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Nearly everyone that Mortimer has dealt with in the restaurant business has been dealt with poorly. It's no surprise that he did the same thing to his customers. The review didn't kill him, it's cra**y service, a poor attitude and lack of trust in the business community. Mortimer purchased the location he is closing from Victor Aspiazu (when it was named The Renaissance). Those with a good memory will recall just how good that restaurant was. As an example of Mortimer's fraudulent business dealings one should turn to the Idaho Supreme court website and read Aspiazu v. Mortimer where the Supreme Court upheld a finding that Mortimer tried to defraud the prior owner out of $40,000. Good riddance. Poor service will eventually force you out of Eagle as well.
Your comments regarding the way they have treated people in the restaurant trade is correct. It's not suprising that the customers would finally figure this out. Bottom line, treat people the way you want to be treated, stay in your integrity, focus on what is right - and you will stay in business.
Submitted by kiltlifter on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 7:24pm.
We decided to splurge for our 38th anniv and have dinner at Mortimers. That turned into a nite to forget....we knew it was going to be spendy but not only was it costly, it was also not very good. Guess we were alittle naive as we expected a higher quality of food to accompany the HIGH prices. Not only was the food not very good, the service was almost to the point of being rude. Once the staff noticed we weren't on par with the Otters, Simplots, etc., we were pretty much ignored so we tipped accordingly.
That was 5 yrs ago and we've discovered some very delicious dining spots for our anniv dinners. Needless to say, we won't miss Mortimers.
Submitted by vet4peace on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 7:22am.
The Renaissance was a wonderful restaurant. My lovely bride and I have found memories of dinners there watching the snow fall out the widow. They had a tortellini that was to die for. We still miss it. Does anyone remember Hennnessy's (spelling?) on the top of the Hoff building? That was a fun place with good food that we also miss. For really fine dinning in Boise, there has been only one consistent choice and that is the Game Keeper; always great food and wonderful service. Truly the Best of Boise and the kicker is that it would be good in Seattle or any other real city.
the Gamekeeper wouldn't last 6 months in Seattle or any other "real" city...In regards to the Renaissance, it blows my mind how many people still talk about how great this place was. That tortellini that you loved so much was purchased from Sysco and prepared using canned sauces..nothing was made in house. Also, Victor Aspiazu was hardly some honest guy himself. Many of us that worked there never received our last pay checks and when he closed the place, he told us that we were just closing for a week to remodel the building. Many people owned gift certificates to the Renaissance and none of them were reimbursed for their losses.
Submitted by vet4peace on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 10:30pm.
That you guys feel so negative about the Game Keeper, I am not totally unsophisticated and I really think well of it and most of my friends think I am hard on restaurants. I am also surprised to hear that about the Renaissance but if you worked there I guess you should know. They did have good service an ambiance though...
Submitted by moxiemama on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 11:38am.
We tried Mortimer's once, it just didn't have that magic that Victor worked when it was the Renaissance. Truly a good meal, ambiance and service were always evident. And the beauty, no inflated prices or egos to go with the great meal. We trained toddlers to eat out there, starting our children in baby seats beside the table, celebrated sweet sixteen birthdays, Anniversaries, business dinners. It was such a wonderful space, the stone walls and intimate setting made you think you New York or SF. It doesn't feel like the typical Boise restaurant. My hope is that a wonderful new restaurant will take up the space and be able to catch some magic, and be a place we all want to enjoy again. Cheers!
Submitted by cblanch on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 12:13pm.
Mortimer's comments regarding the closing of his restaurant remind me of Brent Cole's resignation speech where he blamed Boise's citizens for their "spirit of meanness" that chased him out of office. Hand's review was totally fair. The comments from Statesman readers all mostly said the same thing: the broiler at Mortimer's doesn't know how to cook meat. So is there some reason John couldn't have hired a better broiler, a better sous, or an expediter that knew what they were doing? Instead he closes the restaurant and says he's spread too thin? This makes no sense.
