East Bank Emporium

[backstagedee]

The Mrs. and I dined at the East Bank Emporium tonight, just like we did 25 years ago today - the day we were married. As we enjoyed the view of the river by looking over two un-bussed tables, we recalled how much more activity there was downtown 25 years ago. We decided we have held up much better than the city and sadly, better than the Emporium. While it is still a cool old building, signs of water damaged wood, worn linens, wear and tear and a lack of general tidiness stole a bit of the charm of old. The server Karley was friendly and well versed with the menu, but it seemed she was spread a bit thin covering about 6 tables (2 were large parties with 6 or so little noisy kids running around). She was always hustling and efficient, but she could've used a hand. After we had been there about an hour, we noticed some reinforcement for her in the form of another server and a bus person.
The menu offers no real surprises. We were in the mood for steaks, and they have plenty of choices. Our tastes tend toward very simple, so filet for the lady and NY strip for me. Sadly, though they were probably good cuts, both were way over cooked, served with a nice baked potato, lukewarm steamed broccoli, and very hot but very hard dinner rolls. Karley did comp us a dessert when I suggested the chef was WAY too aggressive with the grill, but we would have MUCH rather have had a tasty steak.
Oh well, the company was great and the Sam Adam's was right at 38 degrees, who cares if the town is comatose and the restaurant is struggling. Thanks for a great 25 years!

[bob_rx2000]

Happy Anniversary, BSD!

The Emporium is not one of my favorite places, but that is in large part due to having eaten there far too many times when I worked at a previous employer. (Many of us were convinced that our Sr. VP had money invested in the Emporium and Heavenly Ham, but that is another story...) It has been several years since I've been there and will very likely be several more until I try it again.

[backstagedee]

[quote="bob_rx2000"]Happy Anniversary, BSD!

quote]
Thanks Bob. Every year I take a moment to wonder how many bets have been lost.

[Happy Mom]

Happy Anniversary BSD! To make it to 25 years in this day and age is a real accomplishment! Congratulations to you and your beautiful bride!

I haven't been to Emporium in years. I used to go after ever School Board Meeting.

[st michael jr]

Happy anniversary, bad. I have only eaten there a couple of times. I wished we utilized the river for outside dining

[York]

I wished we utilized the river for outside dining

We? As in the restaurants on the river? Off the top of my head, the Emporium is the only restaurant on the river and it has outside dining.

[Informed Citizen]

I wished we utilized the river for outside dining

We? As in the restaurants on the river? Off the top of my head, the Emporium is the only restaurant on the river and it has outside dining.

Oaken Bucket is nice. Two Long Island's, and I'm good to go for the night.