i agree, most reviewers aren't anonymous. The place is warned ahead so they get a free meal or even worse, they get paid to review. It's basically just an ad and people click for the food por n
I finally put my finger on exactly why your stories are so entertaining and make me excited for the next one. Your delivery is soothing, lacking the loud and jarring movements and actions that too many vloggers use to create energy. Your energy is natural and enjoyable. Thank you for all your great content!
Agreed, it’s refreshing and how these food reviews used to be. Focuses on the restaurant and food and not himself, which 90% of other food reviewers fail to do. Hes authentic
comping the entire meal is insanely thoughtful, for the prices they charge that's a generous solution vs giving you an extra dessert or something like that
Restaurant/Chef consultant here. Because single diners are rare, I bet your ticket got lost somewhere in the kitchen. Imagine a line of tickets at least 3ft long, each of them 4-8inch long and along comes your single "Bucket List". Probably a 2inches long lone ticket. Easy for it to be hidden or fallen off. You did the right thing by alerting the server and I'm sure the kitchen got an earfull from the kitchen manager/Chef. Good restaurants have a "Oh shit" plan and they did the right by comping your meal and you did the right thing by tipping. That says exactly what it means "Food was great, but experience was flawed". The bartender will get a "talk to" about being attentive, the kitchen will get the same talk, and hopefully it won't again (but it will). I would definitely come back but in a group, those kinds of places are kinda meant to be enjoyed as a group. Good job on you though.
Up until 2005, table for one was never a problem in NYC because this city is renowned for single career oriented highly successful individuals who are pleasantly borderline antisocial. It was understood that in an overbearing city like New York, people want a break from their spouse, their job, their personal life and enjoy a moment to themselves. Today restaurants have a stink face when you come in alone because they are gunning for couples who drop $300-600 plus tip. You were right to criticize the experience. Most food critics never address this concern.
Unfortunately solo diners are second class citizens because the size of their checks are smaller than those for larger parties. But good restaurants make an effort to properly service solo diners. Solo diners are there for the purest of intentions. They're there for the food, to see what the kitchen can do. They're not there to impress anyone. So good restaurants with good chefs and good service staff who respect the game will recognize, and won't leave you hanging. Bad ones will, as they could not care any less.
Not me. Am a wine nerd and have no problems on spending hundreds of dollars on a bottle of wine. Eating alone is a hot topic for me. No respect what so ever for places who don’t allow online solo reservations. Have a restaurant myself and believe me: a few solo guests won’t ruin a well run business. On the contrary. They’re often passionate foodies. Whilst dating couples nibble on one entrée and have a glass of the cheapest rosé because they have after dinner plans. Horizontally, if you know what I mean😂
I agree. I love to travel alone and I also love to try restaurants that my friends may not want to try or are out of their budget. When I eat alone, 9 out of 10 times I get treated like crap - get terrible seating like I’m some slum orphan looking for scraps, no attention by the servers, rude service, and mediocre food. But there are those exceptions where the restaurant went above and beyond to take care of me being a solo diner: one was the Peking duck restaurant at the W Hotel in Taipei. I wasn’t even hoping for it but they gave me a fanatic window seat and the servers took turns to make sure I was well-taken care of. The food was fantastic and absolutely nothing to complain about. This restaurant was great and they knew they were great and didn’t feel they needed to reject solo diners just to fill their space with groups. I had such a fantastic time that I think I probably spent enough for about a party of 4.
I love how these reviews are so genuine and down-to-earth. You always give your honest opinion while still respecting the hard work and craft of cooking - it's evident in your smile when you always show yourself taking the first bite of a delicious meal. And not to mention your respect for servers and still leaving a tip at the end, understanding that mistakes can happen in such a busy restaurant. Would love to see you review some Sichuanese restaurants some time! Keep on making the great reviews!
The experience matters! Once your mood is ruined, the dinner is likewise ruined. Sorry you had a bad experience, and it's big of you to realize that food service is difficult and sometimes there are bad nights.
James, I really love the way you analyze the dish your having. It's so relaxing and calm and I watch you to chill and get the best out what you are saying whether good or bad! You are the best and continue giving us what you feel we need to know about the city and the food!
I’ve been in the same situation and it really does put one off, though ours was the waiters fault. The fried chicken looked tasty, interesting sides and the desert meh,lol. Fair review James, glad they were professional and didn’t charge you. Thanks for taking us along👍💕
I appreciate your candor. You got dealt a bad hand but you stayed in reasonably good spirit and the restaurant did their best to resolve the situation. Unfortunately that kinda stuff happens sometimes, but the best we can do is handle it with grace, which I think both you and the restaurant showed.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, stuff like that unfortunately happens in even good restaurants, but it was clear that the restaurant did the best they could in the situation, which I appreciated.
This type of review is always a joy to watch even if the experience was "sub-par" by your expectations! I have read numerous comments left by your viewers & must simply smile with pleasure since the comments prove you have become totally accepted by "New York crowd" standards, but remain "Midwestern" sensible to politeness & goodwill! As I have written so many times before, you have been raised well! Again, thank you for sharing this & I eagerly await your next offering! Thanks, James!
