Palo Santo

11/16/09

I love getting Yelled at by the Chef

by Daniel E at Citysearch

Chef Jaques hates his customers

Up until Saturday I would have given this place very high marks.

However on my 6th visit I made the mistake of ordering the Cobia, a white fish. Normally this dish is tender and flaky but everyone at the table who ordered it was unable to cut through it. We sent it back.

5 minutes later we were greeted by the same plates and Chef and Owner Jacques Gautier... Not to apologize but to tell us (and this is verbatim) "I'm sorry you don't like the fish but they were beautifully cooked, and I'm not cooking it again so either take it back or order something else."

So that's how they treat you at Palo Santo... They charge you high end prices but offer you arby's level service, except at arby's they don't come out of the back and yell when your roast beef tastes like shit.

The customer is ALWAYS right. ALWAYS. If you can't deal with people sending back food, cook it right the first time.

• Pros: The Avacado appetizer is one of my favorite dishes
• Cons: The food, the service

10/18/09

My wedding reception at Palo Santo

by Berenice at Citysearch

Where to begin...EVERYTHING was perfect, the food was delicious...the drinks (frizantes being my favorite) were superb, the cake was the talk of my wedding for weeks after...the music hit the SPOT! Jacques was attentive to detail with every aspect of this party...great communicator despite my momentary "bridezilla" moments! His staff was courteous. The restaurant itself became even more romantic after just adding about 120 small votive candles all over the place...no need for crazy wedding decorations! Everyone of my family and friends could not STOP commenting of how delicious the food was, and have made plans to return and continue to try different dishes! If you are looking to have a small wedding (about 50ppl or less) THIS IS THE RESTAURANT TO HOLD YOUR PARTY...

• Pros: Food, Ambiance Drinks and Music
• Cons: becoming an addict to Jaques food

02/23/09

NOT KID FRIENDLY! horrible service, foul ceviche. smashingly bad

by zaire at Citysearch

wow, ive never been asked not to bring my 8 yr old to a local restaurant. especially in park slope. my husband and i, upon entering, where told my the cook behind the counter that he didnt cater to families, but he would make an exception. i should have left then..

the interior is a little on the "look ma, i made it all by my self" side. not that i dont like a down home feel, this was more shoddy than chic.

we started with ceviche. wow. it was still frozen in the middle. kinda defeats the purpose.

at that point, i lost my appetite but my husband and son plotted on. their brave. they split a short rib dish and a pork chop covered in a 'mole' sauce. the mole had the consistence of elmers glue and the taste of nestle quick. go figure. the short rib was dry and flavorless.

after not eating any of the entrees, the waiter was genuinely concerned. i pointed out the frozen ceviche and the gelatinous mole. he nodded in agreement. he confided in us that there are good days and there are bad days there. wow.

do not waist your time. there are to many other, truly delightful dining options in the neighborhood.

• Pros: server was nice
• Cons: bad food, shoddy atmesphere, not family friendly