For Restaurant Week I also hit up Arcadia. I was pretty excited about this Michael Mina restaurant because I had been wanting to go their for years but never found an occasion to go. The $35 pri-fixe seemed like a good idea but was unfortunately a let down. I knew going into it that I shouldn't expect anything extravagant for a $35 meal, but I did expect at least one cut of steak at a steakhouse -- at the very least a hanger steak? But no, Arcadia is apparently above that. I found fried chicken and Mac N Cheese on the pri-fixe. Now I love fried chicken and Mac N Cheese, no disrespect, but I can also get them at KFC?
So we decided to order off their regular menu, which wasn't very large but competent. I ordered the Filet Mignon with the Worchestshire Vinaigrette for the dipping sauce. We also ordered the Duck Fat Fries (couldn't resist with a name like that) and Truffled Mac N Cheese sides. The Duck Fat Fries weren't worth the $7 but the Mac N Cheese was pretty impressive. The truffle oil was a bit subtle, but they did add in real mushrooms to make up for it. The steak wasn't bad either - still very hot and red when it came out - but lacking in flavor so I wish it had been marinated. Pass on the Vinaigrette and get the bernaise sauce instead.
The evening was actually coming around nicely... The bread was warm (always a plus!), the decor was comfortable and the service was initially attentive. Unfortunately for waiters, small mistakes will cost you - especially if you work at a restaurant like Michael Mina's, or any restaurant where the bill comes out to a few Franklins actually. Our waiter was very polite but forgot to check in with us after we received our meals. My martini glass sat empty for a good 30 minutes and was still sitting at my table when we left, which really annoyed me. One of the helpers took our leftovers, but then forgot who we were and offered them to another table. Surprisingly (and unfortunately for Arcadia) these little details are the ones that stick out in my mind.
The only thing I really enjoyed and will recommend is their Caramel Appletini! They do have a nice bar where I saw a few non-diners taking advantage of.
And so alas, I will have to recommend Alexander's over Arcadia.
The end!
--fatty regina
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