I agree that Hand's review was fair and honest. I'm glad to see reviewers who aren't afraid to say it how it is. Many great chefs are able to have multiple restaurants without quality dropping. The key to all these establishments is their staff. Thomas Keller knows that when he is at Per Se, the quality won't be compromised at the French Laundry. The Mortimer's have had many, many great people work for them over the years at all of their restaurants. Just about all of these people moved on because of Jon and Shara. Both Jon and especially Shara are known to be very difficult to work for and with. They would like for you to think it's because they have high expectations of their staff. This isn't the case at all, a good portion of their ex-staff have moved on and excelled in other restaurants locally and around the country. Although it is sad for Boise to lose another restaurant, I can't say that I'm all that surprised to see Mortimer's close. Restaurants are only as good as their staff and especially their leader, or in this case, leaders.
Submitted by hostess on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 12:14pm.
I went to Mortimer's one time. The waitress kept filling our glasses with bottled water. I thought it was a very nice touch. Turns out, that water cost me over $90.00. Apparently, you can get tapwater for free, but she never told us. I really felt tricked, and promised myself that I would never return.
Submitted by chaminah on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 10:07pm.
Same thing happened to my husband and I at Mortimer's. Fortunately, we only had two glasses of water each, so our bill was only $16 extra. But still, not a fun surprise on your bill to find that you were charged for water. I hope Franco Latino employs staff who are honest.
People, if at any time you are at any establishment in America or even Mexico, if you are served bottled water...IT IS NOT FREE, I REPEAT, IT IS NOT FREE... hostess, you are not the first to experience this and will not be the last.
High end places like this serve bottled water for the high end factor only. It's the same concept of no prices on the menu doesn't mean the food is free, it's just realllly expensive.
If you are somewhere and order water and they come with a bottle, you are paying for that. You need to specify, GLASS of water (tap) if they don’t serve tap water then check your wallet and hang on. A business has the right to serve bottle water only but to not look like your cliental is an average spender you won’t see the sign advertising pricey bottled water. The restaurant just assumes that you are educated enough to know this. (snob) is a good term to use for this type of business practice.
My first visit to Franco Latino was decent. My second visit [with some rather discerning guests] was plain embarassing: the food, the prices, the mistakes, nothing worked. HOWEVER... Brick29Bistro in Nampa [where I've been at least 10 times since it opened] deserves a lot more press for the very reasonably-priced, incredibly delicious food coming out of Chef Bristol's kitchen. No mistakes, very good service, and a Chef who doesn't think he's God's gift to Idaho food [but might very well be]. And as for Mortie's James Beard nomination - silly Foundation...
I haven't been there yet but after reading your review I might have to try it. I took a cooking class from Dustin and he was good and had some great recipes. I hope he continues to have great success.
Submitted by RealityMan on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 3:56pm.
Brick29 is a little known place, but well worth the trip. The menu there is always changing and delivering taste sensations (and no--I have no ownership stake). I've been there three times and have yet to be disappointed. Bon appetit!
***
My fellow Americans: Abraham Lincoln once said, “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Well, this week our liberal friends have been trying to prove him wrong. President Ronald W. Reagan
Now, now, now...it doesn't take all that much to get a nomination for a James Beard award. A good PR person can help accomplish that. So, don't let that sway your feelings towards the James Beard Foundation. The James beard Foundation had 9600 nominations this year for awards. On the other hand, becoming a finalist for a JB award is a big deal and I'm fairly positive a chef from Idaho has never been a finalist.
An 8 year run in this town amazes me. People here in general wouldn't know good food if it jumped off the plate and hit them. As far as Franco Latino is concerned I've eaten there several times the latest being lunch today. I had the crab cakes which were served with a cilantro infused rice. I hate cilantro, think it tastes like soap chips but I truly enjoyed this rice dish. My wife was quite shocked that I cleaned the plate. I have had great meals there and so/so meals. This is true of almost anyplace you eat. Food can be effected by the day the chef is having, the attitude of the wait staff, and by the day your having. The people who seem to have a problem with John Mortimer sound to me as if they wish they had some of his talent or think that they could run a restaurant or likely do.
Submitted by RealityMan on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 4:37pm.
Unless it's Maryland Blue Crab jumbo lump w/ Old Bay seasoning...fugetaboutit!
***
My fellow Americans: Abraham Lincoln once said, “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Well, this week our liberal friends have been trying to prove him wrong. President Ronald W. Reagan
Submitted by latchkeykid on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 9:46pm.
