I broke my own rules on a Saturday night… and I decided that it would not happen again. I am not really sure what came over me. Perhaps it was the threat of bad weather. I have noticed in the past that when bad weather threatens – especially in the winter – higher numbers than normal tend to visit the restaurants. Lauren and I decided to go out for dinner and agreed upon the new Claddagh Irish Pub located in the Geneva Commons shopping center.
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The Spiraling Cost of Cocktails
I guess we didn’t really pay attention to the fact that the place had only been open for six weeks. The line was out the front door and the wait for a table was an hour and a half. Normally this would scare me away faster than a speeding bullet. For some strange reason we decided to stay. We found a space at the bar and ordered 2 Grey Goose martinis. The total was about $16.
As an aside, I’m going to go on record here and shout it to the world: “To all of the restaurants that think that they must charge prices for cocktails that exceed the price of parking a car in New York City, this is uncalled for. And you absolutely must cease and desist this practice.” Even at retail, the price of a bottle of Grey Goose is about $25. At 1 ½ oz. per drink – which is generous in many cases; usually you will receive less – a “fifth” of Grey Goose would yield anywhere from 13 to 17 drinks, depending on ”spillage” and occasional bartender generosity. At $7.50 a pop – or more – that’s about $115 a bottle. You do the math and then tell me if that kind of mark-up is really necessary. The spiraling cost of cocktails is a growing trend that is getting way out of hand. But I digress.
My Fault for Staying
Long story short: we had time for two drinks apiece and an order of something of which I forgot the name (the equivalent of Irish egg rolls). Served on a bed of field greens with a dressing that surpassed the flavor of the rolls. They were pretty good, but more than a little short on flavor. When we were finally called for a table, my appetite had dwindled and the martinis were taking over. An hour and a half wait is not worth the wait anywhere, but it was my fault for staying. I’m sure the newness was mostly responsible, especially since the place seats about 280 people. At least the décor is very cool and one does not notice the vast numbers of patrons present.
Dinners
Lauren ordered a dinner called Heir to the Throne ($8.95) – a single fillet of fish and a giant portion of fries – and a glass of Chardonnay ($6.95). I ordered the Spinach Chicken Melt ($8.95) – a pair of smallish chicken breasts, with artichoke hearts and cheese on grilled bread, also accompanied by a truckload of fries. Neither dish was long on flavor. Our server was either not ready for service or she was pooped from the onslaught of humanity that evening. In either case, the service on this particular night matched the food. Nothing was really something that would stand out in a crowd… so to speak, let alone write home about.
Not Worth the Wait
On the whole, going to a restaurant for dinner on a Saturday night six weeks after opening was a poor choice on our part. So I will reserve criticism for another time – perhaps in March or April. Based solely on this evening’s experience, I would give the Claddagh Irish Pub Three Zins. I’m hoping that things – like the length of the wait for a table – will improve. I say give it a try and let me know what you think. But don’t wait for 90 minutes. Nothing is worth that long of a wait.
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
The Claddagh Irish Pub was located at 1702 Commons Dr in Geneva, IL. They are now permanently closed.