@@bigbro973 I think that guy's channel has thrived because people like negative reviews. have a friend who is a food vlogger. He gets grief from viewers who say he is too positive like he's faking it. In reality if he is not happy with his experience he just not post it because he does not want to hurt the establishment. People also ask him to rank restaurants (which he does not do).
This fried chicken restaurant seems to have evolved into a very sophisticated one, especially from the perspective of someone like me who often experiences such places in daily life here in Korea. It’s unfortunate that you were disappointed with the service, James, but I’d still love to visit it someday. Thank you for another great video today! FYI, ‘Coqodaq‘ is a korean word that mimics the sound of chicken’s cluck, such as coq-a-doodle-doo😂
I've had similar experiences at other restaurants. It happens.. The food looked great though. I hope you make it back and end up with better service. Congrats on 50K.
Great review James. Unfortunately you went on a bad day. Next time when you revisit you get the chance to enjoy it much better and congratulations on the 51K subs!
You have mastered the art of the walk-in! Chicken and champagne sounds like a pairing made in heaven. I think you were very fair with your review; when they're off they're off. You did the right thing by leaving a tip. You made a great point about the value of your time; I have to keep reminding people of that when I'm accused of being extravagant.
Hi James, Thanks for your review of COQODAQ. I was very excited about the restaurant but the timing issues were terrible and you were ignored at times and you didn’t get all that you ordered. You were a gentleman throughout and you handled everything great! Have a relaxing evening, Peter
Thank you for this honest through review , good to know the service their best trait . The soy garlic chicken looked good, sorry your experience wasn’t the best . I appreciate you bringing this vlog and looking forward to your next episode J. Jose P.
Love the honesty. I once had an experience at a restaurant similar to yours, and I felt invisible. I think a lot of servers in some restaurants might not be accustomed to serving people sitting at the bar and so they simply forget they're sitting there for food and not just the drinks.
I had a similar experience at a restaurant where I was forgotten about for 25 minutes and tried to just leave, and they comped the meal. Also left a 20 since they were apologetic and the food was very good.
I love the name of the restaurant. I like your classy style review. Sorry your experience was meh. I'd have taken the nuggets home. I wouldve said something to the staff before 30 minutes. Id have to see the prices and menu to see if this is somewhere i might go one day.
James Im so sorry you had a bad experience, I know how much you love enjoying a good meal. Hope the next one is better, love your videos. When is your tatiana review coming out ?
Thank you! Hopefully, I'll get that Tatiana review out soon. I'm waiting to see if they will get a Michelin Star when Michelin makes their star announcements next month.
Another fair and excellent review, James. What intrigues me also in this video is your Orient Automatic Japan movement wristwatch. Very striking a time piece, as was that meal you had. I'm sure it was better than Shake Shacks offerings just a few steps away at MSQ park, my daily hangout. Keep up your labor of love.
Really great video and I’m planning on rebuilding my food review so I’m definitely watching you and the other masters. I’m happy to share with you that next week I’m going to Denver for five days so I really had to think about the places that I want to review and eat at. One thing that I’ll say is that I have a friend who is really into health food so sometimes I think for people who review restaurants who are very popular on RUclips, it is good to consider that option. This is because it breaks a very negative stereotype that in order to be successful on RUclips and make money you have to be Nakato avocado, eating large portions are being unhealthy, and then it’s also good because the American diet is stereotype to be very unhealthy so it’s good to have a mix of different things. But definitely when it comes to your videos, you’re very cultured and that’s one of the exciting things about your videos is that we don’t know where you’re going next, it’s not like you’re going to hit every pizza place that you can find, you do a diversity
Kudos to you tipping the server and acknowledging that you got your meal comped and enjoying the food itself. For me working in a restaurant for over a decade I’ve learned that people are assholes.
Great review James! I know when you're alone and being ignored by servers can feel alienating. Although, as a couple, It happens to my wife and I more often than I would like.
I had a similar experience that I equated to opening week. They gave my friend and me only one serving of the chicken which we shared without realizing (which I only noticed was incorrect after noticing other patrons at the bar). Maybe they have issues with service at the bar in general? After writing a review (I still gave them 3 stars) - they asked me to comeback. On the second dining attempt with different friends, they made us wait 30 minutes for our table even though we had a reservation this time. The manager came out and gave us some free nuggets with our order 😂 (which I guess was to makeup for my last experience). My takeaway is the restaurant is very nice and definitely perfect for your instagram story. But if you want great Korean fried chicken some less fancy - middle tier restaurants located in ktown offer a similar bite for significantly cheaper options. In general Korean fried chicken was never supposed to be seen as bougie anyway (at least according to my Korean friend). I am still looking forward to trying cote one day!
@@kiran_a Thanks for sharing! Yeah, service issues can be frustrating, but it at least sounds like the restaurant is trying their best to make it right.
