Ciao
Thursday, April 26, 2007
This was my fourth visit to Felidia and undoubtedly the last. The service is consistently tired and seems to lack any enthusiasm, or coordination. Although the food is unquestionably excellent, the space is utterly horrible - not a single table in the cramped brownstone seems immune from the constant traffic in and out of the kitchen. The rustic atmosphere is more suitable to an irish pub than a fine restaurant. The 60+page wine list is extensive, but guest selections are tasted by the sommelier before being served - a practice that some may find condescending (not to mention expensive). The room is tired and the basement rest rooms are what one would expect in a Manhattan pizza joint and not in a place like this (one needs to navigate past a prep kitchen). Our tab for 2 with tip was well over $500 and, while I was in the ladies room, my companion was asked to pack up and leave because they needed the table. He was embarrassed. I was humiliated to return and find him in the foyer, coat in hand. I could understand this completely if it was a pre-theater seating, or if we had lingered. But we ate quickly and each had a single cup of coffee. I don't think that, at those prices, the additional 1 minute it took while I was at the ladies room was worth the offense. I think the $1,500, or so that I've spent in the last several visits would merit better treatment, but for now it's Ciao Felidia.
Pros: extensive italian wine list. Dreamy handmade pastas.
Cons: Inconsiderate and indifferent staff. Tired, cramped room.