TAGS: restaurant review, Chicago, near north, fine dining, River North, dining

Crofton on Wells

535 N. Wells

Chicago, IL 60610

Type of Cuisine: Gourmet

Food Rating: Exceptional

Ambiance: Marginal 

Service: Poor

The following correspondence was sent to the owner of Crofton on Wells, July 14th, 2008.

_________________________________________

14 July 2008

Dear Ms. Crofton, 

For several years, I've read great things about the restaurant Crofton on Wells. With friends driving in for a Saturday night, what seemed like the perfect dining opportunity at your establishment presented itself, June 28th, 2008.

When I called two-days prior to make a 9:30 PM reservation, the hostess never said that the reservation was too late or that your restaurant would be out of 25 percent of your entrees.

Due to our guests ordeal in traffic, we were exactly 10-minutes late. Our first impression of your establishment was immediately tainted by Anita Goodman, the table coordinator. In a sarcastic tone, she said, "Oh, how nice of you to show up." 

Throughout dinner, the waitress and Anita took turns letting us know that they were out of all seafood entrees and appetizers, (with the exception of your signature crab cake, which was delicious). They made us feel as though, it was our fault that your fresh food was in short supply.

While the chef serves up delectable cuisine, the ambiance and attitude of the staff is not enough to warrant a recommendation or a return to your restaurant. The rude service  overshadowed the delectable venison, filet, and crab cake. As people who live in the neighborhood, it's so disappointing that a restaurant with such delectable cuisine would overlook such a basic aspect of service: pleasant hospitality. 

Sincerely,

Holly Bentz

www.TheConsumerJournal.com