Hey James ... your review was great, honest and forthright. SERVICE. Seating, lighting, and background music all play an important part to fine dining. I'll pass on this local.. better to know in advance where to direct ones energy. Thanks for sharing this video and insight..not every spot is a winner.❤
Interesting take on this one. the wait time was belligerent, cramped is to be expected at bar seating. But the server not making sure your food is out in 30 min with out at least a check in is pretty bad. tips are an important part of my life and cheers to you for tipping even though the ball was dropped. if you're ever in the Willamette valley of Oregon, I have a pizza truck at Sarver winery near Eugene. I'd love to feed ya one day. I always love your craftmanship in putting your reviews together. Cheers.
It may sound petty, but one of my biggest pet peeves is getting my appetizer and not even two bites later my entree hit the table. One of the two are going to get cold by the time I get to it. In rare occasions, I've had both the app and entree come at the same time which is more upsetting than just not getting the app.
Waiting for your order when you see other people get theirs is a mood killer. Mistakes happen sure. It's just hard to bounce back from it even if the meal is comped. I've had it happen a handful of times in my life and I never forget each time it's happened. I'm curious to hear your other restaurant recommendations for fried chicken. Momofuku has been my favorite to date.
I know what you mean, it can really dampen the mood when you feel left out. I haven't had Momfuku's chicken yet, but it's one I've got to try. I really like Pecking House and Charles Pan Fried Chicken.
we flew from dallas to NYC in may to try the restaurant...the same thing happened to us. Staff was dismissive (servers, bartenders), but the bussers were friendly and took note that we were missing the broth, our apps and even took our orders while the server was standing close by us. Even the manager was dismissive with our issues. I guess they only pay attention to the people spending the big bucks even though we spent about $150 plus tax and gratuity
Thank you for this review. This place looks very enjoyable, but I’m finding that a lot of places don’t know or understand that the solo diner needs to have the same exact experience as couples and parties. Small plates are great for shareable tables, but I think they should specify and detail how solo diners need to have their plates outlined and maybe create a combination plate so that it doesn’t look like you’re eating from a personal buffet.
Hi James, you just ran into my kinda problem when I go to restaurants - alone. In fact, always alone. Why go through the hassle of lining up people ? They can't eat this, they can't drink that, they're late, they waste time mulling over the menu, you know what I mean. But, quite often, I'm like the Invisible Man to servers. And that's not right. They're trained to look 180 degrees but most of them never do and they still want their tip. No. You have to earn it like everything else. I've gone off fried chicken. Why ? I'm 65. Trust me. You will, too, when you get to my age. However, I still love fried calamari rings, and arancini, and croquettes. So all is not lost ! Thanks for the video & have a great week !
I grew up going to an internet cafe next to the og bon chon in flushing off main street.. and im currently a japanese cuisine chef i don't think i could ever pay for food executed like this. Thank you very much for what you do ~
Thanks as always for sharing your true and thoughtful experiences in NYC dining. I just wanted to mention something about the $20 tip seeming high for a comped meal - tips generally get distributed via a pooling system. So, when you get comped a meal because of an inattentive bartender, that shouldn't hurt the food runner who was doing their best job.
James I also live in NY and at times want to go to places by myself, but I get so intimidated by dining alone and the host/hostesses you have to deal with. How did you get past your initial uneasiness, which I assume you probably had?
I know what you mean, but I think that my uneasiness dissipated the more I went out alone. Most good restaurants will make anyone feel welcome regardless if it's just one customer or a group.
@@hobo753exactly Alotta this “michellin” place aren’t even better than the local spots it’s sad how you can throw some fancy tables overpriced wine and ppl will come and flock and won’t even think about how the money spent doesn’t reflect the experience
Sometimes service can wreck your night. The food really did look good, and it was a classy move to comp your dinner! Also, a classy move for you to tip. Seems worth a second chance, for sure.
I'm glad you brought it up with your server... Just on principle. These places now are charging SKY HIGH prices, they should be bending over backwards and ensuring we get the best experience. Im sick of some young Uni student who's looking at their watch and slapping food down without actually caring, If you charge top dollar, at least deliver top dollar and stop being arrogant.
Coqodaq. Try saying that 10 times after a few glasses of pure Moncuit blanc de blancs. I'm glad you complained and got your meal comped. A lot of people wouldn't say anything and just put up with it.
When you said they handed me wet wipes I thought you said they handed me "butt wipes". ..That got stuck in my head so I went back 20 minutes later and looked at the video again. (you said wet wipes) Great review!!
$38 Bucks for that meal is pretty competitive to Jollibee. These days. Also I'm going to use that "art" trick the next time I screw up on the Job Site and OCEA shows up.
Thanks, James. Sounds over the top, people in NYC seem desperate for something different. Not my cup of tea! Had a Popeye's chicken sandwich yesterday, and it was great as usual, and the price is right!
Every restaurant has bad days. It happens. They did the right thing by comping the meal and obviously they did right by you because you're wanting to go back again. That's rare.
Great Video, James. Post-pandemic restaurant scene it's all hit-and-miss. It's always a mixed experience. It seems younger servers are lazier. You get the feeling they work for free, or their shift is court mandated. But thanks to your videos, we can avoid the awkwardness.
