Citronelle   

Although the food was good (not out of this world good for the associated prices), the poor service on the part of the waiter and managers ruined the experience for me and my family. It was very unfortunate because I was expecting a wonderful meal. The restaurant needs to re-focus on customer service and not rest on their laurels for their name alone. I would not recommend this restaurant, there are several very nice places (i.e. 1789) to go in the area where they will treat you much better.

I’ve heard so many wonderful things about the food at Michel Richard Citronelle over the years and wanted to try it for myself. Finally, two friends and I set a date, made reservations and eagerly awaited the experience on the evening of May 3rd, 2008. My very first impression was that it wasn’t as visually appealing as I thought it would be. Even though I had never heard anything about the style of the restaurant I expected it to be something to enjoy visually. It was somewhat boring, except for the view of the open kitchen which was exciting. When we came upon a small group of maitre d’ at the reception area they seemed less than enthused to see us. However, our wait staff was very attentive, helpful, and charming. So was our Sommelier. The food was great, beautiful, and ample. The wine list was extensive. The noise level was moderate but OK; something I wasn’t expecting from a high-end restaurant. But the clincher was the men’s restroom. Not only was it not what I expected from a high-end restaurant, but it was on par with a very low-end restaurant. Overall, I give Citronelle 3.5 stars out of 5 by factoring in service, noise level, food, presentation, ambiance, and restrooms. When I critique a restaurant I critique it all. It’s all part of the experience you pay for.

Rated #1 in Washington by Washingtonian Magazine, a friend and I made reservations a month in advance and were eager to try the chef's menu. The website (and menu) both specified that the special menu was available for reservations made between 6pm and 9pm; ours was at 9pm. We arrived at 9pm sharp, only to be told that the menu was no longer available because it was too late in the evening. When we inquired about the policy, we were told by the server that "she could twist the chef's arm, but we wouldn't be happy by the rushed service." It didn't matter. The service was rushed anyway; courses came out too fast, and the server looked annoyed when we asked to consult the sommelier regarding wine options instead of taking her first choice. When we asked to linger over the wine before ordering dessert, the server told us she had a bigger table and that we better get the order in now. When we didn't insert the credit card into the bill folder within two minutes of her leaving it, she came to pick it up anyway -- a none-to-subtle "ahem" that it was time for us to give her the credit card and hit the highway. Of the five dishes we ordered (3 appetizers and 2 entrees), 1 was phenomenal, 1 was very good, and the rest were letdowns. The lobster entree was bordering on tasteless, and we would have been better off in an average seafood restaurant with a good butter sauce. Given the high cost, uneven food and attitude-laden service, I'd say save your money.

Let me set the scene. I am talking about a $410, three-course dinner for two. The cuisine and presentations were worth a a 10-plus on a scale of 1 to 10. Why didn't I give the restaurant five stars? One, the maitre d'hotel's son was running around the dining room dressed all-too-casually (baseball shirt) for the occasion. The maitre d' heard us talking about the kid running and explained that it was his son and they had just returned from New York where Michel and his sommelier had won James Beard awards. Congratulations, but unfortunately, that is not an excuse. Two, the service was rushed. We are used to European service (we live half the year in Europe) and this was not up to standard. It is barely French two-star. We had the feeling that the waiters want to turn the tables quickly. Three, after an initial visit, to our table the sommelier disappeared. We expressed our desire to consult with him again, but the captain decided that he could make the wine pairings--they were good, but... Finally, the bread plates were never replenished. My bottom line is that Citronelle is a great fplace for the food, but they may becoming "a little big for their britches." So if cost and service are not paramount, you'll have a great evening.