Beef Tenderloin Tips
The Kings Contrivance

The Kings Contrivance

10151 Shaker Dr, 21046, Columbia, United States

American • European • North American • Delivery Services


"The staff made an effort, but the food felt like generic wedding fare—not the kind you look forward to, just something to get by on. The Maitre D approached us only after our card had been taken and asked about our meal. We politely expressed our dissatisfaction and mentioned we understood their staffing challenges. He explained their difficulties and offered dessert on the house, but then said the bill was already processed and gave us a note for next time. When our barely touched plates were cleared and we declined a takeout box, he didn’t offer any refund or further compensation beyond the dessert. They are seriously understaffed, which explained the 30-minute wait for a drink, empty water glasses left for another 30 minutes, and an hour-long wait for appetizers. My dirty martini wasn’t dirty, and my husband’s mint and cucumber mojito lacked mint the second time we ordered it. The only dishes we found acceptable were the escargot and fried oysters. The Brie seemed spoiled, the seafood chowder was bland, the Caesar salad soggy, the ribeye smothered in tasteless brown gravy, the chicken piccata flavorless and slightly tough, and the vegetables steamed to the point they seemed purée-ready with no seasoning. After an hour and a half, we asked to cancel our entrees if they weren’t started yet—we just wanted to leave. The waiter said they were almost ready, and unwilling to cause trouble or waste food, we agreed to wait. We shouldn’t have. The meal and tip came to $200, and we ended up needing another dinner later that night. This was our 10th wedding anniversary, and our original plans for the 18th were canceled due to a flooded kitchen. This restaurant was recommended as a place to dress up and enjoy great food. It might make a lovely wedding venue, and had we just come for drinks, our impression might have been different. But if you appreciate flavorful or fresh food, this won’t meet expectations. (The photo shows the steak after my husband tried to scrape off the gravy.)"

Grille 29

Grille 29

475 Providence Main St NW Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35806, United States

Steak • Seafood • American • Steakhouse


"Our server was fantastic, providing excellent service and helping us choose our meals when we were indecisive. Their menu featured a fantastic selection of appetizers, entrees, desserts, and wines. We kicked off our evening with the Firecracker Shrimp, and there was so much shrimp that it could almost be a meal on its own with a side. It reminded me of Bang Bang Shrimp, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of their most sought-after appetizers. My partner also ordered the Lobster Bisque, which looked delicious and received high praise from him, thanks to the delightful hint of cognac. For our main courses, I chose the Beef Short Ribs, served with green beans and garlic mashed potatoes, while my boyfriend opted for the Herb Roasted Chicken, accompanied by rice pilaf and green beans. The beef was cooked to perfection—so tender that it required no knife; I could eat it with a spoon! The portion of chicken was generous, and my partner was more than satisfied with the flavor. The sides complemented the main dishes wonderfully. What I appreciated most about the food was its simplicity and how the flavors really stood out. The green beans tasted fresh, devoid of any overwhelming saltiness, while the garlic mashed potatoes and rice were seasoned just right. The restaurant maintained a steady pace throughout the evening, yet we received and enjoyed our appetizer, soup, and main courses within 45 minutes. I've been to larger chain restaurants where it can be a challenge to have your meal served this quickly, so I commend the staff and chefs for their efficiency. To conclude our meal, we indulged in dessert. Our server recommended the gingerbread cheesecake, but after some deliberation, we opted for the Duo Souffle instead, which was delicate, flavorful, and served warm. After finishing that, our server asked if we wanted to go for round two, and since it was a special occasion, we decided to indulge again! We went with the cheesecake, which was beautifully presented on a caramel floral pattern and topped with a drizzle of melted cream. It was exquisite, and the granola—perhaps gingerbread—base added a lovely texture that complemented the cheesecake perfectly. Overall, my partner and I had a wonderful anniversary, and we will definitely be returning to this restaurant. Highly recommended!"