That’s poor service even though they comped it . I appreciate your honesty but it’s important to let people know how things during your meal . The chicken looked delicious . You are a gracious critic.
Not one, not two, not three… but FOUR close-up wrist shots this video! The new Orient looks awesome, man! Sorry your meal was disappointing this time around, but great content as usual. We’re still waiting on that @TeddyBaldassare collab! 😉
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I think you are one of the few reviewers who is genuinely honest in your reviews
Thank you! That makes me happy to hear!
i agree, most reviewers aren't anonymous. The place is warned ahead so they get a free meal or even worse, they get paid to review. It's basically just an ad and people click for the food por n
Well said. The honesty is obvious in your presentation. 3 Mitchie Stars!!!!!
That's why I'm here.
I finally put my finger on exactly why your stories are so entertaining and make me excited for the next one. Your delivery is soothing, lacking the loud and jarring movements and actions that too many vloggers use to create energy. Your energy is natural and enjoyable. Thank you for all your great content!
I completely agree with you 💯
Agreed, it’s refreshing and how these food reviews used to be. Focuses on the restaurant and food and not himself, which 90% of other food reviewers fail to do. Hes authentic
Yes, I have been a fan since he started the channel - the quality of his videos continues to get better as time goes on as well.
Thanks for watching and thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate the support!
Those baby lips on him can suck roDs
comping the entire meal is insanely thoughtful, for the prices they charge that's a generous solution vs giving you an extra dessert or something like that
Indeed!
Restaurant/Chef consultant here. Because single diners are rare, I bet your ticket got lost somewhere in the kitchen. Imagine a line of tickets at least 3ft long, each of them 4-8inch long and along comes your single "Bucket List". Probably a 2inches long lone ticket. Easy for it to be hidden or fallen off. You did the right thing by alerting the server and I'm sure the kitchen got an earfull from the kitchen manager/Chef. Good restaurants have a "Oh shit" plan and they did the right by comping your meal and you did the right thing by tipping. That says exactly what it means "Food was great, but experience was flawed". The bartender will get a "talk to" about being attentive, the kitchen will get the same talk, and hopefully it won't again (but it will). I would definitely come back but in a group, those kinds of places are kinda meant to be enjoyed as a group. Good job on you though.
Up until 2005, table for one was never a problem in NYC because this city is renowned for single career oriented highly successful individuals who are pleasantly borderline antisocial. It was understood that in an overbearing city like New York, people want a break from their spouse, their job, their personal life and enjoy a moment to themselves.
Today restaurants have a stink face when you come in alone because they are gunning for couples who drop $300-600 plus tip.
You were right to criticize the experience. Most food critics never address this concern.
@@DrDetfink As much as I enjoy a good meal alone, single dining does have its problems.
Unfortunately solo diners are second class citizens because the size of their checks are smaller than those for larger parties. But good restaurants make an effort to properly service solo diners. Solo diners are there for the purest of intentions. They're there for the food, to see what the kitchen can do. They're not there to impress anyone. So good restaurants with good chefs and good service staff who respect the game will recognize, and won't leave you hanging. Bad ones will, as they could not care any less.
Yeah, being a solo diner is definitely difficult at points. I think that I was just unlucky with that visit.
@@Jamesnuguy has no idea.
Not me. Am a wine nerd and have no problems on spending hundreds of dollars on a bottle of wine. Eating alone is a hot topic for me. No respect what so ever for places who don’t allow online solo reservations. Have a restaurant myself and believe me: a few solo guests won’t ruin a well run business. On the contrary. They’re often passionate foodies. Whilst dating couples nibble on one entrée and have a glass of the cheapest rosé because they have after dinner plans. Horizontally, if you know what I mean😂
I agree. I love to travel alone and I also love to try restaurants that my friends may not want to try or are out of their budget. When I eat alone, 9 out of 10 times I get treated like crap - get terrible seating like I’m some slum orphan looking for scraps, no attention by the servers, rude service, and mediocre food. But there are those exceptions where the restaurant went above and beyond to take care of me being a solo diner: one was the Peking duck restaurant at the W Hotel in Taipei. I wasn’t even hoping for it but they gave me a fanatic window seat and the servers took turns to make sure I was well-taken care of. The food was fantastic and absolutely nothing to complain about. This restaurant was great and they knew they were great and didn’t feel they needed to reject solo diners just to fill their space with groups. I had such a fantastic time that I think I probably spent enough for about a party of 4.
Critical and complimentary in all the right places. =informative and thoughtful take.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
I really like this youtuber because even in bad times he manages to find positives and remained nice about it.
I always try to be optimistic.
It’s so nice to watch a food review where the reviewer isn’t moaning over the food. You’re awesome, James Andrews! Thanks for keeping it classy.
@@ellenbrandman7724 Thank you!
Typical YT Food Reviewer: "OMG these sweet potato fries.. *GASP* INCREDIBLE". Me: "... wtf?"
You obviously haven't watched his other videos.
