Downtown Hotel Dining

[Robin Garr]

That's what I was thinking. We ate at the Oakroom in November, and the lobby was very different than it was when we had our reception there 2 years ago. The new skylight was in as well. Have they started more renovation since?

Dunno, guys! All I can report is what we saw when we walked in the door: Mobile scaffold machine, yellow tape, tarps and sheets and the heat turned way down. It looked like they were working up high, and it sure didn't LOOK temporary.

If anyone has further info on this, let me know pronto.

To chime in about the whole lobby renovation discussion...

The renovation of the hotel was completed several months ago (including the lobby, and the redone skylight).

That said, if any of you guys recall, we had a small fire at the hotel a few months back that originated below the Old Seelbach Bar area of the main level.

The recent "renovation" that a few of you had witnessed was not actually part of the renovation, but cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to repair some of the smoke damage caused because of the fire.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Side note: I'd be happy to answer any Oakroom food related questions you guys have as well.

[Robin Garr]

The recent "renovation" that a few of you had witnessed was not actually part of the renovation, but cleaning and a fresh coat of paint to repair some of the smoke damage caused because of the fire.

Hope this clears up any confusion.

Ethan, thanks! There was still a lot of scaffolding, yellow tape and tarps in evidence in place on Tuesday at midday, which really diminished the look and feel of the lobby. Has that been cleared up yet, or if not, can you find out when it will be? I'd appreciate a definitive answer on this, as I'm doing a small review involving Otto's, and if I can include a mention of when the lobby will be back to normal, that would be great.

From what I understand, the lobby is all cleaned up.

Wife and I had dinner at the Oak Room last night with another couple and the lobby looked to be in fine shape.

Numerous folks were using it as a backdrop for photos for their 20 year military reunion. One gentleman was wearing what appeared to be a full dress military kilt. Can't say that I've ever seen one before or that was even an American military uniform, but it was quite interesting.

After a bit of research it appears that the gentleman may have been a guest as a kilt is not generally considered acceptable attire for an active or retired service member at a formal military function. Nonetheless, it was a first sighting for me and interesting enough to research.

By the way Ethan, we had some killer desserts last night along with everything else. The rum caramel souffle was outstanding. Couple with us got something else after dinner that made them equally happy, but we were a little busy with the souffle and didn't notice what they ended up with.

Dining room was quite festive with Christmas lighting around the windows and live Christmas music from the pianist in the center of the room. Very enjoyable evening.

My wife and I are having dinner at the Oakroom tonight. I am glad to hear that the construction debris is gone. We are looking forward to Chef Gerhardt's cuisine and Ethan Ray's desserts.

[Robin Garr]

Chef Gerhardt's cuisine

I wouldn't count on Jim being in the kitchen, Ron. I think his role is more advisory, while he continues on the scene at Limestone.

Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong about this.

Meanwhile, welcome back! We haven't seen you around these parts for ages, stranger!