Great time at Carly Rae's!

Folks,

We've been out of town (sans wireless), so I haven't been able to post about the wonderful B'Day dinner I had at Carly Rae's. I expected a good food given that Dave Clancy's there now, but it was the previous reviews that made me pick it when my DH suggested getting friends together to celebrate. Thanks so much for the recommendations, folks- we had a blast!

Party of 9, a hot day for out on the patio, but they had an surprisingly nice breeze and it was fabulous out there. We love eating outside and this is definitely our new favorite choice- the environment on the patio was perfect ( which was then topped off with live music). Our group seemed divided between the Bison burger (perfectly cooked which is particularly important with this leaner meat) and an excellent marinated bison skirt steak (also perfectly cooked) that was the special that evening. Both dinners were large and we thought extremely well priced. The wine list, while short, was an excellent value: I recognized several that were priced $1-2 a glass less than the same wine at other local restaurants. Service from Ryan was extremely attentive and it was great to finely meet Dave.

So relaxing and comfortable- with great friends, food and conversation it turned into a 3+ hour dining experience. And what a steal: I was shocked to find out from Brian later that our total bill (with our multiple drinks, three appetizers (to share), two entrees, and two bottles of champagne to toast the B'day girl) came to right around $100 ! Thanks to Ryan and Dave for a wonderful night; we will definitely be back (and bring more friends)!!!!

Deb

Thank's for stopping in Deb!! New menu should be out next week and I hope you stop in to check it out!!

My boyfriend and I went to Carly Rae's this evening. I live in the neighborhood and hadn't been there since last summer when things seemed to have been slipping, and after reading this forum we thought we would give it another chance. We were seated on the patio and enjoyed the music of a hot jazz trio. (They were great and gave a "plus" to the dining experience.) Everything started on a positive note. The waiter greeted us pleasantly. The menu looked great and was very inexpensive and it was 1/2 off wine night (how can you go wrong there?!?!)

We ordered a bottle of Whitehaven Sauvingnon Blanc, and the waiter brought it in a timely manner. I would like to point out at that time there was only one other 2 top on the patio. I ordered the BBQ'd Salmon and my boyfriend the grilled Porkchops. We each had a caesar salad to begin with and each was crisp and pleasantly garlicly. As we enjoyed our first course, the patio began to fill up. This was a concern, as in the past, this usually triggered poor service. Our entrees came and, once again, we were pleased with the product. My salmon was medium rare (which is to my liking), the BBQ sauce was great and my boyfriend's pork chops were moist and flavorful.

This is when the experience changed a note. We ate our dinner contentedly, but watched as the people around were suffering from lack of service as the patio filled up. A table next to us sat for 15 minutes waiting for their softdrinks (yes, they were irritated) and then received their salad course 2 minutes later. We finished our dinner and sat for 15 minutes waiting for our server to clear plates, to acknowledge us for after dinner drinks, but nothing. The other 2 top that was there when we arrived was looking around, puzzled as well with dirty plates in front of them...it was like our service had come to a screeching halt. I am not blaming the gentleman who served us. I am blaming management or whoever is overseeing the operations. Not once did anyone of management authority come outside where the patio had rapidly filled up, to see if the servers were "in the weeds" and if guests were receiving adequate service, nor was there any back up service to eliminate these service issues.

I have been in the business a long time. I love and appreciate the great nook that Carly Rae's has created. I just don't want it to slip after hiring a new chef who seems to have his act together. It also could have been an off night. Regardless, when trying to build a restaurant, everyone's experience is important and I think it is important to see things from a guest's experience. I will be back, and hopefully the kinks will be worked out.

My boyfriend and I went to Carly Rae's this evening. I live in the neighborhood and hadn't been there since last summer when things seemed to have been slipping, and after reading this forum we thought we would give it another chance. We were seated on the patio and enjoyed the music of a hot jazz trio. (They were great and gave a "plus" to the dining experience.) Everything started on a positive note. The waiter greeted us pleasantly. The menu looked great and was very inexpensive and it was 1/2 off wine night (how can you go wrong there?!?!)

We ordered a bottle of Whitehaven Sauvingnon Blanc, and the waiter brought it in a timely manner. I would like to point out at that time there was only one other 2 top on the patio. I ordered the BBQ'd Salmon and my boyfriend the grilled Porkchops. We each had a caesar salad to begin with and each was crisp and pleasantly garlicly. As we enjoyed our first course, the patio began to fill up. This was a concern, as in the past, this usually triggered poor service. Our entrees came and, once again, we were pleased with the product. My salmon was medium rare (which is to my liking), the BBQ sauce was great and my boyfriend's pork chops were moist and flavorful.

This is when the experience changed a note. We ate our dinner contentedly, but watched as the people around were suffering from lack of service as the patio filled up. A table next to us sat for 15 minutes waiting for their softdrinks (yes, they were irritated) and then received their salad course 2 minutes later. We finished our dinner and sat for 15 minutes waiting for our server to clear plates, to acknowledge us for after dinner drinks, but nothing. The other 2 top that was there when we arrived was looking around, puzzled as well with dirty plates in front of them...it was like our service had come to a screeching halt. I am not blaming the gentleman who served us. I am blaming management or whoever is overseeing the operations. Not once did anyone of management authority come outside where the patio had rapidly filled up, to see if the servers were "in the weeds" and if guests were receiving adequate service, nor was there any back up service to eliminate these service issues.

I have been in the business a long time. I love and appreciate the great nook that Carly Rae's has created. I just don't want it to slip after hiring a new chef who seems to have his act together. It also could have been an off night. Regardless, when trying to build a restaurant, everyone's experience is important and I think it is important to see things from a guest's experience. I will be back, and hopefully the kinks will be worked out.

Hi Sue!! I do not know who was the server was on that particular occassion (though I can guess...start's with M?) but you can rest assured that those "kinks" will be addressed (we have much re-tooling to do and we know it). Changing direction is difficult at best and the learning curve is very steep!! Anyway, thank's for stopping in and please introduce yourself next time you're in!-Dave

Hey Dave,

Wanted to let you know that my Dad enjoyed my B'day dinner at your place so much that he & my Mom are bringing a group of friends for dinner Friday night. (Everyone's from the far East End, so word is spreading... ).

Looking forward to seeing the new menu (and enjoying the patio) sometime soon,
Deb

Hey Dave,

Wanted to let you know that my Dad enjoyed my B'day dinner at your place so much that he & my Mom are bringing a group of friends for dinner Friday night. (Everyone's from the far East End, so word is spreading... ).

Looking forward to seeing the new menu (and enjoying the patio) sometime soon,
Deb

Thank's Deb! New menu "should" be done after the July 4th weekend (lot's of cool new stuff). If you are coming in tonight, I have some marinated bison sirloin for ya! Looking forward to seeing you again and thank's for the cudos!-Dave

Dave,

I won't be there tonight ( I wasn't invited ) My dad is Dick Reese if you get a chance to say "hi".

Brian & I will be out another time.

Deb