144 Washington Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Essex County
Phone: (978) 977-9300
Fax: unknownWebsite: no website on fileEmail: no email on fileHours: unknown
Buddha's Tavern - About Us
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by Jessie G. on I recently dined with friends at Woodfire Grill. The occasion was a farewell dinner for my friend who was moving to San Francisco. We were hoping for a sumptuous farewell dinner. What we received was entree of intractable arrogance topped with a sprinkling of myopic rudeness. We wanted to order the 5-course tasting menu. The restaurant requires that the entire table participate in the blind tasting courses selected by the Chef. Being diabetic, I asked if it would be possible to (a) leave any sugary sauces or toppings off of my courses or (b) allow the rest of the table to participate in the tasting menu while I would order off the a la carte menu. Our server - who was very polite - took a look at the tasting menu and said that it had some sugary items and that she did not want to have to ask the chef to make an exception to his "all or nothing" policy with the tasting menu. She said she would advise anyone with dietary issues to not order the tasting menu. When we reiterated that the rest of the table would much prefer the tasting menu she reluctantly went to make the request to Mr. Top Chef Gilliespie. We thought that since it was early - 6:30 - and relatively quiet, that it could be easy to at least let the rest of the table order the tasting menu. After all, there were only three of us, and yet we were on track to dropping well over $200 on this dinner. She returned moments later and told us that Gillespie said that he did not have to make exceptions and that he would not make an exceptions. We were a little surprised, but relegated ourselves to the a la carte menu. There were few low sugar options on the first course, so I ordered a simple salad and asked if the candied blueberries could be left off. The server again looked troubled and whispered, "Please don't make me ask him that, he gets mad when people change his vision." So I ordered the next salad on the menu and asked for the sweet peach dressing to be on the side. She sighed, but indicated that it would at least be acceptable to the Chef. As our meal went on - and I have to say that the food itself was quite good - it was apparent that this staff is intimidated by Chef Gillespie. When he comes into the open grill area, they move aside and do not speak until spoken to. It looked as though the drill sergeant had entered the room and was inspecting the sheets for proper creases at the corners. As I said, the food was very good, but the atmosphere and attitude ruined the dinner. We went to enjoy good food and good and company. We were not expecting a side of ego to go with that. I even thought that the requests were somehow extraordinary in restaurant land, but after talking a several fellow foodies and other high-level chefs, they too were appalled by how WG runs its ship. I am not a customer who will be returning.
by Sandra A. on I agree with many reviewers: Great views of the Hudson River (especially from the front fire boat), overpriced food and beer, with a generally cheesy crowd. The live music was "interesting," I thought the electric slide was for weddings only- but apparently it's a favorite at the Frying Pan. It was a holiday weekend so it wasn't crowded, if it was it wouldn't even get the three stars it received!
by Terrence Boespflug on I thought Ecco was a lovely restaurant. The midtown setting is perfect. I found it to be friendly, well-decorated, quiet, and chic. I guess we were some of the few that made it past the appetizers, meats, and cheeses to the entrees. I can see why so many people would go just for wine and apps though. It is a very relaxed environment, and I love the open kitchen. We tried the fried goat cheese with honey and black pepper, and like most people, thought it was melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. My friend got the chili-braised pork with garlic and pappardelle (well-spiced, unique dish). I got the Duck Fricassee with prunes, shallots, and frisee (fantastic duck, well prepared). For dessert, we got a chocolate something on shortbread with strawberries. Ok, all I remember is chocolate and good. But honestly, the service was great and it should be on your list of Atlanta restaurants to try at least once.
