The White Oak Restaurant

My friend and I tried dinner at White Oak for a second time in as many months on 9/17/10. Our first experience was mediocre; this was disastrous and we will not be returning. It was a beautiful evening and we chose to sit in the courtyard, despite the dead flowers on the tables. My friend had looked at the online menu and the one we were presented at the restaurant did not have much in common. We should have known better and just left at that point.

We ordered the spinach salad and when it was brought out there was not a leaf of spinach on the plate. As it turns out, we were given the wrong menu and were told there was no spinach in the restaurant; a different salad was brought as a substitute without consulting with us. and, unfortunately, the greens were far from fresh. I preferred a different salad as a substitute (iceberg wedge) but that lettuce was no fresher than my friend's. Plus, the hard-boiled egg wedge on the side had been sliced with something that had left a gray/black line on the egg.

I asked to speak to the manager, who finally appeared several minutes later. While we did not pay for the salads, he gave the impression of not being too concerned with what we were served nor the condition of the restaurant.

When the entrees arrived, my friend's hamburger was dressed with not only wilted lettuce but slimy lettuce. My grilled portobella sandwich included tomatoes that this time of year, in a restaurant which prides itself on having "Farm Partners," should have been ripe and flavorful. They were neither.

We had a disappointing experience the first time we ate at White Oak but really wanted to like it so give them another chance. A restaurant that wants to provide a "fine dining" experience and asks the prices it does should not have these issues nor serve food of such poor quality. We won't be back.

Mrs. V: Great atmosphere - simply lovely with the art decor.I tried their veggie plate, which is detailed in one of the uploaded photos - and did not enjoy it one bit. The service was wonderful, however, so two stars are granted.

Mr. V: Love how I felt that I was eating in an art gallery. The menu looked good on paper, however, it did not live up to our expectations. We did order the sweet potato fries for dinner which were excellent. For dinner I had the bison with brussel sprouts and grits - none of which I enjoyed.

I think White Oak should just serve cheese, fresh fruit and drinks, and convert to a wine bar for conversation and dancing.

The ambiance is superb.  LOVE the artwork, the fresh flowers and candles on the tables, and the cozy feel.  Just a super cool, trendy space.  .

There was only one other party present on this visit, which was surprising.  I was underwhelmed with my selection.  I ordered the stuffed vegetables with grits.  It seems as if the grits were too seasoned without enough cheese, and cold, and the vegetables were just ok.

I will say that the sweet potatoes were excellent in both taste and temperature.  Please read Courtney S. review for more  detailed info on the food.  Most of the people in our party was not satisfied with the meal.  

The server was super sweet from start to finish in dealing with a very awkward food situation. I"m quite sure she wondered why she bothered to show for work that day, but she handled it gracefully.