. Finally, I decided I’d just eat it so I could get out of there.
About 3/4 the way through, I caught the eye of a manager, who apologized profusely and finally got me my long overdue beer. He also comped my entire meal. It was an appreciated gesture but it didn’t make the steak good. A steak place should know how cook steak to order, right?
So, if you’re a group of male business travelers with a few spare tires apiece, I’m sure you’ll get great service at Smith and Wollensky in Washington DC. If you’re a steak loving woman, traveling alone, don’t bother.