Being "Taken Care of" vs having food placed in front of you...

[Bashful3]

Tuesday I ran one errand after another, ending up starving at my inexpensive dry cleaners, near Cottman and Rising Sun. Knew I was having sushi at Matt Ito's Fuji the next day, but I had
to eat, so I dropped in to Makimann sushi without reparking my car. I knew that their sushi was
supposed to be pretty good, and was looking forward to a quick lunch.

It was very reasonable: $10.95 for miso soup, a California Roll, plus 8 interesting looking pieces of sushi. The fish was fine; nothing wrong, but nothing exciting. Admitedly I am spoiled rotten
by eating at Fuji in Haddonfield; I didn't expect excitement at Makimann. It was all in my head,
but I was vaguely uneasy, and I can't say that I was able to enjoy the sushi even though the fish
tasted fine (but not sparkling, if you know what I mean)

I couldn't refrain from mentioned this to Matt Ito the next day. He took it as a compliment, not
an insult, but true artist, he said that when you come to Fuji, we take care of you. When you
eat at many other restaurants, they place food in front of you!

I got it, and felt that was true.

Now my question is, where else can one go to eat, and 'be taken care of', as opposed to
just ordering off the menu, and having the food placed in front of you? Full disclosure: my sushi friend and I never order. We simply sit down at the sushi bar, and let Mat decide what to
serve us. So, yes, we are spoiled. My question does not go to Japanese restaurants, its a question inquiring about other restaurants that give one that special feeling of 'being taken care of'

What are your favorites?

[FayeD]

Although it is a difficult reservation to get and I haven't been there recently, I would have to say Bibou. I think the service is outstanding and I really like that the owners have come over to the table. The other restaurant I want to mention - although I was only there once and it was during restaurant week, so if anything maybe the service gets even better, is LaFamiglia. I know I have the spelling wrong. They had a wonderful choice of wine, the glasses were beautiful and I just thought everything was special. Not exactly sure if this is what the author meant though.

[Bashful3]

i'd agree with you about Bibou, Faye. It's more than that the food choices are unusual and
excellent; there is a feeling of caring about their customers in an appropriate way that
shines through. And, based upon what you write, i'm eager to try La Famiglia.

That's on target for what I meant, but I guess I also would like recs for the kind of place
where they might have specials often, where you can go many many times, and not feel 'bored' by the choices. In other words, good food, imaginative choices, combined with warm service.

I don't think that's asking too much!

-----
La Famiglia
751 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755

[tourmama]

Your post gave me a chuckle. One of my pet peeves is when a server appears at the table at the beginning of a meal, announces his/her name, and that s/he will "be taking care of you tonight". DH and I are adults, and not ill or infirm, so I just find the expression to be silly and obsequious - and rarely true. I know, everyone's mileage varies, but for me, this one's right up there with "and are we having coffee/tea/dessert this evening?" Well, I am, but I have no idea about your plans...