The Tobacco Company

02/10/2008 Posted by luvtodineandtravel

My husband and I are quite picky, and go out to eat each Saturday, and this past week was my week to choose. As we are fairly new to the area, the website to Tobacco Company seemed intriguing as well as teh menu, so I made a reservation. The hostess explained to me that they had one table that was actually IN an elevator, so I requested it. We arrived last night, and I was granted my request. The ambience of the whole place was GREAT. The elevator table was very intimate, as were many of the tables. I do not think there was a bad table in the house. Each floor was so different and had a fantastic vibe from the hand crafted architecture, so the different "offices." Our server- Graham was great. One down side, was they did not have still bottled water- only sparkling. The wine list was decent, and there was actually a cocktail waitress (as well as a cigar waitress like in decades past). The bread was sourdough, hot and wonderful. And we didn't have to ask 54 times for it, like many places we've been to. We didn't even have to ask. It arrived immediately- just how we like it! The caesar salad is prepared tableside, and when Graham overhead that I liked lots of garlic, he went away to get more. I am a Caesar SNOB and eat it EVERY week, and have yet to had an incredible caesar in richmond. This was the best caesar, not only in Richmond, but the best I've ever had. In my life. That says a LOT. My husband ordered the special and loved it, and I ordered my weekly steak, which was prepared perfect. The dessert selection was so-so, but my dessert (the du jour- a mixture of mik/white chocolate mousse) was actually very light and tasty. My husband hated his latte and thought it was watery, but other than the latte and lack of bottled water, this was one of the best experiences we have ever had here in Richmond. HIGHLY Recommended!!!!

Pros: bread, caesar, steak, service, ambience

Cons: no bottled still water, lattes

12/28/2007 Posted by canoe4770

On a recent and first business trip to Richmond, I was directed to the Shockoe Slip area where I walked down Cary Street and encounted The Tobacco Company restaurant. I was completely ignored by the lower level hostess and had to ask for a table. I am certain this is because I was a lone female visitor. I was directed to the upper level hostess where I was again completely ignored while the hostess attended to a number of inane duties. I watched in dismay as I was completely ignored but eventally asked for a table. I was then led to the absolutely worst table in the restaurant - a tiny table for two immediately adjacent to the door to the kitchen and under a coatrack where people kept interrupting me to get their coats and hats. Please note this was around 2 pm and the end of the lunch rush with plenty of other tables available. I ordered the Grilled Cuban Sandwich which was dry and tasteless accompanied by a fruit cup with either tasteless or tart fruit. On my return home I emailed a letter to the person listed on the website as the Director of Operations, James McNamee, listing my complaints and dissastisfaction with my treatment, only to find the email was unable to be delivered because his mailbox was full. I then forwarded the email to another person listed as a contact on their website, Shannon Hicks, Director of Marketing, asking her to forward my email. After not hearing anything for several weeks, I attempted to resend my original email to Mr. McNamee three weeks later and still found that his mailbox was full. I am returning to the area next week and intend to avoid this place like the plaque and also to let my business associates in Richmond know of the service and lack of response to my attempt to communicate my dissatisfaction. There are plenty of other restaurants to choose from!

Pros: Good ambiance

Cons: Poor service, substandard food