I love how these reviews are so genuine and down-to-earth. You always give your honest opinion while still respecting the hard work and craft of cooking - it's evident in your smile when you always show yourself taking the first bite of a delicious meal. And not to mention your respect for servers and still leaving a tip at the end, understanding that mistakes can happen in such a busy restaurant. Would love to see you review some Sichuanese restaurants some time! Keep on making the great reviews!
Thank you! I definitely hope to feature some Sichuanese places in the future.
Nice little wooden spoon they gave you to eat your frozen yogurt! @@Jamesnu
Thank you for your honesty James, I appreciate watching your reviews
Thank you!
KFC survives another day... Yeah the restaurant did the right thing, and you did the right thing by leaving a tip. Class act James.
Thank you!
The experience matters! Once your mood is ruined, the dinner is likewise ruined. Sorry you had a bad experience, and it's big of you to realize that food service is difficult and sometimes there are bad nights.
Indeed! It happens, but it could've been a lot worse.
Grace, generosity and forgiveness go a long way even in the hospitality industry. We all have a difficult day sometimes. You’re a true gentleman.
Thank you! I always try my best to be open and understanding.
James, I really love the way you analyze the dish your having. It's so relaxing and calm and I watch you to chill and get the best out what you are saying whether good or bad! You are the best and continue giving us what you feel we need to know about the city and the food!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
It's nice they comped your meal! I looked at the menu and it is SUPER expensive. And it's really nice you still tipped. That's very classy.
Yeah, it was unfortunate that my meal went the way it did, but it was clear that the restaurant tried to do right, and I really appreciated it.
I always tend to skip through videos on youtube, but I never do with yours! You make them very easy to watch.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
I’ve been in the same situation and it really does put one off, though ours was the waiters fault. The fried chicken looked tasty, interesting sides and the desert meh,lol. Fair review James, glad they were professional and didn’t charge you. Thanks for taking us along👍💕
Thanks for watching! Yeah, situations like that unfortunately happen sometimes.
Thanks for posting this. Sometimes some reviewers only post the positive experiences, and I enjoyed seeing a time when things didn’t go just right.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, not every meal is going to be a good one.
Hey James, great job navigating the extremes of your experience. Your reviews are helpful and entertaining. Thanks.
@@50freeport Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!
Always an honest review, no BS, just a fair opinion.
@@nolanohana Thanks for watching!
I appreciate your candor. You got dealt a bad hand but you stayed in reasonably good spirit and the restaurant did their best to resolve the situation. Unfortunately that kinda stuff happens sometimes, but the best we can do is handle it with grace, which I think both you and the restaurant showed.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, stuff like that unfortunately happens in even good restaurants, but it was clear that the restaurant did the best they could in the situation, which I appreciated.
Hi James- thank you for sharing your candid views. I love your channel!!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
This type of review is always a joy to watch even if the experience was "sub-par" by your expectations! I have read numerous comments left by your viewers & must simply smile with pleasure since the comments prove you have become totally accepted by "New York crowd" standards, but remain "Midwestern" sensible to politeness & goodwill! As I have written so many times before, you have been raised well! Again, thank you for sharing this & I eagerly await your next offering! Thanks, James!
@@PeterMigliorini-x4o Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it!
You are the only RUclips restaurant reviewer I really respect. The others are always unfair towards the restaurant. I wanted to say thank you
Thank you! I always try my best to be fair and understanding.
Many youtubers use bad experiences as clickbait and to tear down restaurants. Unfortunately this seems to draw followers.
@@skatingcanuck9837 I know who you were talking about
@@bigbro973 I think that guy's channel has thrived because people like negative reviews. have a friend who is a food vlogger. He gets grief from viewers who say he is too positive like he's faking it. In reality if he is not happy with his experience he just not post it because he does not want to hurt the establishment. People also ask him to rank restaurants (which he does not do).
This fried chicken restaurant seems to have evolved into a very sophisticated one, especially from the perspective of someone like me who often experiences such places in daily life here in Korea. It’s unfortunate that you were disappointed with the service, James, but I’d still love to visit it someday. Thank you for another great video today!
FYI, ‘Coqodaq‘ is a korean word that mimics the sound of chicken’s cluck, such as coq-a-doodle-doo😂
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I forgot to mention the bit about the sound of the chicken's cluck. Thanks for sharing that.
I've had similar experiences at other restaurants. It happens.. The food looked great though. I hope you make it back and end up with better service. Congrats on 50K.
Thanks, it does happen unfortunately. I do hope to return one day.
Great review James. Unfortunately you went on a bad day. Next time when you revisit you get the chance to enjoy it much better and congratulations on the 51K subs!
Thank you! Yeah, I was a bit unlucky, but I'll definitely give it another try in the future.
You have mastered the art of the walk-in! Chicken and champagne sounds like a pairing made in heaven. I think you were very fair with your review; when they're off they're off. You did the right thing by leaving a tip. You made a great point about the value of your time; I have to keep reminding people of that when I'm accused of being extravagant.
