Chow! Bella Restaurant & Wine Bar

I had the pleasure of revisiting Chow Bella yesterday. The atmosphere and wine list has never disappointed.  The new menu, the attentive service and well prepared food was enjoyed by all.  I will be back!

As someone from the "real world" aka not northern Vermont, this place needs a reality check and to get down off that high horse- FAST!
Ironically, they recently were hiring, stating in the add at least 3 years fine dining experience, wine knowledge, professional appearance etc. Maybe they should begin using those guidelines for their current staff before hiring more.
Upon visiting St. Albans, we were informed this was the top notch place around and a place out of towners would enjoy. Wrong.
Our waiter was almost as bad as the food. I scolded my husband for leaving as much of a generous tip as he did. The waiter did not offer any suggestions of what food we may enjoy or what wine to pair with our meals. He never once came back to our table to see how we were doing and if our food was ok, and when he finally came to the table (to try and take my husbands half eaten entree away) he failed to even ask if something was wrong with my food, as the alfredo was horrific and I visibly had only taken half a bite. Terrible "fine dining" or
"Best of" service.  It would have been considered even bad service at McDonald's.
Now, on to the food.
Bad. I ate a bite of my salad and less than a bite of my pasta. My husband will eat everything, and even he wouldn't touch that dish. If the place seemed worthy of returning, I may have complained but there was no reason to waste my breath. I will never return, let alone suggest this place.
My husbands meat balls were uncooked, and probably close to being able to cause food poisoning. The cheese upon his salad was of the lowest caliber; isn't Vermont suppose to be applauded for their cheese quality?
Basically, this was a waste of money/time/appetite.
Oh, and by our table at this "high class" restaurant, a couple went in to the restroom and were screaming at each other. A super added bonus!

Twiggs: the newish bar addition to chow bella was pretty satisfying when I partook  a few weeks ago. There is a nice selection of martinis and in intriguing bottle of sangria on the counter...although it reminds me a bit of something you'd find in a laboratory...its still pretty nifty. The bartender was quick and personable and the drinks were nifty indeed. Also, if they could branch away from the Italian theme and make some nachos with those cumin scented chips, I probably wouldn't leave their bar...ever.

I've been to chow bella for lunch and honestly, I wasn't impressed at all. The service lacked a little and the food wasn't terribly impressive. I'll give them another go for actual dinner sometime and see if this can't get a bump.