01/29/09

Well executed cuisine but disappointing details

by groberry

We went to Aldo's last night, it's restaurant week in Baltimore. We were planning on Cinghialis for Italian, but someone told us to try Aldo's. My overall review is that the food was very good, but the experience was disappointing. It's all in the details. When we arrived, the host was uninterested and waited a few seconds longer than necessary before looking up, so a bit uncomfortable. We were seated immediately, which was nice since we were early. A waiter asked if we would like sparkling or still water. Still, please. Normally I'm pretty savvy with the water trick question, but I missed it that night. The bottle of still water was six dollars. I noticed another couple being served ice water from a silver pitcher immediately after the waiter walked away and knew I'd been had. My partner was reviewing the wine list when he burst out laughing, startling me. Apparently a couple of bottles that we frequent at home were on the list and the mark up was well, insane (and we're used to markup, right?) A David Bruce (normally around $18-20) was $95. And a Robert Mondavi Cabernet (reserve) is usually about $30 and was listed at $165. I'm pretty much a wino, but could not in good conscience order a bottle with a markup like that. That's just stupid. It made us really suspicious with the rest of the list, finally settling on a Francisco (?) for $55. Now the food. The Restaurant Week menu was great. I ordered the grouper from this menu. My partner wanted the veal saltimbucco which wasn't on the restaurant week menu, so he did that. His audible gasp of pleasure when he took the first bite was pretty funny. My entree was fabulous as well. Egg breaded pan crusted grouper seared in lemon butter chardonnay sauce with seafood risotto and spinach. It rocked. I would recommend this place for the food, but only if you've got a thick skin to deal with snotty host, ridiculous wine list, and slick servers with trick water question.

• Pros: Food
• Cons: Wine List

07/27/08

Disaster dinner

by uncbrooke00

Went with high hopes, but dinner was literally a disaster. Our server was less than attentive. A martini came complete with floating gnat. Entrees were delivered literally 2 hours after we were seated. The two chicken dishes ordered by our table were completely raw in the middle (yes, raw!). Manager was pompous and unapologetic. This is likely an anomaly, but I most certainly will not return to find out!

08/09/07

Extraordinary service, wine list and food

by dr_mufasha

My wife and I were celebrating our wedding ann. here few nights ago.

Fantastic food to match an incredibly friendly staff. They've treated us like (royal) family.

The Beaf Carpaccio was the best I've ever had, and Orichette pasta was amazing as well.

• Pros: Service, Food
• Cons: Valet