More Restaurant News

Ok - this wasn't intended as a strictly restaurant review blog. But, as you know, part of The Syndicate experience is the participation in the good life (as defined by Frank, Dino, Sammy, Joey, and Peter).

New restaurant - Mastro's in Westlake Village, CA.
For those Westsiders, yes, I know this is a bit of drive. Suck it up. Take Pacific Coast Highway and enjoy the beach views.
On arrival, you note that this place is tucked away past a Pep Boys and next to a strip mall. The unassuming exterior hides exactly what you want in a steak place - Quiet elegance. Lots of dark woods and leather. The entry features a glass ceiling a la the Bellagio. Friendly and efficient service gets us seated on the patio - Sketchy at first (because of potential weather issues). However, the staff was friendly and helpful and willing to accomodate a request to relocate. We elected to stay, however, based on a good vibe from our server. This turned out to be incredibly good fortune for us.

Suffice to say, as my previous posts indicate - service is important. Our server had this in spades. She was helpful, attentive, knowledgable about the menu and the items on it. Suggestions were great, and pacing on top-notch.

The menu is full of Syndicate-friendly items: Large steaks, a multitude of sides, an expansive wine list and after dinner drinks abound.

The steaks were prepared exactly as advertised, the sides (especially the mashed potatoes served baked potato-style, and the gorgonzola mac and cheese) were outstanding.
The server made sure we got what we ordered, that everything was as expected, and that we never were waiting on or wanting for anything.

Long drive from the Westside? Yes. Would I do it again for great food and top notch service? Absolutely.
If you find yourself in the 805, do yourself a favor and stop by.

Why Service Matters

News Flash - Service Matters.
Its irrelevant if you're discussing the hash-slinger at your local greasy spoon, the clerk behind the shirt counter, or the folks you send to Washington DC, the fact is, the level of service you get makes an impression.

I could discuss whether my own performance in service to the public is adequate, but that's the subject of another blog post, (and perhaps state bar proceedings...)
Rather, I will point out two takes on the same problem: Restaurant service vs restaurant food.

Several nights ago - we hit up the Pink Taco (not the kind of place you're thinking of). High end, rock and roll mexican food, brought to you by celebrity restaurantuers. It occupies a high rent area in Century City. Walking in, you're greeting by the manager or seating manager, who dismiss you as though your appearance at the door was the harbinger of an e-coli outbreak. You are notified somewhat dismissively, that it could be an hour or more for seating, but you're welcome to wait in the bar. NOTE - for those of you not familiar with the food service industry, OF COURSE you can wait in the bar!! The lion's share of restaurant profits come from slinging you well vodka at premium prices until you can't crawl out the door. Now, why seat you right away, when I can get you and your party to consume a round or two while standing in our bar?
Suffice to say, we sought out some prime real estate on the patio, preparing for some margaritas, when, once again, we were accosted by a sighing waitron, indicating that we weren't permitted to sit where we were, unless put there by the host.
Scuffling back into the bar again, to STAND next to the bar, however, this paragon of service WAS willing to take our drink orders - gee Sparky, really? After throwing us off the patio, you're going to save me the one-foot walk from where I am, to where the bartender is, just for the pleasure of a small tip? Great.....
At this point, if I am on my own, I walk out. Surly at that. (and have walked out of here twice before). However, we're with a group, so, I wait.

Fast forward to when we actually get to a table - Fast, friendly efficient service. Prompt water, drink and food orders. And the food, honestly, very very good.
Lesson - The quality of the food and quality of the (subsequent) service saves the day.


Another night, another restaurant - This time, "Craft" - Tom C's new restaurant in Century City. Hotspot with CAA agents, celebs, and the beautiful people who fancy themselves foodies.
Expansive, unique menu, lush surroundings.
We set up reservations - They politely call to confirm. Hostess at the door, fast, efficient, friendly.
Waiter comes to the table, drink orders in place, a round of hand delivered breads....
All this seems to be going very very well...
Time passess....
More time passess...
Hey... we're still sitting here....
An HOUR goes by - no ordering takes place. Several rounds of drinks have arrived, through our secondary waitstaff, but Sparky has yet to return and grace us with his presence. Eventually, we break through the fourth wall and ask someone to go get our waiter. We're annoyed. He shows up... but then dashes off to do something else... but he'll be right back...
Again... annoyed. Now, mind you, he's very polite, but clearly... doing either too much, or doing something OTHER than tending to our table.
We order - he seems distracted. Doesn't bother explaining that all dishes are served "family style" - so, of course, we end up ordering in the wrong proportions. Takes drink orders, which subsequently, show up wrong.

We end up having to resort again to the B team, to find out where the first course is...
Eventually, they figure it all out, and the food shows up. Its actually very well prepared. Very tasty. Unique selections. Great presentation. Everything exquisitely done.
However - the damage is already done.

Were we in a rush? No. Would we have perhaps stayed the same amount of time, and gotten the same things, had the service been what it should have been - perhaps... even probably...
However, the service being "off" created enough dissonance that the experience seemed off - even with the presence of great food.

The Lesson - Service Matters.
Go out there and remember that - when you're getting good service, reward it. When you're asked to give, perform to your best.

Is Culver City "Posh?"

Is Culver City on its way "back?"

There are many who would argue that it was never "gone" - but there's no disputing that CC is enjoying a bit of a revival.
Founded in 1913, Culver City saw an explosion of growth in the 1920's as the "hollywood" of the time. The roots of MGM, Hal Roach studios, etc all trace back to the early silent and "talkies" of the '20's, in Culver City.
The 1970's saw its decline and movement of industry to other areas - and with it, the support industries and income that support those entities. The 1990's and 2000's saw the beginning of a rebirth of the area: Sony Picture's return, the creation of the Culver City Arts District, and some aggressive redevelopment all yielded an area ripe for gentrification.

The results of this are as close as your stomach... The landing parties of gentrification have been the chain operations - Daphne's, La Salsa, etc. But, after that, its been restaurant and bars popping up left and right!
Sanat Maria BBQ and Honey's Kettle for the wet-nap crowd. For some lunch -Tender Greens and Meltdown. For the gourmets, Fraiche, Ford's Filling Station, and for gourmet shopping - Surfas. For the sipping crowd, there's Bottle Rock, Vinum Populum and others.
You're a hop skip and a jump down the road from Saints and Sinners, Good Hurt, and Backstage (for some Karaoke).

The Syndicate just had a visit to Fraiche to check out the scene. Leather couches, bar height stools and outdoor patio dining reclining at just the right angle. A substantial wine list covering domestics, french choices and italian favorites. A tantalizing charcuterie selection, followed by impressive entrees including pasta en brodo, risotto with chantarelles, muscovy duck breast and branzino en papiote. If you still have room, their dessert list looked equally tempting. (I would note that after our blood orange martinis and some glasses of wine, we felt we could pass up the dessert that night).

Our review - Great food, good people watching, casual environment. pretty good service.
Tough locale for large groups (based on the table setup), but good for some folks to hang out and have a european style (relaxed, lounging) dinner or cocktails.

As always -stay tuned for further reviews and updates.

Cheers!