After reading so many positive reviews of the restaurant, my husband and I decided to try it out. We love the concept of a restaurant serving food that is grown/raised on small family farms and the space itself is quite nice. The food, however, was a major disappointment. We tried the meatloaf and got a serving of a raw (yes raw) chunk of meat and not so cheap. We sent it back and got an end piece that was still raw on the inside, but at least we could eat around the edges. Probably should have stopped there as it was tasteless and did not do wonders for our digestive system later in the evening. It was such a disasterous dinner that we have vowed not to return.
The most expensive menu item was around 26 $ but beware of the specials and 'market prices'! Those will run you around 30 $ . We were shocked our okay, but not huge or special salmon was 30 dollars and ran double the price of the chicken (15 $). This was when we sat at a table with about 8 or 9 other strangers we didnt even know. The restaurants nearby offer salmon around 18- 22. Our server was very rude. Although he did reduce the price upon our compliant, he was very uppity and basically yelled at us that it takes two weeks for a reservation if "you are lucky" and we should be glad we got a community table. Lucky?? Next time we will take our luck elsewhere, and recommend you do the same.
Our August 2009 dinner at Founding Farmers was outstanding. The cedar-planked salmon was infused with incredible woody flavor. The diver scallops were huge. Everything was served with spices and sauces that complimented the food and delighted the palate. Definitely order a side dish of asparagus. Most menu items come from special farms or producers dedicated to providing quality and healthy food. An excellent wine recommendation along with a great waiter also made the meal special. The scene is loud and 'happening' on the first floor, but if you are dining with a date or spouse ask for a table on the second floor that is quieter. This place is just a great overall dining experience.
I loved it. the space is cool, the menu is huge and has a ton of things that bring back great memories...i've always had really good service and the staff is nice.
I thought I was going to a nice restaurant, but it is really just a bar. the food is sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. It is VERY LOUD. I was upstairs in the 'restaurant' part, which was dominated by the noise from the bar below because the second floor is surrounded by openings to the bar.
For the price, I would have preferred a real restaurant experience. If you are really looking for having dinner at an upscale bar, then this is your place. Although it is a bit pricey for that experience.
The food is consistently generous: recommend you share the entire meal, from appetizer to dessert! Its recession proof.
Service, however, is just off. Always. It may be the inefficient layout of the reception and waiting area or the tone of You can go to the bar and eat, its first come, first served, or the gestures of the hostess beckoning to come to her or the convenient crowding and discomforting patrons in one section when the restaurant is half empty, or being told that if one did not make a brunch reservation, one could not order from the brunch menu or wondering why the server boxed the take away food as it were garbage! After five attempts, I'm finding greener pastures.
The food is consistently generous: recommend you share the entire meal, from appetizer to dessert! Its recession proof.
Service, however, is just off. Always. It may be the inefficient layout of the reception and waiting area or the tone of You can go to the bar and eat, its first come, first served, or the gestures of the hostess beckoning to come to her or the convenient crowding and discomforting patrons in one section when the restaurant is half empty, or being told that if one did not make a brunch reservation, one could not order from the brunch menu or wondering why the server boxed the take away food as it were garbage! After five attempts, I'm finding greener pastures.
I am very disappointed in the limitation of choices at Founding Farmers. I ate there before and had such a wonderful meal that I made a reservation for several friends during restaurant week.
Having no choice of appetizer or dessert and limited choice of entree is not a selling menu for restaurant week in my opinion. They usually have such an excellent and varied menu. I am really disappointed and considering canceling the reservation. Has anyone eaten there this week? Impressions?
