21 Oct 2010

Great Company is the Best Part of Red China Bistro

Last night, I visited Red China Bistro for the second time. The first time I went was opening week of Red China Bistro. My mom and I went there for a Ladies’ Night Out. Upon entering the restaurant I was immediately struck by the ambiance. It is garish and over-the-top. The décor is a weird juxtaposition of a Chinese theme gone wrong, mixed with ultra contemporary. One table features stone like seats, the next has bamboo styled chairs, while the next has silver metal chairs with leather seats. Red China Bistro does not subscribe to the less is more theory. Nowhere is this more evident than on the back wall, where fifty or so, glass vases feature red poppies. Everywhere you turn there is another decoration, that seems contrived.

 

While my mom and I enjoyed great conversation, we were disappointed by the service. My meal came out ten minutes before her meal. While she and I enjoy leisurely meals, this one felt more like a marathon due to the poor timing of food service. Because, we visited the restaurant opening week, we felt perhaps the Red China Bistro was working out the kinks.

 

Before visiting the restaurant for the second time, I was very optimistic, and excited to try the restaurant again. This time a goup of friends and I were meeting at the Red China Bistro for our monthly Supper Club. Preston, our waiter, was very professional, and provided excellent service. He was knowledgeable about the menu, and was able to make recommendations to us. As the food was being prepared, our group enjoyed lively conversation. The restaurant was able to accommodate our vibrant group of eight. Once the food came, everybody eagerly dug into their plates. Unfortunately the anticipation of the meal was better than the dinner itself. The majority of our group was disappointed by their meals. My husbands dinner tasted burnt, and left a particularly foul taste in my mouth. Overall the group was disappointed in the quality of the food.

 

Red China Bistro is a good place to meet great company for cocktails. Then I recommend going someplace else for dinner.

 

Meredith