Maybe the Last at CAV
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
After gushing with much gusto about my Cav experience in May, a lackluster dinner last month proved that first impression does not last. I made dinner reservations for two at Cav sometime end of October but because of the Conquer Zambales race, had to move it to another week. Following the great dinner I had in Cav the first time around, I wanted Chris to experience it for himself –so I planned a simple “dinner date” for him.
November 7, Friday, traffic going to Makati/Fort was startlingly light that day. We breezed through EDSA with no hitches and had enough time for our 8pm reservation.
Terrible service really cramps the mood and this actually set the theme for the whole evening. The wait staff taking our orders had his head towards the other direction while we were ordering. His uninterested attitude didn’t bother me at that point.
When Chris’ main course was being served, the attendant wasn’t cautious about the knife he was holding and almost carved through Chris’ nose while he placed the plate on the table. This is when my radar got alerted. We still didn’t say anything trying to ignore the service mishaps in order to save our supposedly amorous dinner date. Freshly ground pepper took another summon before request was heeded.
We ordered wine after the first course and told the waiter but he left immediately after hearing me say wine without even asking how many glasses we were getting. Wine was served only during the main course when I requested for it as early as for the 2nd course. Water was late, on our main course when it finally arrived. You beckon to waiters and they try to avoid your direction –pretending they didn’t see. This evening was what I call a total wreck.
Chris’ Set
First Course
Classic Beef Steak Tartar with Sweet Potato Crisps, Quail eggs, and organic greens
Second Course
Homemade Lemon and Parmesan Tortellini with Prosciutto di Parma
Main Course
Slow cooked Moroccan spiced Lamb Shank with Roasted Vegetable Couscous
Between Bites’ Set
First Course
Heart of Organic Baby Romaine with Jamon Crisps, Caper Berries, and Truffle Aioli
Second Course
Three Mushroom Soup with Champagne Foam
Main Course
US Striploin “double cut” with Potato Gnocchi and Porcini Truffle Essence (Add PHP 550)
The total cost of the entire dinner for two was close to PHP 4,000. With that amount of money, I didn’t expect a lesser service than fastfood chains –where I’ve had better service actually, wait staff are more careful, respectful and client-friendly. For the money that was burned, I could’ve opted to go to many other places than be disappointed minute after minute at Cav.
For months, when friends asked me restaurant recommendations, Cav was always in the list. Perhaps I should revisit my list again… because I definitely don’t find Cav too sexy anymore.
Related Post: Cav Excites the Senses