Thank you! Indeed! Time is the most important resource.
Hi James,
Thanks for your review of COQODAQ. I was very excited about the restaurant but the timing issues were terrible and you were ignored at times and you didn’t get all that you ordered. You were a gentleman throughout and you handled everything great!
Have a relaxing evening,
Peter
Thank you so much Peter! Unfortunately, things like that happen, but I still enjoyed the food and it could've always been worse.
Thank you for this honest through review , good to know the service their best trait . The soy garlic chicken looked good, sorry your experience wasn’t the best . I appreciate you bringing this vlog and looking forward to your next episode J.
Jose P.
Thank you! It happens. At least the food was good!
Love the honesty. I once had an experience at a restaurant similar to yours, and I felt invisible. I think a lot of servers in some restaurants might not be accustomed to serving people sitting at the bar and so they simply forget they're sitting there for food and not just the drinks.
Yeah, it happens sometimes and it's unfortunate.
awesome vid bro, always look forward to ur videos cuz i learn something new
Thank you so much!
Almost forgot to say that if they were to rate food influencers you would be a 5 star any day of the week!
Thank you so much!
Well executed!! Polished and sincere. A very positive attitude towards the hospitality industry it’s not a easy job.
Thanks for the kind words!
I had a similar experience at a restaurant where I was forgotten about for 25 minutes and tried to just leave, and they comped the meal. Also left a 20 since they were apologetic and the food was very good.
Which restaurant?
@@NoahEats Cafe Amelie in NOLA. I still recommend it! The ceviche app was incredible
@go4go4 cool. I'm due to visit to Nola and do reviews
It happens. A good restaurant will try to make up for their mistakes and at least it sounds like the place did the best they could for you.
Great video, James! Bummer about the service, I’d be totally upset if I had experienced what you had. Also, new watch looks great on ya ⭐️
Thank you!
What is carefully tallowed? Carefully heated?
I feel you on the difficulty getting a res here. Thank you for the honest review! Loved this video! 👏🏼
Thank you so much!
I love the name of the restaurant. I like your classy style review. Sorry your experience was meh. I'd have taken the nuggets home.
I wouldve said something to the staff before 30 minutes.
Id have to see the prices and menu to see if this is somewhere i might go one day.
Thank you! Stuff like that happens. It could've always been worse.
James Im so sorry you had a bad experience, I know how much you love enjoying a good meal. Hope the next one is better, love your videos. When is your tatiana review coming out ?
Thank you! Hopefully, I'll get that Tatiana review out soon. I'm waiting to see if they will get a Michelin Star when Michelin makes their star announcements next month.
Another fair and excellent review, James. What intrigues me also in this video is your Orient Automatic Japan movement wristwatch. Very striking a time piece, as was that meal you had. I'm sure it was better than Shake Shacks offerings just a few steps away at MSQ park, my daily hangout. Keep up your labor of love.
Thank you so much! Great eye! I really like that watch!
Another superlative James Andrews review, production and presentation. And that Orient Bambino is beautiful.
Thank you! I love that watch!
amazing video and great composition its that your super authentic and give it to us the viewers great thanks again bro
also love the watch timeless orient piece stunning also your channel is a pure hidden gem
Thank you so much!
Really great video and I’m planning on rebuilding my food review so I’m definitely watching you and the other masters.
I’m happy to share with you that next week I’m going to Denver for five days so I really had to think about the places that I want to review and eat at.
One thing that I’ll say is that I have a friend who is really into health food so sometimes I think for people who review restaurants who are very popular on RUclips, it is good to consider that option. This is because it breaks a very negative stereotype that in order to be successful on RUclips and make money you have to be Nakato avocado, eating large portions are being unhealthy, and then it’s also good because the American diet is stereotype to be very unhealthy so it’s good to have a mix of different things.
But definitely when it comes to your videos, you’re very cultured and that’s one of the exciting things about your videos is that we don’t know where you’re going next, it’s not like you’re going to hit every pizza place that you can find, you do a diversity
Thanks for the great comment! Yeah, eating healthy is important. I hope that you have a great time in Denver!
Kudos to you tipping the server and acknowledging that you got your meal comped and enjoying the food itself. For me working in a restaurant for over a decade I’ve learned that people are assholes.
Haha! I always try to be understanding.
Great review James! I know when you're alone and being ignored by servers can feel alienating. Although, as a couple, It happens to my wife and I more often than I would like.
Thank you! Yeah, it's frustrating and it can happen to any sized table of diners.
This is why I stick to my hole in the wall places. More personal, not expensive, tasty.
Fair enough.
Your reviews and backstory are superb!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Sorry to hear of your experience. I've had the displeasure myself. At least they comped the meal. Tipping was nice of you, generous. Thanks James.
It happens. Thanks for watching!
I had a similar experience that I equated to opening week. They gave my friend and me only one serving of the chicken which we shared without realizing (which I only noticed was incorrect after noticing other patrons at the bar). Maybe they have issues with service at the bar in general? After writing a review (I still gave them 3 stars) - they asked me to comeback. On the second dining attempt with different friends, they made us wait 30 minutes for our table even though we had a reservation this time. The manager came out and gave us some free nuggets with our order 😂 (which I guess was to makeup for my last experience).
