D
David
New York City6 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2025
- Overall 3
- Food 2
- Service 2
- Ambience 4
I have fond memories dining at The Pearl. The students were trained on proper cuisine prep and dining services. They executed their duties like pros but with the humility of novices. My last dining experience on Valentines Day 2025 felt different. The service was disjointed, and dishes disappointed. They surprised us with a deliscious mouse with their wonderful bread as an opening. But things took a turn with each of the three couses. The panzanella salad appetizer was lifeless, and the seared ahi was cold and lacked flavor. I asked the server about the salad, and she had no idea what made it a panzanella. Students usually know all about each dish and show pride in their skill. The entree took over thirty minutes to arrive, and when it was served she said there was confusion in the kitchen, looked at my plate and said do you mind if I take it back because its missing an ingredient. I said no, then she said oh their it is between the lobster. " A miniscule amount of roe that was hard to see. The miso butter capallini was cold, and the butter congealed onto the pasta, creating a hard mass. The lobster was three tiny slices and luke warm. Major disappointment for a Pearl entree. The desert was the icing on the cake. The menu described a banana chocolate cream pie semifreddo. What they served was a few thin slices of banana, and a chocolate kiss like dot, that made the playe look empty. There was no cake at all. No semifreddo anywhere to be seen. I attached a pic to help understand my disappointment. I routinely give rave reviews for The Pearl, and I realize they are students. But something went terribly wrong on Valentines Day. For one, the dining room was crowded and usually, they only seat half the tables based on the number of students. The kitchen and service staff were clearly overwhelmed. I learned that the program manager had left and a new manager was at the helm, who appeared to be acting more as a server than a manager. I don't blame the students.
