Twist Martini & Associates has a prime, corner
location directly across from the Sandler Center, which led me there Sunday
evening. We walked directly across the street to Twisted after waiting among
others at the hostess stand of McCormick & Schmick’s for about 5 minutes.
After waiting a completely flustered hostess announced to no one in particular
that the “kitchen was running behind”.
Don’t these places prepare for concert nights?
The clock was ticking so we headed on over, checked out the
posted menu and decided to give Twist a try. There were about 3 groups eating
outside, and the inside bar was similarly full, but the dining area was empty.
It also smelled like smoke. Not food smoke either, cigarette smoke. Usually I
would have left at that point, but we were running out of time. A host/waiter
showed us to an outside table and gave us menus.
Once again…we wait. No water, no nothing. Some girl who
worked there was decorating the sidewalk tent sign like it was going to go on
display at the Chrysler Museum. She was 10 feet away and never budged from the
sign. The table next to us was served, and still no recognition for us.
Finally, our server arrived and we order everything at once. We are brown
liquor lovers, so it was Jack Daniels Manhattans for us both. In my world all
bars are judged on their ability to make a good Manhattan. Since Manhattans
(and brown liquors) have risen in popularity over the past several years, most
bars have improved on this item. Ten years ago, it was a different story. My
husband ordered the Baby Spinach Salad from the Apps menu. It is served with
strawberries, candied walnut, goat cheese and a Vanilla-Balsamic
Vinaigrette. We both opted for light fare entrée’s. I
selected the Petite Fillet with Roasted Potatoes and Vegetables; he selected
the Grilled Pork Chop, with Wild Rice, Apple Butter, Fried Onions and
Bourbon-Thyme Drizzle.
The Manhattan’s were excellent. I inquired about the
fantastic cherry; one of the servers was very knowledgeable, explaining to us
that they were Luxardo brand Maraschino Cherries, imported from Italy. Additionally they use top shelf vermouth, Contratto
Roso. Its details like this that take a drink up a notch or two! My husband
said the salad was superior. Or course, this meant I had to taste it. The
spinach was very fresh, but I think it was the vinaigrette that put is over the
edge. I was excellent. My petite fillet was cooked to perfection, and the small
plate is plenty for a meal.
So, here’s the big miss. My husband’s entrée never arrived. Well,
let me correct myself. We got the check, (from which they removed the pork
chop), paid, and then the pork chop arrived. It looked awesome too…but we will
never know how it tasted. Everyone was very apologetic, and we were offered
complimentary drinks after the show for compensation. However, it was a work
night, and we decided not to take them up on the offer.
_Laine
4517 Commerce St
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Food-5
Service-2
Beverage-5
Restrooms-NA
Ambiance-3