My takeaway is the restaurant is very nice and definitely perfect for your instagram story. But if you want great Korean fried chicken some less fancy - middle tier restaurants located in ktown offer a similar bite for significantly cheaper options. In general Korean fried chicken was never supposed to be seen as bougie anyway (at least according to my Korean friend).
I am still looking forward to trying cote one day!
@@kiran_a Thanks for sharing! Yeah, service issues can be frustrating, but it at least sounds like the restaurant is trying their best to make it right.
I'm just going to take my black ass to Popeyes! And count my blessings! LoL 😆
Hey James ... your review was great, honest and forthright. SERVICE. Seating, lighting, and background music all play an important part to fine dining. I'll pass on this local.. better to know in advance where to direct ones energy. Thanks for sharing this video and insight..not every spot is a winner.❤
@@dianalong2024 Thanks for watching! Yeah, you can't win them all!
Interesting take on this one. the wait time was belligerent, cramped is to be expected at bar seating. But the server not making sure your food is out in 30 min with out at least a check in is pretty bad. tips are an important part of my life and cheers to you for tipping even though the ball was dropped. if you're ever in the Willamette valley of Oregon, I have a pizza truck at Sarver winery near Eugene. I'd love to feed ya one day. I always love your craftmanship in putting your reviews together. Cheers.
Hey James is that the Orient Bambino Watch V2 with a stainless steel case and champagne dial? Was thinking about getting the same one lol
Yep, except that it's the white dial. It's a solid watch!
It may sound petty, but one of my biggest pet peeves is getting my appetizer and not even two bites later my entree hit the table. One of the two are going to get cold by the time I get to it. In rare occasions, I've had both the app and entree come at the same time which is more upsetting than just not getting the app.
I know what you mean.
You’re more forgiving than me, when I’m going to a place like, I expect service.
Same. Terrible service usually means no tip but $20 was WAY too much.
I try my best to be understanding.
Waiting for your order when you see other people get theirs is a mood killer. Mistakes happen sure. It's just hard to bounce back from it even if the meal is comped. I've had it happen a handful of times in my life and I never forget each time it's happened.
I'm curious to hear your other restaurant recommendations for fried chicken. Momofuku has been my favorite to date.
I know what you mean, it can really dampen the mood when you feel left out. I haven't had Momfuku's chicken yet, but it's one I've got to try. I really like Pecking House and Charles Pan Fried Chicken.
we flew from dallas to NYC in may to try the restaurant...the same thing happened to us. Staff was dismissive (servers, bartenders), but the bussers were friendly and took note that we were missing the broth, our apps and even took our orders while the server was standing close by us. Even the manager was dismissive with our issues. I guess they only pay attention to the people spending the big bucks even though we spent about $150 plus tax and gratuity
I'm sorry to hear that.
Thank you for this review. This place looks very enjoyable, but I’m finding that a lot of places don’t know or understand that the solo diner needs to have the same exact experience as couples and parties. Small plates are great for shareable tables, but I think they should specify and detail how solo diners need to have their plates outlined and maybe create a combination plate so that it doesn’t look like you’re eating from a personal buffet.
How cool is this 🤩 Chicken and Champagne. Looks fancy but very busy. Again…your reporting style is so entertaining 👏👏👏🫶
Thank you! Yeah, I really like the concept!
Love your reviews James. The restaurants you review are forming my bucket list for when I eventually get to NYC. (Excuse the pun...)
Thank you!
I'm sorry you had a less than perfect experience. I think you were right about the tip. Thank you for the honest review. Nice job!
Thank you!
Hi James, you just ran into my kinda problem when I go to restaurants - alone. In fact, always alone. Why go through the hassle of lining up people ? They can't eat this, they can't drink that, they're late, they waste time mulling over the menu, you know what I mean. But, quite often, I'm like the Invisible Man to servers. And that's not right. They're trained to look 180 degrees but most of them never do and they still want their tip. No. You have to earn it like everything else. I've gone off fried chicken. Why ? I'm 65. Trust me. You will, too, when you get to my age. However, I still love fried calamari rings, and arancini, and croquettes. So all is not lost ! Thanks for the video & have a great week !
@@michaelfelsinger-k2i Thanks for watching! Yeah, dining out alone at certain restaurants can be frustrating.
Good strong food review! It was honest and to the point.
Thank you!
Getting the meal covered was extremely nice, but if they were so quick to jump on doing that - maybe it happens often when the lights go dim 😅
Popeyes, kimchi, rice and beer at home. Best meal ever.
That sounds like a satisfying meal!
My man!
I grew up going to an internet cafe next to the og bon chon in flushing off main street.. and im currently a japanese cuisine chef i don't think i could ever pay for food executed like this. Thank you very much for what you do ~
Thanks for watching!
ur vids r so relaxing to watch
Thanks for watching!
