"I called to make a reservation, and the host informed me of a $100 deposit requirement, which I agreed to. He mentioned that Saturday would be a busy night, so I anticipated a vibrant atmosphere. My reservation was for 7 PM on Saturday, July 15. We arrived right on time, and when we approached the hostess, she informed us that there was a show at 10 PM that would cost $35 per person upfront. This was my first unpleasant surprise; during the reservation, no one mentioned the show or that it would incur an additional charge. I forced a smile and agreed to pay, but she insisted that I had to pay immediately. Is this how fine dining operates? I handed over $100, received my change, and we were shown to our table.
To our dismay, the table was empty. A few minutes later, the waiter came over, looking surprised, and claimed they hadn't expected us until 8 PM. I clarified that we had a 7 PM reservation. He assured us they would serve us quickly. While waiting for our meal, we noticed something being prepared on the dance floor. Soon after, it was announced that a wedding was taking place in the restaurant, with complete strangers celebrating around us. This was appalling; no one had informed us that we would be surrounded by a wedding party for the entire evening. It was uncomfortable and utterly inappropriate, with the wedding festivities so loud that I could barely hear my dining companion. I came to enjoy a meal, not to be an unwilling spectator at an unfamiliar wedding.
Then the food began to arrive. To say it was bad would be an understatement. The first dish was a fruit plate. A FRUIT PLATE?! Who starts a meal with that? It sat there untouched while we awaited the rest of the food. Fruit is typically considered dessert—everyone knows that—except, apparently, this place. Next, they served a cheese plate, and I have to ask: Why would a Russian restaurant serve cheese as a starter? The cheese was stale, as if it had been prepared weeks earlier. There were also chips and hummus on the table. Hummus? It was the worst hummus I’d ever tasted. What compelled a Russian restaurant to serve hummus and chips? And all this for $250 per person.
The salads were equally disappointing. When I inquired about the olivier salad, the waiter claimed it wasn't part of the banquet menu, despite it being listed on the website. And all the while, the wedding noise continued to drown out our conversation. The rest of the food was just as bad: inedible shrimp tempura, tough lamb, and terrible fish. The desserts were a disaster as well. The only dishes worth eating were the marinated mushrooms and the tongue salad with tomatoes.
I could go on, but there’s a limit to how much I can write. Buyer beware! This was a horrific experience! A total rip-off, with terrible food, awful service, and unbearable entertainment. I am beyond disappointed; words can hardly convey my frustration."
Fresh Garden
