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I know this may be a year too late, but nonetheless, I feel it important to post for any others thinking of going to 1 North Belmont. My wife and I went there for our anniversary last year, and it was by far the most overrated and overpriced meals I've ever had. The food was truly average but the prices were extraordinary. There was a direct inverse relationship between the quality of the dishes we ordered and the culinary work that went into each one. For example, the escargot's that we ordered as an appetizer were just terrible. But, the cheese plate and coffee were wonderful. But, I could have made both at home at 10% of the cost and 100% less attitude.
The only thing that overshadowed the mediocre food was the truly French attitude that came along with the dining experience. Our waiter was truly a a-hole-- to the point where we almost walked out in the middle of the meal. He refused to speak English to us, and he wouldn't even look at us when we were ordering. He constantly was looking around the room like he had more important things to do than stand at our table and take our order-- even though most of the times he was there we had to call him over because his "service" was delinquent.
Another thing that bothered us about the place was the median age of the guests. We were the youngest people in the restaurant by 30 years-- seriously. Maybe this place offers AARP discounts!!! I realize that the age of diners isn't the restaurant's fault, but again, it detracts from the atmosphere when you're looking to carry on a conversation and perhaps laugh a little bit. Each time my wife and I laughed-- mostly at the lack of service-- we received glares from the other dining guests.
I want to elaborate the prices, because these are French Laundry prices with TGIF-quality. The Dover Sole, which is their "signature dish" goes for $46. Its made tableside with butter, capers, and lemon. Its a simple dish and there is no reason why it should be that expensive-- plus, after talking with my friend who is a fishmonger there is doubt as to whether I was actually served true "Dover Sole." The filet, which my wife ordered is around $50 as well. It's not like Patrick O'Connell, Thomas Keller, or Mario Batali prepared the dish. Again, nothing creative and you could get a better piece of meat at Ruth's Chris for half the price.
One more thing. While I realize that French food is rich, if you do choose to eat here, be prepared to camp out in the bathroom from about 1 hour after you get the bill through the following morning. We made a comment about this to some other friends of ours who have eaten here, and apparently we're not alone. Honestly, you'd think they lace their food with laxative.
On a positive note, I did get about 1,000 Delta miles for the meal through the dining network which they participate. Either way, should you choose to go here, good luck. I've had better dining experiences at Wendy's.
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I ate at 1 North Belmont a few months ago...actually had somewhat a better experience in the past when the beloved maitre d' had rubbed us the wrong way & been unhelpful in terms of the cheese course...but oh well.
It is not exciting, it is an old fashioned formal French spot...very good food but nothing you haven't seen before--just maybe not in a few years -
Mr. Kim and I were JUST talking about La Petite France! It sounds like it would be an interesting transition!
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Thought I'd post again here to report back about our experience. We were seriously underwhelmed. The food was good to ok, the service was very attentive when we got there (empty restaurant) and deteriorated from there to the point that our dinner plates were left on the table for 45 minutes. We certainly didn't get the kind of experience or meal that we expected for the prices. Dinner for 8 (only 6 ordered drinks and two of us had appetizers for dinner - my daughter and I have both had gastric bypass surgery and can't manage much more than that) was $550. We were disappointed, to say the least. But now we've been and we can cross it off our 'life list' ;-)! From what we experienced last night, the best things were the appetizers and chocolate mousse and the cheese course!
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Jamet, I am having a ball! I have never worked anywhere but offices and was so ready to toss the whole cubical/computer/life in a box thing. I was looking for something in the 'food' world and so far am having a lot of fun. Say hi the next time you are in - I am really Kim Shook IRL!
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Thanks, Janet. I am really looking forward to dinner. Have never been. I ran into one of the owners at work the other day (I work at Fresh Market) and she was buying stuff for the restaurant and it made me think of it when Mr. Kim asked where I wanted to go for my birthday.
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re: kim shook
Kim,
Glad to hear you are working for Fresh Market. My wife and I LOVE the place, and go once a week or so. Living as far out on the western fringes of goochland, that is quite a trek for us, but well worth it :)
My ribs have beter than ever since I started buying them from there.
We went to Can Can tonight and had quite a great night .. and took home a lot of bread and croissant as well :) One of these days we wil be able to try one of the other french places.
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It's been close to a year since we've been to 1 North Belmont. The maitre'd left and he made the place. Jacket is fine for the men. A tie isn't necessary. The Dover Sole is very good. The after dinner cheese plate was a must but that was when Scott was still there and he the master of the cheese. I have no idea if the cheese plate is still as wonderful as it used to be.
