514015 Mon Apr 28 18:14:23 -0700 2008 11 13 New England 0 3638306 I'm curious to obtain any recent feedback on the food at Routier of late. It's menu looks like a snapshot of last spring, no major "changes". And is the same night manager on from last year? He was curt with my husband last year. CT shoreline needs some new spots , the old places are a bit drab and trite. Perhaps the Char is a good as last years....it might make me put some $4 gas in my car and try it again if I can get past the "help desk". Mon Apr 28 18:14:26 -0700 2008 134804 eatdrinkrando 1 4679384 Wow, it's funny that you mention the manager. This is my first post ever on Chowhound, (I usually just read) but I had to share my experience. My wife and I used to drive down from Newington every other Tuesday, but stopped because of him. First, let me say that I have had the greatest meals on the entire Connecticut shoreline at Cafe Routier. The food is outstanding, the music and atmosphere is totally funky, and the waitstaff is friendly and respectful. That being said, we were tired of feeling as if we were "bothering" the manager. Every time we went - if he wasn't texting on his cell phone, he was talking on his cellphone - loudly. One time I actually saw him roll his eyes and sigh heavy because he had to stop texting to seat three people! Why would we drive all that way to be treated like that? He has never smiled, never looks you in the eye, and never seemed even slightly interested in what was happening in the restaurant, and has never asked us how we enjoyed our meal. It's too bad because the food is incredible, but they have an awful first impression at the door. Wed May 13 07:02:57 -0700 2009 3638306 284554 saabman 1 4680532 The Gascon menu a couple of months ago (see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/607170) had some very nice things on it, but has now been replaced by an Indian menu (http://www.caferoutier.com/menus.htm) I haven't tried yet. The Seasonal menu has changed recently, too. We've rarely had anything at Cafe Routier that wasn't first rate. I guess, when I think about it, that I've been less than pleased with the host, but I'm more than willing to put up with him in order to enjoy everything else about the place. If his presence drives others away, that just makes it easier to get a table ... :-) But CHers surely will persevere. Wed May 13 12:15:18 -0700 2009 3638306 178139 linguist 2 4682816 I've said this before on this board - I like my food without drama. It's the reason I won't ever go to Sally's Apizza again, and after hearing about the manager of Cafe Routier, I would not ever set foot into the place. I don't care how good the food is, if it's not presented with hospitality, I don't want it, and I really don't want them taking my hard-earned money (especially these days). Shame on the owners for not recognizing that going to a restaurant is not all about the food. It's about the experience. Thu May 14 06:52:51 -0700 2009 4680731 20143 Zina 3 4682887 You are, of course, entitled to your opinion, but you'll miss out if you let the (really very minor) annoyance of the guy on the desk keep you out of Cafe Routier. The rest of the staff are in general quite attentive and competent. The experience overall bears no resemblance to Sally's. But hey, if you don't go, I can have your table. Thu May 14 07:19:12 -0700 2009 4682816 178139 linguist 4 4683138 HA HA. I feel exactly the same way when people complain about standing in line at O'Rourke's (more room for me, then!). ;) I've never been--what are some favorites at Cafe Routier? Thu May 14 08:38:31 -0700 2009 4682887 249664 kattyeyes 4 4683159 Funny I just think of the guy at the front as your typical NYC small bistro host - you know - Whaddya want? - doesn't bother me - but then again - I was raised in NYC so those attitudes when there is great food involved is of no concern to me - - esp if the wait staff is great - which they are at CR Thu May 14 08:47:12 -0700 2009 4682887 48025 few 5 4683204 Where is it? All I can figure out from the post is "CT shore"! Thu May 14 09:00:13 -0700 2009 4683159 211097 ciclista 6 4683214 It's in Westbrook, CT. Perhaps the mods can add that to the title? http://www.caferoutier.com/about.htm Thu May 14 09:03:15 -0700 2009 4683204 249664 kattyeyes 5 4685983 wow (again), lol, i'm surprised my story generated so much discussion - but at least I feel slightly justied in my action since so many other people have had negative experiences with the manager. Hey...different strokes I guess. If you enjoy being treated like a nuisance - have fun. For the record: a) I have dined at many high-end restaurants in NYC over the years and have never been treated, or have seen others treated in such a manner. b) Remember: we're talking about a restaurant in Westbrook, CT...not exactly the dining capital of the world. c) If I am going to drive 40 minutes and spend $30 for a piece of fish, or $20 for a piece of meatloaf in this economy, where restaurants are closing every day - I would like to be treated as if my patronage is appreciated, not despised. I have to agree with Zina, it's the whole experience for me and my wife. Fri May 15 05:30:21 -0700 2009 4683159 284554 saabman 6 4686209 Without singling out Cafe Routier in particular, I agree with saabman as far as the overall experience of dining. Given the economy, from what I can see, it's a whole new ballgame out there. While my wife and I really enjoy fine dining, we have really begun to scrutinize restaurants and have had to cut out some of our higher end favorites. With so many restaurants (even upper echelon ones) in trouble financially, and I know this to be a fact, you would think that where there are "attitudes," there would be some housecleaning by management. More than ever, they need to pay attention to the customer and make sure that we have nothing but a positive experience when we continue to patronize them. Without exception, our current favorite places offer both good food and genuinely attentive and polite service. To let any place - no matter how good the food is - get away with anything less or make the diner feel uncomfortable is absolutely unconscionable, especially given the economic realities. If anyone wishes to support a restaurant that does not make them feel welcome and wanted, they are obviously free to do so. For me, I would much rather support the places that truly appreciate my business. As a business owner trying to weather these trying times, my staff is very aware that more than ever, customer service makes a huge difference. There is no excuse why restaurants should not follow the same credo, no matter how good the food is. Fri May 15 06:59:36 -0700 2009 4685983 17352 lsnhc 1 4700030 Not to keep this thread going forever, but I was at Cafe Routier again last night, presenting the picture most likely to get bad treatment in restaurants: the single diner. Everyone was cordial, welcoming and competent. The most I can find to complain about is the fact that it took the bartender a while to pour my second beer, though I did see the waiter pestering him about it... The Indian menu was surprisingly good, though it won't make you forget Thali. The three first courses (mulligatawny soup, goat and lamb curries) were both small main courses rather than the things you might expect as starters. The goat curry was quite good. The Vindaloo was about as hot as Western palates are prepared to enjoy, and really very good. I think they ought to go back to south of France/Italy/Germany/etc. for the special menu, but this one was certainly worth trying and shows off the kitchen's versatility. Wed May 20 07:24:03 -0700 2009 3638306 178139 linguist