"An 8 year run in this town amazes me. People here in general wouldn't know good food if it jumped off the plate and hit them."
IMHO people here who enjoy fine dining elsewhere have abandoned the food scene in Boise all together. I'm with the person who after many bad experiences would rather grudgingly take my out of town friends to Pizza Hut than pay for stuff dare I say food that mortifies my guests.
"The people who seem to have a problem with John Mortimer sound to me as if they wish they had some of his talent or think that they could run a restaurant or likely do."
IMHO We all wish a person like Jon Mortimer would give us a shot at a wonderful, peaceful, memorable dining experience.
Everytime we tried to eat here, it was closed. Much like all the other downtown local eateries... nothing is open past 9pm (which means you need to be seated by 8pm to have a non-rushed experience). It's boring.
I hate to say it, but if you want to eat dinner at 9pm around here, you must go to those chains that everybody is so negative about: PF Changs or Bonefish.
Local restaurants are always struggling, so they tend to cut corners in the kitchen... and then they are never open late. Is there anywhere to get a bite to eat around here on a weeknight at 10pm besides Pizza or a diner?
I would recommend only Chandlers, SixOneSix, or Brick29Bistro -- for fine dining.
Submitted by vet4peace on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 10:00am.
I mean it seems to depend on your visit. I went to Chandlers and got one of the poorest over priced steaks I ever paid money for and the service was none to good either. I guess ya pays yer money and takes yer chances.
Submitted by boiseboy333 on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 10:09pm.
8th Street Wine Bar is open until 11:00 every night, and they are not a chain. Milky Way was always open late too, but sadly that is no longer an option.
My husband & I ate there last year. The quality of the food was fairly good, but not outstanding, and quality of service dropped off dramatically once the dinner service really got going. My own "moment of outrage" came when my dessert -- a "Meyer Lemon Sorbet" -- came out. $7 for one half of a lemon (ordinary, not Meyer) with the sorbet filling scraped level (not heaped). Probably 1/3 of a cup. I agree that portions are far too big in most restaurants, but COME ON!
Mortimer gets the media hype but customer reviews certainly don't agree. I love to cook and my husband and I are very selective about where we dine , why waste money when we can cook equally as well at home? But sixonesix has never let us down, we enjoyed martini's and superb appetizers there on our 33 anniversary, food was outstanding, environment classy but not pretentious. did not think Chandlers was worth the money, good but certainly not exceptional and seating was very crowded like being at Shari's booth section! For fast food without the grease, try Mazzah Mediterranean on 17th! yum!
Submitted by latchkeykid on Tue, 06/03/2008 - 9:12pm.
I think there are 3 aspects of this story that hit a nerve for me. 1. An average employee in Boise doesn't realize or sometimes even care that they can topple a nice restaurant by not following "proper procedures" and "owning" the knowledge required for the job. 2. Any company needs to create proper procedures particularly in the service area and continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining core values of excellence. 3. Boise and ACHD are failing local businesses by not owning the problems they create for the bread and butter employers when they shut down streets and haphazardly restrict parking in favor of new commercial buildings. Hold on to your paycheck folks!
Submitted by wyndysitee on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 9:49am.
Mortimers closing, isn't surprising but for reasons other than the shoddy service and elitist attitude. The other culprits are (1) poor economy, (2) Poor parking, (3) Nothing to draw people downtown (since the closing of the comedy club and no big names at the Big Easy).
I'm sure with all of the above Mortimer hit the same wall that the Milky Way, Boise City Grille, Koi, KB Burritos and many others have hit. THE RENT FOR SPACE downtown is outrageous!!!! Pretty soon other than the chains, downtown will become a ghost town again. Wake up landlords, 70% of the town is eating and dining in Meridian and Eagle. Good luck with your multiple empty store fronts waiting on the Saviour (Convention Center).
...Boise to dine or shop. Their population is growing by leaps and bounds and there are new establishments popping up everywhere. They don't need to go to Towne Square Mall or Costco (they have their own along with a Joe's Club). And No Jon Mortimer, many of these new 2C folks came from Ada county and know about your reputation.
This is why Mayor Phony Bieter is proposing a trolley system and whitewater park run by taxpayers. Boise (within the city limits) is imploding and dying.
Submitted by wyndysitee on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 9:49am.
