This week brought the opening of Rosalito, a tapas bar that (on paper/screen) has everything going for it:
- Foodie pedigree (same owner as Da Rosa)
- Sweet location (near République and the Canal)
- Sidewalk terrace
- Sangria
I tried it out on Friday night with a pack of hungry and curious friends. But before revealing anything more, I need your opinion:
one should always be honest in a review, but it’s good form to mention that they haven’t been open long and may deserve a second chance.
I’ve heard three times is industry standard. But what do I know about the food industry, I’m a graphic designer. In all fairness, I’d give them some more time to get their game on.
Just really looked at the photo … gah, they drop the bread on the way to the table? ‘Whoops! Lost a little of the topping on the floor! Tant pis!’
I was about to vote “Bring it!” because I know the story will be funny when you tell it, and I’m sure you would insert all the right this-place-has-only-just-opened disclaimers, but the permanence of online reviews means that people will find your early review months down the line, and will have no way of knowing whether it’s gotten better with time or not, so I voted “After the first weeks’ kinks have been ironed out.”
But it’s just me, I’m nice, and I know you’ll share the nitty gritty in person if I ask. ;)
That bread sure does look skanky though…
Often times even very experienced restaurant owners and their crew need a little time to get the ball rolling. While I’m all for the “go get ‘em, spanky!” attitude, I usually reserve that for a place that’s been open for some time and should know better. I work in the spa industry and now that reviews can be harsh, it’s something we all live with. But one restaurant owner I know in my neck of the woods recently opened a new spot that had some serious issues (poor wine list, wonky menu, staff). After several reviews discussing these issues online, she finally replied and agreed with the disparaging remarks and let everyone know that the kinks were being worked out. Happily they truly were and now it’s a delightful place to hang out!
Looks like they just got slammed by the Express, too!
http://blogs.lexpress.fr/restaurant/2009/08/rosalito-pas-top.php