Ok, semi-rant incoming. I eat out 4–5 times a week in NYC and lately I’ve noticed a trend: restaurants act like they’re doing you a favor by letting you eat there. Chateau Royale is a prime example.
My reservation was at 5 PM, not during prime dinner hours, and I was about 20 minutes late due to an unfortunate series of events. I emailed to let them know (since they don’t have a phone number) but got no response. When I arrived, I apologized repeatedly and took full responsibility. The hostess couldn’t have cared less. No sympathy, no options, just attitude.
She said I couldn’t be seated but could eat in the bar room and that the full menu was available. Fine, I’ll take it. The bar was nearly empty with three open tables. I asked to sit at one and was told they were “reserved.” We sat at the bar, ordered, and found out it was a limited bar menu after all. Not what I was told, but whatever.
Then mid-meal, the maître d’ asked us to move down to make room for another party after telling us to “sit anywhere.”
The food was mediocre. The shrimp dish was bland, the tuna tasted off, the fries were unbearably salty, and only the escargot was decent. Portions were tiny, prices absurd. I eat out frequently in NYC and I’m used to expensive/overpriced food, but do not charge $9.00 for the most mediocre bread basket I’ve had in my life or $30.00 for 3 tiny, bland shrimp. When we left, 2/3 of the “reserved” tables were still empty.
Chateau Royale sits on the north side of Thompson St, surrounded by NYU students, but acts like it’s Carbone. Even though I don’t like Carbone, I understand what they’ve built and why people fawn over getting a table there. Chateau Royale hasn’t earned that attitude. The food and service don’t match the ego. There are thousands of restaurants in NYC, and this one isn’t worth your time or money.
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