Butterfield 9

[mazman]

We're thinking of heading to Butterfield 9 next week. Any one been recently that can report back?

Edited February 7, 2004 by mazman (log)

[bbq4meanytime]

We loved it. The foie gras was one of the best I've ever had anywhere, and the best so far in DC (includes Citronell and Laboratorio).

[BigWyoming]

Me and the missus stopped by Butterfield 9 on Friday night after catching a glimpse of Morgan Fairchild's boobies at the Warner and came away beaucoup impressed (with the food, not the boobies.)

Butterfield was one of those places I never tried because it never seemed to get above the P.R. din created by the Andres juggernaut and Tom's chat. When the better half suggested it I made a face and protested loudly.

This only re-confirmed what she has already established, which is that I am a fool who is stupid.

My grilled quail starter with cheesy grits made me all emotional and, even though I tend to never order chicken these days, the roasted chicken breast with pine nuts and goat cheese made me glad I was feeling like something homey that evening.

And on top of the food being better than what I've had recently at Ceiba, Atlantico and Andale, what really stood out for me was the service.

I didn't catch the waiter's name, but he was cooler than a bucket of beer. Always prompt, friendly, funny, very helpful and knowledgeable without that holier than thou attitude that you can so often find when you ask a stupid question, which I am wont to do from time to time. And, while this might be controversial, I tend to like busboys who speak and understand English. Maybe that's not a big deal for some folks. As for me, I like to be able to ask the busboy for a new fork or knife if I need one without having to fumble around for my English to Spanish pocket dictionary.

I don't know if it's just been around too long or if their p.r. people moonlight as circus clowns or what, but Butterfield ought to get more attention if you ask me.

P.S. The producers of The Graduate should be boiled in poison oil for what they did to that movie.

[cigarnv]

It has been a while since I have been to BF 9, but always found the food good. The service they have always done a nice job with. Their pre/post theater meals used to be a great value and you can just leave the car with their valet.

Given the choice I would prefer to go to owner Umbi Singh's other property, New Heights where the food is always very, very good... as well as a bit more innovative.

[Sthitch]

I also like Butterfield 9, and would consider it one of those places you fear to tell people about, not wanting it to become too popular. I agree that they have some of the best Foie around, only better I have had in the city was at Nectar, since they are sadly gone, I would have to say that Butterfield is the best in the city. I have had the foie many ways at Butterfield and all have been a hit (I especially liked the torchon there).

Have you been to New Heights since Cooper went to Vidalia?

[JennyUptown]

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since. I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

[fero style]

pastry chef is very talented and good , does anyone remember her name ?

[simdelish]

pastry chef is very talented and good , does anyone remember her name ?

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PC at which? BF9 or New Heights?

I heard that BF9's new chef Brian Wolken (only for the last 4/5 months) is leaving to open up his own place. Interviews are underway for a new Exec.

[edsz]

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since.  I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

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Funny. We were there 3-4 weeks ago--had great food and the worst service I've ever experienced. I won't go into details because it's too painful. Complaining to the manager afterwards brought an "Oh Well" response. Somebody could have said that they were sorry.

[cigarnv]

edsz, too bad some restaurants blow off problems and assign the blame to the customer.. "they expect to much, I am doing my best, what do they expect we are busy tonight, etc, etc. Most of these restaurants are young upstarts and never reach maturity thank god..... in the case of NH a real disappointment

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since.  I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

←

Funny. We were there 3-4 weeks ago--had great food and the worst service I've ever experienced. I won't go into details because it's too painful. Complaining to the manager afterwards brought an "Oh Well" response. Somebody could have said that they were sorry.

←

[fero style]

pastry chef is very talented and good , does anyone remember her name ?

←

PC at which? BF9 or New Heights?

I heard that BF9's new chef Brian Wolken (only for the last 4/5 months) is leaving to open up his own place. Interviews are underway for a new Exec.

←

At B9 I think her name is Rita and she was the pastry chef of the year in `03.

[Camille-Beau]

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since.  I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

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I've been going to new Heights for several years and always find the food to be excellent, despite the changes in chefs they've had on occasion. edsz -- very surprised to hear that your complaints to the manager (was it Bill?) were met with indifference. Bill is always concerned about the quality of service and the food at NH and works hard to make sure the customers are happy. The latest chef is incredibly talented (formerly the sous chef at B9). I recommend that you give NH a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[mnebergall]

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since.  I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

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I've been going to new Heights for several years and always find the food to be excellent, despite the changes in chefs they've had on occasion. edsz -- very surprised to hear that your complaints to the manager (was it Bill?) were met with indifference. Bill is always concerned about the quality of service and the food at NH and works hard to make sure the customers are happy. The latest chef is incredibly talented (formerly the sous chef at B9). I recommend that you give NH a try. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

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I see from the New Heights menu that they also serve the now ubiquitious grilled ribeye steak with bleu cheese and sauce diablo. And, does anyone want to take bets on how long it will take Rocks to split all of this discussion about New Heights into a separate thread, or, a make separate thread on the ubiquity of the grilled ribeye with blue cheese and diablo sauce?

[JPW]

Yeah, but are they serving it on mini-burger buns?

[Camille-Beau]

Two friends of mine went to New Heights last week for the wife's birthday and have been raving ever since.  I've long wondered about the place because there's not much chatter here about it.

←

Funny. We were there 3-4 weeks ago--had great food and the worst service I've ever experienced. I won't go into details because it's too painful. Complaining to the manager afterwards brought an "Oh Well" response. Somebody could have said that they were sorry.

←

edsz, too bad some restaurants blow off problems and assign the blame to the customer.. "they expect to much, I am doing my best, what do they expect we are busy tonight, etc, etc.  Most of these restaurants are young upstarts and  never reach maturity thank god..... in the case of NH a real disappointment

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And then sometimes it is just a customer who cannot be satisfied, no matter what the restaurant staff and management do to resolve any problems, both real and imagined, that a diner might be experiencing. I do think that sometimes we need to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt as well. I'm sure we've all witnessed occasions where the customer isn't necessary right.