Mortimers closing, isn't surprising but for reasons other than the shoddy service and elitist attitude. The other culprits are (1) poor economy, (2) Poor parking, (3) Nothing to draw people downtown (since the closing of the comedy club and no big names at the Big Easy).
I'm sure with all of the above Mortimer hit the same wall that the Milky Way, Boise City Grille, Koi, KB Burritos and many others have hit. THE RENT FOR SPACE downtown is outrageous!!!! Pretty soon other than the chains, downtown will become a ghost town again. Wake up landlords, 70% of the town is eating and dining in Meridian and Eagle. Good luck with your multiple empty store fronts waiting on the Saviour (Convention Center).
Submitted by reddog181 on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 10:38am.
............. this is a stupid restaurant that is closing NOT a children's burn center .
You can't sling a cat in this town with out hitting a place to eat -- eat someplace else !
Submitted by patriot6 on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 10:52am.
I have never been disappointed. High quality food without fancy prices, very good servers, and great drinks made from the big shiny still standing in the middle of the place. No threat of them closing down in either downtown or Eagle.
Submitted by Parasite on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 11:51am.
New owner now; you can go again. Restaurants should be able to allow smoking if they want. It's a private property thing. If you don't like smoking in restaurants, don't go to those that allow it. Simple.
No Wonder
Nearly everyone that Mortimer has dealt with in the restaurant business has been dealt with poorly. It's no surprise that he did the same thing to his customers. The review didn't kill him, it's cra**y service, a poor attitude and lack of trust in the business community. Mortimer purchased the location he is closing from Victor Aspiazu (when it was named The Renaissance). Those with a good memory will recall just how good that restaurant was. As an example of Mortimer's fraudulent business dealings one should turn to the Idaho Supreme court website and read Aspiazu v. Mortimer where the Supreme Court upheld a finding that Mortimer tried to defraud the prior owner out of $40,000. Good riddance. Poor service will eventually force you out of Eagle as well.
Good riddance!
Your comments regarding the way they have treated people in the restaurant trade is correct. It's not suprising that the customers would finally figure this out. Bottom line, treat people the way you want to be treated, stay in your integrity, focus on what is right - and you will stay in business.
Another one bites the dust!
We decided to splurge for our 38th anniv and have dinner at Mortimers. That turned into a nite to forget....we knew it was going to be spendy but not only was it costly, it was also not very good. Guess we were alittle naive as we expected a higher quality of food to accompany the HIGH prices. Not only was the food not very good, the service was almost to the point of being rude. Once the staff noticed we weren't on par with the Otters, Simplots, etc., we were pretty much ignored so we tipped accordingly.
That was 5 yrs ago and we've discovered some very delicious dining spots for our anniv dinners. Needless to say, we won't miss Mortimers.
You are right about the Renaissance!
The Renaissance was a wonderful restaurant. My lovely bride and I have found memories of dinners there watching the snow fall out the widow. They had a tortellini that was to die for. We still miss it. Does anyone remember Hennnessy's (spelling?) on the top of the Hoff building? That was a fun place with good food that we also miss. For really fine dinning in Boise, there has been only one consistent choice and that is the Game Keeper; always great food and wonderful service. Truly the Best of Boise and the kicker is that it would be good in Seattle or any other real city.
the Gamekeeper wouldn't last
the Gamekeeper wouldn't last 6 months in Seattle or any other "real" city...In regards to the Renaissance, it blows my mind how many people still talk about how great this place was. That tortellini that you loved so much was purchased from Sysco and prepared using canned sauces..nothing was made in house. Also, Victor Aspiazu was hardly some honest guy himself. Many of us that worked there never received our last pay checks and when he closed the place, he told us that we were just closing for a week to remodel the building. Many people owned gift certificates to the Renaissance and none of them were reimbursed for their losses.
I agree
The Gamekeeper is mediocre too.
Wow, I am surprised
That you guys feel so negative about the Game Keeper, I am not totally unsophisticated and I really think well of it and most of my friends think I am hard on restaurants. I am also surprised to hear that about the Renaissance but if you worked there I guess you should know. They did have good service an ambiance though...
Renaissance
"nothing was made in house"
Bull!
well...I guess technically
well...I guess technically the frozen Salmon was pan seared to order before being drenched with Grey Poupon mustard and heavy cream.
