623037 Wed May 27 13:19:04 -0700 2009 6 20 Tristate Region 0 4719533 After all the hype re the great spots in Saratoga Springs, we decided to treat a good friend visiting from LI for a casual lunch in a local spot with rave reviews (Max London's on Broadway). Three of us all ordered differently, what better way to get a good sense of the cuisine? Sandwiches dominated the lunch menu (a soup and a couple of other items rounded out the choices). The previous sunday my wife and I had strolled along Broadway in Saratoga and heard endless praise from exiting customers from London's and decided it would be an excellent spot to treat our visiting friend arriving later in the week. Home made pastrami, the burger and a cheese sandwich (a very unusual combination with telagio (sp) and pork) made up the choices. Beverages included iced tea and a glass of wine for our fried. When iced tea is ordered, a diluted peach flavored drink is not expected and wasn't good regardless of the expectation. I know from the menu listed on the internet that numerous teas are available but no such choice or description was offered by the waiter. The burger, ordered medium rare, was presented well done - not tasty. The cheese/pork sandwich explained as being served like pulled pork but without the bbq sauce was served with dry tasteless port slices and without the pickled onion accompaniment and the home made pastrami was just sadly lacking in mouth feel and taste. For good, no excellent pastrami take a hike to Great Barrington MA to the GB Bagel Co (across the highway from Guido's Market. Were we all disappointed? Very much so, to the point of not wanting to return for a second chance. Sad... So much hype so little product. Wed May 27 13:19:04 -0700 2009 11468 feelinpeckish 1 4719661 Thanks for the report. Sorry you didn't have a good experience. Did you mention your issues (overcooked burger, iced tea not as expected, etc.) to your server and/or the manager? I have only been to Mrs. London's for lunch and am looking forward to Max's for dinner. I didn't know Max's served lunch and just learned recently they serve brunch. Wed May 27 13:52:49 -0700 2009 4719533 73159 financialdistrictresident 2 4721717 Lunch is served only from 12 to 2 according to the internet listing and judging from the fact that the other tables seemed to be occupied by staff or empty so lunch may be short lived. As for being more specific with the waiter (there was a feel he was family - and not all that interested in our service) I do not take it upon myself to teach/direct staff. If the owners have not trained them then it falls to them to oversee/correct for the maintainance of quality and not mine. I simply vote with my feet. By comparison a follow up meal out with guests in Albany was exceptional with similar service - there is a lot to choose from in the general area ( I will treat on that occasion in a later post. Thu May 28 08:26:03 -0700 2009 4719661 11468 feelinpeckish 3 4723108 Thanks for the additional information feelinpeckish. I wasn't thinking you should teach/direct staff just let them know if something isn't right. Otherwise they might not know and can't rectify it. Based on your experience I'll go to Max's for dinner and stick to Mrs. London's for lunch. We went to Ric Orlando's new place in Albany the first week and it was crazy busy. It was obvious all the staff was experienced and well trained and we had an enjoyable meal and service. Can't wait to go back. Look forward to hearing about where you dined in Albany and had a better experience. Thu May 28 15:16:24 -0700 2009 4721717 73159 financialdistrictresident 1 4737117 The pastrami at Max London is house-cured and the chef's own interpretation... I happen to love it and I also love classic deli pastrami but they are two different things. The day I was there, the pastrami was mounded on some good seeded rye with a bit of cole slaw on the top. A side salad was served with "house pickles" that turned out to be pickled stems of swiss chard... a really nice treat. I did request a bit of deli mustard which was provided without complaint. Overall, a really nice lunch and also nicely priced at $11 for all the above. I'm sorry you were disappointed but I think Max London's lunch deserves another shot. Tue Jun 02 16:26:27 -0700 2009 4719533 10889 otis 2 4810781 Perhaps... but not from me. Sat Jun 27 09:29:36 -0700 2009 4737117 11468 feelinpeckish 3 4811133 I've had dinner at Max's several times and eat lunch there regularly. feelingpeckish, your experience is not at all typical. Service has always been terrific. And the pastrami is awesome; no, it's not Katz's but completely different, yet still very good. Drinks, pizzas, coffee, desserts, all excellent. Sat Jun 27 12:41:05 -0700 2009 4810781 186511 gerchak198