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!