321 Ashland

I was told that it's pronounced three twenty one.

 

Was there with my child yesterday - horrid! I was dismayed. Tab was $61!!! I have been there before and food was good. They had specials, we got a little consomme and sherbet mixed in between. Waiter went out of his way to impress the "little lady" our tab was a little less but everything was top notch.

Last night, there was like two other tables. The oysters were not edible. I told the waiter I did not like them. I even told him that the last time I came they were outstanding! He mumbled something about taking care of it and I think the sherbet he gave us was what he planned to do about it because he said this is gratis when he put it on out table - which last time it was gratis with the meal! The steak was okay the potato was dry and over cooked. My daughter's burger was good. My bill came, and I expected the oyster's to be off the tab but oh no there they were. I had a 3 year old so I couldn't hang out and argue etc.. so I planned on talking to the manager who up until this point was pretty visible but no where to be seen. There was no consumme and no specials. I also heard two employees (they were not on shift) arguing about problems and management attitude right outside!

I was very, very disappointed. Feel like I was robbed. Had I not had my child with me, I would have made a very big deal about the quality of the food. It has gone way down hill.

 

To all: 321 Ashland has lowered their pricing....that's what I have been told and the prices on their web site seem reasonable now...

 

We went there for brunch this morning. Food was good, and when we got the bill, we were surprised to see our kid's only cost $7.50 per and the adults $15.00 per.

As long as it stays like that we'll be back for other family events.

 

He's also considering changing the name to "Broadlands Bistro." Althought the critics loved the place and gave it high ratings, it didn't generate enough sales. I think this is just too much of a family area to support a high end restaurant.

 

i think there is definitely a market for it here- some savvy marketing would generate more buisness. what do couples raising kids love on occasion...? a night out WITHOUT the kids! a restaurant that doesn't serve chicken nuggets! a wine tasting night, a "Date Night" candle lit menu for 2, even special ladies night pricing for groups of 3 ladies or more, ... the possibilities are endless!

 

speaking of wine tasting, anyone notice the sign in Ashburn Farms for wine tasting? We should try to get one in broadlands, with all the wineries around here I'm sure something could be arranged?

thoughts

 

Good idea! I try to taste wine at least once a night!

 

Harris teeter in ashbrook (by route 7) used to have wine tastings, but I have not seen that posted lately.

 

My husband and some friends of ours ate at 321 Ashland last summer. We sat outside so that we could also enjoy the weather. Unfortunately, our waiter was never around, our drinks were always empty, and when we were graced with his presence his attitude was quite rude. The food wasn't too bad, but when we go out for a nice meal, we expect good service. Needless to say, none of us plan on dining there again, and we've freely shared our experience with others when they inquire at 321 Ashland.

 

You should have gotten the waiters name, and reported him. I enjoy sitting outside there and having wine with friends, I have never had poor service, but thought thier quality of food did not meet thier price...Although I did read that their prices have come down.

 

I wish we had gotten his name. I would have preferred to, but we were so disgusted and our friends just wanted to leave.

 

Sounds like we had the same waiter lol.

My wife and I were in exactly the same situation last year when we went for our anniversary. At the end of the meal we were just so annoyed and disgusted that we paid, left no tip, and left. I certainly hope things have improved by now but I won't ever be going back to check.

 

I do know how you feel, I often won't go back to a place after bad service, exmaple Applebees in Sterling, which now I won't visit any applebees unless I go in kickin and screaming lol.

 

My wife and I have been a few times and have had an enjoyable experience each time. The hostesses, waiters and management have all been very pleasant and we have had no issues with the service or the food.

As for continuing to patronize, we will gladly be going back. As we need to get a baby-sitter for our "date night", it is nice to have an upscale restaurant very close by that you do not have to book weeks in advance. It is also nice not to have to drive a 1/2 hour or more one-way too.

We can go out for a couple hours and have a nice meal knowing that we are close to our home, "just in case".

It also helps to cut down baby-sitter costs! These kids make a fortune!

 

FWIW ... after a bad experience at a restaurant, we'll write it off our immediate list. However, we'll give it another chance anywhere from 6 months to a year later, just to see if it has improved.

If it has, we'll put it back on our list, if not .. we don't go back. You really need to give a place at least two chances to see if it has fixed the problems you saw the first time.

 

Not when this place costs this much money. I'm not going to take a second chance when the experience was that bad. I'm not going to potentially waste that much money again. Nope I'll go to places that I KNOW will treat me well. For the amount of money this place wanted for meals there is NO excuse. I just won't ever go back. Plenty of wonderful places to go for special occasions around here. :tgif:

(ps) i love these smilies.

 

i ALWAYS let management know if my experience is extraordinary in EITHER direction- excellent or horrible. we had god-awful food and rude service at Morton's in DC. I wrote the regional GM and not only did he email then call me, he gave us a $300 GC to come back to that Mortons, and then ensured that our experience was over the top fantastic when we went back. the manager sat and catered to us himself- they even picked up our liquor tab, which the GC could not be used for.

on the other side, we had a horrible experience at San Vitos- wrote the owner, and he sent a very apologetic email but followed up with a silly coupon card for 10% off our next meal, or 1/2 price on an entree with the purchase of another- we haven't gone back there yet. guess Mortons really spoiled us...

the moral is- squeaky wheels...

 

I wish when I complained I got that kind of service. In 2002 I saw a travel channel show that talked about Kobe Japanese Steak, and a place in Atlantic City that served it. in 2005 I finally got a chance to goto AC, and checked the website (Caesars palace) and even called to verify they had the steak there, which they said they did.

I drooled at the thought of a 120 dollar steeak the entire ride there....got there, and guess what, they haven't served it since 2004....

After many phone calls and letters to Caesar customer service, I never heard a response. needless to say, AC or any Caesar owned property will get my business.

 

EVERYONE has a bad day every now and then. Why should wait-staff people be immune?

Redon is correct, if you are not satifsfied, let the wait-person know or tell management. And if there is a wait-person who has provided great service in the past - request them!