I suppose that recipe I have
I suppose that recipe I have for Victor's clam chowder was really made by you, right?
Tough Business
This will happen if you dont take care of it.
If you can't keep up service at a rest. w/your name on it...
...then how are you going to keep a new restaurant in Eagle running?
ahhhhh......the Renaissance
We tried Mortimer's once, it just didn't have that magic that Victor worked when it was the Renaissance. Truly a good meal, ambiance and service were always evident. And the beauty, no inflated prices or egos to go with the great meal. We trained toddlers to eat out there, starting our children in baby seats beside the table, celebrated sweet sixteen birthdays, Anniversaries, business dinners. It was such a wonderful space, the stone walls and intimate setting made you think you New York or SF. It doesn't feel like the typical Boise restaurant. My hope is that a wonderful new restaurant will take up the space and be able to catch some magic, and be a place we all want to enjoy again. Cheers!
Seriously John?
Mortimer's comments regarding the closing of his restaurant remind me of Brent Cole's resignation speech where he blamed Boise's citizens for their "spirit of meanness" that chased him out of office. Hand's review was totally fair. The comments from Statesman readers all mostly said the same thing: the broiler at Mortimer's doesn't know how to cook meat. So is there some reason John couldn't have hired a better broiler, a better sous, or an expediter that knew what they were doing? Instead he closes the restaurant and says he's spread too thin? This makes no sense.
I agree that Hand's review
I agree that Hand's review was fair and honest. I'm glad to see reviewers who aren't afraid to say it how it is. Many great chefs are able to have multiple restaurants without quality dropping. The key to all these establishments is their staff. Thomas Keller knows that when he is at Per Se, the quality won't be compromised at the French Laundry. The Mortimer's have had many, many great people work for them over the years at all of their restaurants. Just about all of these people moved on because of Jon and Shara. Both Jon and especially Shara are known to be very difficult to work for and with. They would like for you to think it's because they have high expectations of their staff. This isn't the case at all, a good portion of their ex-staff have moved on and excelled in other restaurants locally and around the country. Although it is sad for Boise to lose another restaurant, I can't say that I'm all that surprised to see Mortimer's close. Restaurants are only as good as their staff and especially their leader, or in this case, leaders.
Mortimer's
I went to Mortimer's one time. The waitress kept filling our glasses with bottled water. I thought it was a very nice touch. Turns out, that water cost me over $90.00. Apparently, you can get tapwater for free, but she never told us. I really felt tricked, and promised myself that I would never return.
$90 bottled water
I hope you didn't pay for that water. I wouldn't.
fraud
That would be called fraud, pouring water until you bill was $90.00. How did they react when you pointed it out?
Expensive Water
Same thing happened to my husband and I at Mortimer's. Fortunately, we only had two glasses of water each, so our bill was only $16 extra. But still, not a fun surprise on your bill to find that you were charged for water. I hope Franco Latino employs staff who are honest.
WARNING WARNING
People, if at any time you are at any establishment in America or even Mexico, if you are served bottled water...IT IS NOT FREE, I REPEAT, IT IS NOT FREE... hostess, you are not the first to experience this and will not be the last.
High end places like this serve bottled water for the high end factor only. It's the same concept of no prices on the menu doesn't mean the food is free, it's just realllly expensive.
If you are somewhere and order water and they come with a bottle, you are paying for that. You need to specify, GLASS of water (tap) if they don’t serve tap water then check your wallet and hang on. A business has the right to serve bottle water only but to not look like your cliental is an average spender you won’t see the sign advertising pricey bottled water. The restaurant just assumes that you are educated enough to know this. (snob) is a good term to use for this type of business practice.
They'd better have diet pop!
diet pop, yes
just don't get all uppity and ask to smell the plastic cap or see if you are winner under the cap. "You're a WINNER" (BOGOF)
Can I change that for an $8.00 bottle of water?
Oh, darling food gossip...
