Vernon's Speakeasy Restaurant Tour

[@MizzouRah78]

I just went for my first time. It was a neat concept but I was very disappointed. First, it's WAY darker in there when you go in to actually eat. A little too dark. Then we were sat right in front of the live music, making it difficult to even have a conversation with my wife at our tiny table. The most disappointing part was my steak. I suppose it's possible my palette isn't developed for this particular kind of meat, but I've been eating steak my entire life and don't feel like any cut or aged steak should be that much of an acquired taste. I got the dry aged ribeye. It's $98 for a 14 Oz. I figured, "why not splurge for the occasion"? I read about it prior and the claim was that there are noticeable differences in rich flavor with exceptional tenderness. I was really excited when they brought it out. Easily over twice as thick as many "thick" steaks I've had. I couldn't even tell how well it was cooked due to how dark it was. The flavor was just not for me. Perhaps it goes back to not being familiar with dry aged meat, but I didn't enjoy it at all. Of course I finished it for that price, but the flavor almost made me sick. It also had a strange texture. I definitely wouldn't describe it as "tender". It almost felt like cutting through a pork chop. The meat even had a chewiness to it. My wife's $40 ribeye was much better in every way. She tried two different bites of mine and said, "that's disgusting". I can't say the rest of my meal was impressive either. I got truffle mashed potatoes and asparagus for my sides. The potatoes were pretty tasty for maybe 3 bites, after which the bold flavor is just too much. I admit the waitress told me she didn't like them due to the strong flavor, but I find that a little problematic. The asparagus left much to be desired. There just wasn't much done to it. My wife loves pretty much all vegetables and even she wasn't interested in more than one bite. For a $100 meal, there are certain expectations, ya know? We got calamari as a starter. It was pretty good, but again, can't say it matches the cost. Neither of our drinks were anything special either. I did like the bread that comes out. Nice softness with a flaky crust and went well dipped in the oil. I'm not even a hard person to please, but the bar is raised at this price point. Oh, something not food related but really bothered me was the staff's clothing. It's a speak easy...and the first impression at the entrance sets a really cool tone for the place. After his introduction and entertaining speech, he opens a door disguised as a bookshelf to let you in. The first staff member I see is wearing yoga pants and a long sleeved shirt...seriously!?The disappointment continued, as I saw ONE staff member that looked the part the entire time we were there. Our waitress (who was also the bartender) was great, but again with the yoga pants...for me, it really takes away from the experience. Same for the band. Specifically at a place so prideful with their theme, I don't want to see band members in t-shirts and jeans. It's also easy to dwell on more negatives when other aspects were so disappointing. Had my meal been phenomenal or worth the price, other things are more easily overlooked. Had they really nailed the theme but the food was disappointing, I'd have a more positive consideration to go back.

[@zynet_eseled]

Consider me impressed