Thanks as always for sharing your true and thoughtful experiences in NYC dining. I just wanted to mention something about the $20 tip seeming high for a comped meal - tips generally get distributed via a pooling system. So, when you get comped a meal because of an inattentive bartender, that shouldn't hurt the food runner who was doing their best job.
That's a good point. Thanks for sharing.
James I also live in NY and at times want to go to places by myself, but I get so intimidated by dining alone and the host/hostesses you have to deal with. How did you get past your initial uneasiness, which I assume you probably had?
I know what you mean, but I think that my uneasiness dissipated the more I went out alone. Most good restaurants will make anyone feel welcome regardless if it's just one customer or a group.
Yayyy Coqodaq. Wanted to come here with a group of 7 reservation, and they said you had to spend at least $2k and was like nope.
minimum spend of nearly $300 per person?? That's insane lmao
@@hobo753exactly Alotta this “michellin” place aren’t even better than the local spots it’s sad how you can throw some fancy tables overpriced wine and ppl will come and flock and won’t even think about how the money spent doesn’t reflect the experience
I love ur reviews so much.
Thank you! That makes me happy to hear!
Another incredible and honest review!
Thank you so much!
You're perilously close to Patrick Bateman territory. The watch shots, the garb. I fear you're going to pull out a business card soon.
Haha!
@@Jamesnuafter that illusive Dorsia reservation?
Ok, now i am waiting anxiously for your next time you revisit and finally get the nuggets 😲
Yeah, I really want to try those nuggets!
I am curious if you send notice of the video to the restaurant or are ever contacted by them after a video.
Love your reviews! Thank you.
@@neechie0507 Thanks for watching!
Sometimes service can wreck your night. The food really did look good, and it was a classy move to comp your dinner! Also, a classy move for you to tip. Seems worth a second chance, for sure.
@@mrjaxthecat Definitely! I'll be back!
I'm glad you brought it up with your server... Just on principle. These places now are charging SKY HIGH prices, they should be bending over backwards and ensuring we get the best experience.
Im sick of some young Uni student who's looking at their watch and slapping food down without actually caring,
If you charge top dollar, at least deliver top dollar and stop being arrogant.
Excellent stuff! Would love your review of One White Street in Tribeca
Thank you! That's definitely a restaurant that I plan to try in the future.
"Comped the meal"? I thought my English was fluent hehe! So they gave you the meal for free...? That would NEVER happen where I am at...
Sorry about the so-so service James. The food looked good though! I couldn’t make it out, what’s the new watch your sporting? I’m digging it!
Thank you! That's an Orient Bambino.
@ Thanks. It’s a looker!
Posted an hour ago? I’ve never been this early!!
Well done!
Caviar and truffles with fried chicken!!
That’s like asking: What wine goes best with fried chicken?!
Ur the best James. Sorry you had to have that crappy experience but as you said, these things happen. Great review though! 🍾👍
@@_TheRealGod Thank you!
I don’t think my guy here has seen the second Mile Morales movie, lol chai tea. Loved the video, just thought that was funny.
Coqodaq. Try saying that 10 times after a few glasses of pure Moncuit blanc de blancs. I'm glad you complained and got your meal comped. A lot of people wouldn't say anything and just put up with it.
@bpure2560 Haha! Yeah, it's certainly a unique restaurant name.
When you said they handed me wet wipes I thought you said they handed me "butt wipes". ..That got stuck in my head so I went back 20 minutes later and looked at the video again. (you said wet wipes) Great review!!
$38 Bucks for that meal is pretty competitive to Jollibee. These days. Also I'm going to use that "art" trick the next time I screw up on the Job Site and OCEA shows up.
When you described a sauce as "fun", what does it mean? What is a "fun" sauce?
James, did you talk about the weak service to the manager?
Thanks, James. Sounds over the top, people in NYC seem desperate for something different.
Not my cup of tea! Had a Popeye's chicken sandwich yesterday, and it was great as usual, and the price is right!
I love Popeye's too!
Every restaurant has bad days. It happens. They did the right thing by comping the meal and obviously they did right by you because you're wanting to go back again. That's rare.
Indeed!
You look so much like RUclipsr Tyler Kleinle (also) known as "Tyler The Antenna Man". Y'all could be brothers 🤣
Great Video, James. Post-pandemic restaurant scene it's all hit-and-miss. It's always a mixed experience. It seems younger servers are lazier. You get the feeling they work for free, or their shift is court mandated. But thanks to your videos, we can avoid the awkwardness.
That’s poor service even though they comped it . I appreciate your honesty but it’s important to let people know how things during your meal . The chicken looked delicious . You are a gracious critic.
Not one, not two, not three… but FOUR close-up wrist shots this video! The new Orient looks awesome, man! Sorry your meal was disappointing this time around, but great content as usual. We’re still waiting on that @TeddyBaldassare collab! 😉
Thank you!
I’m happy you went there tbh, looks yummy but expensive tbh
Thanks for watching!
For the best fried chicken, avoid the fancy restaurants and go uptown, 111th and 5th. And you will have the best chicken and fries for $14.