RIPOFF ALERT - Giorgio Baldi

[Bradbury]

My mom was in town this past weekend and once again begged me to take her to Giorgio Baldi on West Channel Rd. in Santa Monica (ever since one of her friends gushed about it 5+ years ago she's been itching to try the place). So I agreed to take her, and here's what transpired:

1) We were told the only available table at an early-ish hour was at 6 (their opening hour) though when we left an hour later there were only 3 occupied tables.

2) For about 17 or 18 (small) tables, there were at LEAST 7 waiters and a hostess, all of whom just stood there watching us like vultures the whole time. How do they afford all this personnel expense? Read on...

3) Just before opening, Giorgio himself comes out of the kitchen and throws a hissyfit with one of the waiters, right in front of us.

4) After being seated (in possibly the most uncomfy chairs in town) we were offered water, which we accepted. Two $5 water bottles were immediately opened, poured, and plunked on the table.

5) The waiter then told us to put away the menus, because he was going to recite the day's specials, which he said were the only things he'd consider ordering. Five minutes later, he was done, but his accent was so thick we could only discern 3 or 4 of them. No prices were quoted, but my (brief) look at the menu hinted that most appetizers were in the $8-10 range and most entrees $20-25.

6) We decided to start with the pumpkin ravioli and grilled shiitake mushroom appetizers ... the ravioli were yummy but basically swimming in butter soup; the mushrooms were overcooked and dry, though still somewhat tasty with the pecorino cheese on the side.

7) Mom ordered the Dover sole special, I ordered the Mediterranean sea bass special. Both just seemed ... I guess *indifferent* would be the word. Limp, mediocre, might have been fresh caught but the way they were cooked and overseasoned, there was no way to tell. Both were served with (similarly limp) spinach and rosemary potato chunks that seemed a little too much like Tater Tots.

8) We shared a panna cotta for dessert; it was actually quite yummy though a lot more flan-like than most panna cottas I've tried.

9) We had already decided not to come back, but then came the real pain: the appetizer specials had been priced at $15 apiece, the entrees at $35. This is about a 50% markup above menu prices, and not for anything particularly costly to prepare. (You should have heard the couple at the next table kvetch about paying $40+ for the overcooked lagostino special).

For two appetizers and entrees, plus dessert, no wine or other alcohol .... $126 plus tip. Ouch. At this point, we were as oversteamed as the sea bass was.

Caveat emptor.

[russkar]

I warn people all the time about that restaurant. Total rip-off , with so-so food.

[Barbara]

My husband and I have been intending to go there for years. We owe you one!!!!

[Fidelixi]

While it's disappointing to have a bad experience in any restaurant I think only some of your gripes are on the mark.

The fact they couldn't, or wouldn't, seat you at a time more to your liking is their business entirely. Perhaps they are used to people having meals that last 2 hours or more and they seat their tables accordingly. As far as the waiter's unintelligibility or the prices of the specials, it seems to me that you are crying 'foul' when none was given; even if the waiter is perfectly intelligible I often ask to have the specials recited again (just like looking over a menu again) and likewise I always ask the price of the dishes. I find it not only tolerable when someone is native to the restaurants cuisine but actually desirable, accents and all. I’d rather that than a perfectly clear description from someone who has no understanding of the food. While I agree that it's a nice policy to list the prices without prompting I see it done the other way so often that I am not shocked when I see it. Is there a reason you didn't ask to have the specials listed again or inquire into the prices?

As far as the owner yelling, yes that is unprofessional and sitting down just when restaurant opens does sometimes permit a view into staff relationships. That is unfortunate but I think that all the previous would have been forgivable if the food had simply been better.

I don't go there often but I have had excellent meals there in the past. The specials are often exceptional; I remember particularly fried mushroom with softened asiago cheese and truffle oil sprinkled with sea salt. Delicious. Also, the langoustines grilled with lemon and served with potatoes was memorable, your dining neighbors’ experience notwithstanding. The one problem is that I have gone with at 8 PM reservation and not been seated until half an hour later despite arriving on time. Annoying. Especially as there is not a bar at which to sit and cool your heels. It can very crowded with celebrities and Hollywood-types and that, of course, can ruin any restaurant; some people seek out and are pleased to pay for that kind of an atmosphere

Anyway. I’m sorry you struck out. IMO, a restaurant’s main job is to deliver great food with seamless service and that you didn’t get that.

[mamsterla]

I have been there a number of times and agree that it is overpriced. Most of the times we have gone (my wife or my family and I), we have concentrated on the pasta. My wife thinks the gnocci with gorgonzola sauce is the best she's had in her limited experience. I like the fetuccini with porcini mushrooms. We'll split an appetizer and order wine by the glass. Helps keep the cost down - it's still a splurge, but a different experience than most westside Italian restaurants I have visited.

[Bradbury]

Yeah, you're right, I could have been more assertive about having the waiter repeat the specials more slowly. In general, when a wait-person is breezily reciting the day's specials, I tend to "tune in" more to the ones that immediately appeal and "tune out" the ones that don't. A few of them appealed, and we ordered them. We didn't ask about prices because we didn't order anything particularly exotic, so we assumed the prices would be roughly in line with the menu prices. Such was not the case.

I guess my general point was that when a restaurant really twists your arm to order the specials, then prices them outrageously and cooks them indifferently, it just feels dishonest. My individual points were not really intended to all be specific criticisms, just cumulative factors in a disappointing evening; I'm sorry if I wasn't very clear about that.

[Claudine Too]

The specials don't even change here very often. So why don't they bother just printing up a new menu with these evergreen "specials." I agree that this place is monstrously overpriced. The food is fine, but why bother paying nearly double the price when you can get the same thing at a dozen other places for a lot cheaper. Also, the building is just a thinly veiled beach shack and doesn't warrant these prices. I'll stick with Angelini Osteria.

[Chino Wayne]

Isn't is usually the case that when a restaurant is known for all of the "industry" names that hang there, that its not about the food?

Thanks for the warning.

[Zach]

Damn, I'm sorry for you!! I hate going down in flames at a crappy restaurant. Thanks for the warning.

Zach

[LBQT]

Chowmate and I had a similar experience there a couple of weeks ago. Food so mediocre that the only thing I remember is the stale bread they served. The waiter was snotty - I asked him to turn up the A/C because the room was so hot. He said it could not be done. I asked him to open a window or door. He refused and walked away. The hostess overheard, and opened the door to let in a breeze. About 15 min. later, a window was opened at the request of another diner. This is one of those "never again" places.

[Bradbury]

Ooooh, yeah, forgot to mention the stale bread. As far as I could tell, it was a 2-day old sliced-up baguette from Ralphs or something.

Next time I'm in Santa Monica and want good seafood by the shore, I'll go to Ocean Ave. Seafood or I Cugini. I know there are some folks on this board who aren't too enamored of these places, but I've had much better seafood at both than at Giorgio Baldi, and for a whole lot less money. And vastly better bread ...

[Ciaolette]

The Beach House, right across the street has great food, I have had the best Diver scallops there and I think they also do a Maine Lobster dinner thing, it can be crowded, but is not an uptight scene like Baldi.