My first visit to Franco Latino was decent. My second visit [with some rather discerning guests] was plain embarassing: the food, the prices, the mistakes, nothing worked. HOWEVER... Brick29Bistro in Nampa [where I've been at least 10 times since it opened] deserves a lot more press for the very reasonably-priced, incredibly delicious food coming out of Chef Bristol's kitchen. No mistakes, very good service, and a Chef who doesn't think he's God's gift to Idaho food [but might very well be]. And as for Mortie's James Beard nomination - silly Foundation...
brick29
I haven't been there yet but after reading your review I might have to try it. I took a cooking class from Dustin and he was good and had some great recipes. I hope he continues to have great success.
Brick29 is a gem!
Brick29 is a little known place, but well worth the trip. The menu there is always changing and delivering taste sensations (and no--I have no ownership stake). I've been there three times and have yet to be disappointed. Bon appetit!
***
My fellow Americans: Abraham Lincoln once said, “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Well, this week our liberal friends have been trying to prove him wrong. President Ronald W. Reagan
Now, now, now...it doesn't
Now, now, now...it doesn't take all that much to get a nomination for a James Beard award. A good PR person can help accomplish that. So, don't let that sway your feelings towards the James Beard Foundation. The James beard Foundation had 9600 nominations this year for awards. On the other hand, becoming a finalist for a JB award is a big deal and I'm fairly positive a chef from Idaho has never been a finalist.
Interesting how many foodies there are on here
An 8 year run in this town amazes me. People here in general wouldn't know good food if it jumped off the plate and hit them. As far as Franco Latino is concerned I've eaten there several times the latest being lunch today. I had the crab cakes which were served with a cilantro infused rice. I hate cilantro, think it tastes like soap chips but I truly enjoyed this rice dish. My wife was quite shocked that I cleaned the plate. I have had great meals there and so/so meals. This is true of almost anyplace you eat. Food can be effected by the day the chef is having, the attitude of the wait staff, and by the day your having. The people who seem to have a problem with John Mortimer sound to me as if they wish they had some of his talent or think that they could run a restaurant or likely do.
Crab cakes in Idaho?
Unless it's Maryland Blue Crab jumbo lump w/ Old Bay seasoning...fugetaboutit!
***
My fellow Americans: Abraham Lincoln once said, “you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.” Well, this week our liberal friends have been trying to prove him wrong. President Ronald W. Reagan
Foodies
"An 8 year run in this town amazes me. People here in general wouldn't know good food if it jumped off the plate and hit them."
IMHO people here who enjoy fine dining elsewhere have abandoned the food scene in Boise all together. I'm with the person who after many bad experiences would rather grudgingly take my out of town friends to Pizza Hut than pay for stuff dare I say food that mortifies my guests.
"The people who seem to have a problem with John Mortimer sound to me as if they wish they had some of his talent or think that they could run a restaurant or likely do."
IMHO We all wish a person like Jon Mortimer would give us a shot at a wonderful, peaceful, memorable dining experience.
:)
You go to Franco Latino
and pay for a real beating and then post your comments.
Goodbye
Everytime we tried to eat here, it was closed. Much like all the other downtown local eateries... nothing is open past 9pm (which means you need to be seated by 8pm to have a non-rushed experience). It's boring.
I hate to say it, but if you want to eat dinner at 9pm around here, you must go to those chains that everybody is so negative about: PF Changs or Bonefish.
Local restaurants are always struggling, so they tend to cut corners in the kitchen... and then they are never open late. Is there anywhere to get a bite to eat around here on a weeknight at 10pm besides Pizza or a diner?
I would recommend only Chandlers, SixOneSix, or Brick29Bistro -- for fine dining.
Three good references
I agree on all three. Went to sixonesix tonight and had the poor mans lobster. It was great!
That's funny
I mean it seems to depend on your visit. I went to Chandlers and got one of the poorest over priced steaks I ever paid money for and the service was none to good either. I guess ya pays yer money and takes yer chances.
What About
Gino's and Cottonwood Grill?
8th Street is open late
8th Street Wine Bar is open until 11:00 every night, and they are not a chain. Milky Way was always open late too, but sadly that is no longer an option.
