Daniel R.

We were really looking forward to trying Corsair, as we are big Scott Conant fans, and loved Scarpetta. Overall it was a big let down, and mostly because of the poor service. From the moment we got there and throughout the meal the staff there was off their game. When we arrived we were greeted and the hostess then turned away and was speaking to another staff member about another customer issue. Meanwhile my wife and I are standing there awkwardly wondering if we should head to the bar or wait to be acknowledged. The hostess then escorted us past a host of empty tables in the main dining area to an obscure area behind the bar to a table for 2, despite our reservation being for 4. When we mentioned that she grabbed the closest table and pulled it over, a tactic I've witnessed several times at the local IHOP. Our waiter was friendly and seemed to know the menu quite well, but I think it should be a prerequisite that a server should be able to correctly pronounce every word printed on the menu. We informed the server we would like to order a bottle of wine but would like to start with a cocktail. I actually loved my 6th Burrow Bourbon cocktail. But after that things went down hill. We were never offered bread we had to ask for it. Our entres came out before we were given an opportunity to order that bottle we mentioned. Halfway through the main course we ordered wine and they didn't have the bottle, further delaying things and really putting a damper on things. When they cleared the appetizers they took away my knife but never replaced it. So I'm sitting there with a beef dish in front of me with a fork and a spoon as my weapons. On top of that, we were in a hidden part of the restaurant with an inattentive server so I finished my meal with a spoon, ridiculous. Let's keep messing up, the server offers us desert before offering another bottle. One bottle between 4 gets drained quickly, especially when you've been waiting all night. So we order desert at the table and I order a coffee. Coffee gets brought out, plunked in front of me and no cream, and again no servers in sight. I guess it wasn't all bad. The food was good, maybe a 3.5 out of 5. My veal dish was underseasoned and slightly cold but flavors were good. The octopus and polenta was very good. Deserts were middle of the road, but the chocolate soufflé was a standout at the table. I think the concept and food has lots of potential, but when you are spending $400 on a meal you expect the service to be there. There was no excuse especially since it seemed like a slow night. Next time we are going to Scarpetta!