Silas Dent Steak house on St. Pete Beach Florida. They had the very best Sauce Béarnaise I have ever eaten, and that was by far the BEST. Long story short, I have worked with a couple of very talented and highly decorated Chefs from different countries, their sauces were really good, but Silas Dent just had the best and that it my reason to go there once in a while. I pretty much order my filet, saying, "You can keep the meat but I need lots of Sauce Béarnaise"
Here is my story from last week. "WHAT happened?" This place has changed its face, the "food face" for this matter. They have a new Chef and everything was different. Ok. I can somehow understand this (if it gets better than before) Well, anyway, to me it was very confusing. You know it is when you have certain expectations?
The menu was different, but they only change a few things and renamed their items. So, my beloved "Tournedos Eva" now became "Hurricane Eva" It used to be two small filets topped with mushrooms, shrimp and Sauce béarnaise. The combination was genius and everything complimented each other. Now it is one small filet (price is still the same by the way) topped with this overpowering Portobello mushroom that must have been marinated for a week in balsamic vinegar, a few tasteless shrimp and a Sauce béarnaise that does not even deserve the name and of course it was not home made anymore and had no taste to it whatsoever. OK I am very picky when it comes to food, but I was so disappointed. Why change a winning team? Well I hope the change works out for them, it didn't work for me. Other than the food, Silas Dent is a unique place to go here in St. Pete Florida, their menu is actually a newspaper, they have all this Ghost and historical stories, the decoration is very cozy and the restaurant has a beautiful view onto the water.
So, just because I did not like the new Sauce Béarnaise doesn't mean you should not give it a try when you come visit our little town of St. Pete beach (just do not order the Béarnaise)
I hope you let the restaurant know that you are unhappy with the change to your favorite dish. A good friend of mine is the bar manager of a local brewpub, and she told me that feedback on menu changes are appreciated and acted upon at her restaurant by the owners, managers and chef.
Richard, I owned 3 restaurants (in my first life) so I do understand what you are talking about, and trust me, I tried, but I guess their attitude has changed along with the menu. The waiter didn't really pay attention to my concerns.
Wow.
My wife and I have been Silas Dent fans for two years now. We like to go there on special occassions. However, I have noticed some changes and that has us concerned. They are very receptive to comments. I have used their comment cards a few time and had some responses.
I know one thing for sure. They do have a mailing list.
I receive dicount coupons twice a year.
Maybe we will run into you there!
Tell them! Let them know that the change is not a successful one, in your opinion. Good business means satisfying the customers.
Maybe you can get the original recipe restored - or, if not restored, given to you!
Hi Eric, well, I didn't even get a comment card, but this is a good idea, next time I drive by I will stop and get a card. This might help
Thanks for the info
Anne
Tricia, I will try Eric's suggestion and get a comment card, this might help.
The original Sauce was out of this world and when I make it at home, I can come pretty close, but close is just not original. . .
Anne