Franco Latino a big disappointment
My husband & I ate there last year. The quality of the food was fairly good, but not outstanding, and quality of service dropped off dramatically once the dinner service really got going. My own "moment of outrage" came when my dessert -- a "Meyer Lemon Sorbet" -- came out. $7 for one half of a lemon (ordinary, not Meyer) with the sorbet filling scraped level (not heaped). Probably 1/3 of a cup. I agree that portions are far too big in most restaurants, but COME ON!
media hype
Mortimer gets the media hype but customer reviews certainly don't agree. I love to cook and my husband and I are very selective about where we dine , why waste money when we can cook equally as well at home? But sixonesix has never let us down, we enjoyed martini's and superb appetizers there on our 33 anniversary, food was outstanding, environment classy but not pretentious. did not think Chandlers was worth the money, good but certainly not exceptional and seating was very crowded like being at Shari's booth section! For fast food without the grease, try Mazzah Mediterranean on 17th! yum!
Service
I think there are 3 aspects of this story that hit a nerve for me. 1. An average employee in Boise doesn't realize or sometimes even care that they can topple a nice restaurant by not following "proper procedures" and "owning" the knowledge required for the job. 2. Any company needs to create proper procedures particularly in the service area and continue to reinvent themselves while maintaining core values of excellence. 3. Boise and ACHD are failing local businesses by not owning the problems they create for the bread and butter employers when they shut down streets and haphazardly restrict parking in favor of new commercial buildings. Hold on to your paycheck folks!
do a little ...
reasearch about JM and the Grove and Cottonwood.
It will give a good view of his character.
By the way, I worked for Victor , and he was a wonderful boss.
jimmyfan
What did he have tio do with the Grove and Cottonwood Grill? Please enlighten us.
Bye-bye Mortimers??
Mortimers closing, isn't surprising but for reasons other than the shoddy service and elitist attitude. The other culprits are (1) poor economy, (2) Poor parking, (3) Nothing to draw people downtown (since the closing of the comedy club and no big names at the Big Easy).
I'm sure with all of the above Mortimer hit the same wall that the Milky Way, Boise City Grille, Koi, KB Burritos and many others have hit. THE RENT FOR SPACE downtown is outrageous!!!! Pretty soon other than the chains, downtown will become a ghost town again. Wake up landlords, 70% of the town is eating and dining in Meridian and Eagle. Good luck with your multiple empty store fronts waiting on the Saviour (Convention Center).
...and folks from Nampa and Caldwell - now refuse to drive to
...Boise to dine or shop. Their population is growing by leaps and bounds and there are new establishments popping up everywhere. They don't need to go to Towne Square Mall or Costco (they have their own along with a Joe's Club). And No Jon Mortimer, many of these new 2C folks came from Ada county and know about your reputation.
This is why Mayor Phony Bieter is proposing a trolley system and whitewater park run by taxpayers. Boise (within the city limits) is imploding and dying.
Bye-bye Mortimers??
Mortimers closing, isn't surprising but for reasons other than the shoddy service and elitist attitude. The other culprits are (1) poor economy, (2) Poor parking, (3) Nothing to draw people downtown (since the closing of the comedy club and no big names at the Big Easy).
I'm sure with all of the above Mortimer hit the same wall that the Milky Way, Boise City Grille, Koi, KB Burritos and many others have hit. THE RENT FOR SPACE downtown is outrageous!!!! Pretty soon other than the chains, downtown will become a ghost town again. Wake up landlords, 70% of the town is eating and dining in Meridian and Eagle. Good luck with your multiple empty store fronts waiting on the Saviour (Convention Center).
What the hell am I missing here .............
............. this is a stupid restaurant that is closing NOT a children's burn center .
You can't sling a cat in this town with out hitting a place to eat -- eat someplace else !
Reddog
One word - Bardenay
I have never been disappointed. High quality food without fancy prices, very good servers, and great drinks made from the big shiny still standing in the middle of the place. No threat of them closing down in either downtown or Eagle.
Smoking
I like the food, but boycott this place b/c the owner was the most vocal opponent of the smoking ban in restaurants.
doxie
New owner now; you can go again. Restaurants should be able to allow smoking if they want. It's a private property thing. If you don't like smoking in restaurants, don't go to those that allow it. Simple.
Bardonay
I make it a point to have lunch there every time I come down to Boise and am always pleased with the food, service, and beverages.
Bardonay beverages
Hot Buttered Rum......YUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMM!!!
Idahogirl - I recommend the Maytag olives stuffed with blue...
...cheese with the martini's. Or how about a Wasabi-touched Bloody Mary?