Devotees of chef-owner Rick Bayless queue up for his distinct fare at this casual restaurant, brightly trimmed in Mexican folk art. Bayless annually visits Mexico with the entire staff in tow. Servers, consequently, are encyclopedic on the food, typified by trout in yellow mole, red chili-marinated pork, and black-bean tamales filled with goat cheese. The reservation policy is tricky: they're accepted for parties of five or more, though smaller groups can phone in the same day. Otherwise, make like most and endure the two-margarita wait.
Posted by Cameo_001 from Chicago, IL on 4/5/07
This was not a first visit for me at this well-known establishment, but may well be the last. The bar area has a better ambience and a more jolly atmosphere than the main dining area which is cramped and uninviting. If it was not for the art, the dining area would have no ambience at all. I could expand upon this point, but that's not what prompted me to write this review. One can always make excuses for service, but on this occasion there was no excuse. The service was appalling, possibly the worst I have experienced in a long while from an inattentive wait staff that, quite frankly, could have cared less. Perhaps Rick Bayless should spend less time spinning his take on organic food prep and authentic recipes and take the time to discover the fundamentals of running a restaurant where service is a key element of good business.
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