Where should we eat?

Virtually all of the posts thus far have provided positive reviews of area restaurants and bars. Well this... is my first negative post. I have a feeling words (at least not my crummy, non journalistic words) cannot paint a picture of how horrible my recent dinning experience was at Nobu in Dallas. This chic "hot spot" is located in the Crescent Hotel and supposedly it is the place to be. Well, it is not a place I ever want to visit again.

A few weeks ago, before a Coldplay concert, I met 5 friends from out of town at Nobu. The evening began just fine as I sipped on a good, yet overpriced, dirty martini ($14) while waiting for the rest of my party to arrive. Once we were seated and we met our server - everything went downhill fast. I do not remember our server's name with certainty so we will just call him Jason. Long story short - Jason was a jerk and he is the primary reason I have no intentions of returning to Nobu (although the snotty, plastic patrons that filled the joint and the non-inventive, unimpressive food are additional reasons not to go).

I think the best way to remember how bad Jason was it to make a list of all the reasons he was a horrible server:

1. One of the first things he asked was whether "everyone does raw." He asked the question in a condescending, unacceptable tone that denoted that anyone who answers this question "No" should be shot and thrown out with the trash. Now, I do eat raw fish; however, I am a firm believer that there is nothing wrong with persons that prefer their food cooked. Therefore, it really irritates me when a server makes people feel stupid and out of place because they do not like raw fish. Wake up server - people who do not eat raw fish still eat and still spend money so do not make them feel stupid.

2. One of the girls in our group stated she did not eat raw and Jason's response was "you are at Nobu." No crap, Jason - I bet she knew exactly where she was. Thanks. ETErin explained (although she should not be made to feel like she had to) that she generally enjoys raw fish, but because she is pregnant, she wasn't going to be "doing raw" tonight.

3. Many minutes had gone by and we had not received menus so we politely asked Jason if we could look at a menu. We informed him we were going to the Coldplay concert so we were on a bit of a schedule. Jason's response when we asked him to see menus was, "You obviously haven't been to Nobu....we do not just hand over a menu, we walk you through it." Well, what if we don't want you to?! We already don't like you and we do not like your snobby voice.

4. When we asked Jason if there was a particular appetizer he suggests - he informed us that "here at Nobu, we do not have appetizers." Oh, excuse me Jason. Snob. I guess I should have asked for a suggestion for my "first course." Give me a break.

5. Jason tried to upsale us on everything. Every single item he recommended was some of the most expensive items on the menu. He even tried to upsale us on the sake suggesting we should get the largest bottle they sold and share it (this option was incredibly expensive). There are few things I hate more than a waiter that only suggests the pricey selections. It makes me not trust my server which I hate!

6. Jason explained the fancy order that the food comes in - cold first, then something else and lastly the sushi rolls (It is important to note that the sushi rolls are served last). When ETErin (pregnant) ordered the chicken terriaki and california rolls, she asked Jason to bring the rolls out as soon as he could because she was really hungry (her baby was probably letting her know she needed to eat ASAP). Jason's response, "You obviously were not listening when I told you the rolls come out last." Is this guy for real?

7. None of the food was worth the money. The rolls were boring and small. The flavor was dull and unimpressive. I have had much better sushi in FW at Hui Chuan, Edohana and Piranha. One dish with garlic shrimp was the best, but not worth returning over.

8. When it came time to pay, we reviewed the bill (ridiculously over priced). We had 6 people. Three people had cash and three of us were using credit cards. We calculated what everyone owed and we wrote on the back of the ticket which amounts to place on which credit card. Jason came and got the check. After about 20 minutes, Jason returned to the table claiming to be "slammed" and claiming that the registers were "tied up" and that it would be impossible for him to charge three different credit cards. Are you kidding me?? First, it was a Sunday night and he was not slammed. Second, I had a direct view of the register that had gone unused for the past 10 minutes. Jason asked if it was possible for us to put the entire bill on one card. Of course, we obliged because we were so ready to get out of that miserable establishment. In hindsight, I regret that I did not ask to speak to a manger about our terrible experience, but I just wanted to leave.

When you go out to eat, drink and be merry, you shouldn't have to deal with jerk-offs like Jason. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. Even if you like to be at the "hot spot" restaurant, this one is sure to leave you feeling cold.