LaSalle Power co buffet BEYOND bad

I just got back from checking out the new buffet at LaSalle Power Co. (500 N. LaSalle Blvd) and I was very disappointed. Here are some of the reasons:

1 You do not serve yourself, you are seated and a server is assigned to you. Because the seating in the main area is packed and there seemed to be 3 servers for 100 people the service was SLOOOOOWWWWWWW! this translates into a staggeringly negative experience with each serving. They managed to get my order wrong every time.

2 the food was either cold or very dry. Not much choice and tasteless.

3 coffee was almost impossible to get when you wanted it, you are not allowed to serve yourself.

4 the place is dark and noisy.

You can eat in the several places surrounding the main area but given that most people ( in the main seating) spent all their time waving for service, good luck with getting anything served outside in your lifetime. One person near me was scouting locations for a new BBC series on food, he didn't say anything to the resturant but he told me " the Lasalle power company was off his list as he wanted the show to be upbeat, not this bad..." His words.

I tried the place but it's back to either the Red Apple or Four Seasons for me.

Isn't this the same place that was recently announced would be closing and re-emerging as Prairie Fire, the sibling of Prairie Grass Cafe?

I may be confused....

elakin wrote:Isn't this the same place that was recently announced would be closing and re-emerging as Prairie Fire, the sibling of Prairie Grass Cafe?

I may be confused....

No. That was Powerhouse, which closed a while ago.

ah. thanks.

This is in the old Michael Jordan's Restaurant space, isn't it?

That is, perhaps, a clue to the intended clientele of tourist rubes.

Mike G wrote:This is in the old Michael Jordan's Restaurant space, isn't it?

That is, perhaps, a clue to the intended clientele of tourist rubes.

Yep, it's the old Jordan place BUT I thought they were going to do a better job. The result so far, to me, is amateurish and boring. I will continue my search for a buffet that can beat my local, the four seasons. Serves me right for trying something new, I should have learnt my lesson by now.

evilotto wrote:

Mike G wrote:This is in the old Michael Jordan's Restaurant space, isn't it?

That is, perhaps, a clue to the intended clientele of tourist rubes.

Yep, it's the old Jordan place BUT I thought they were going to do a better job. The result so far, to me, is amateurish and boring. I will continue my search for a buffet that can beat my local, the four seasons. Serves me right for trying something new, I should have learnt my lesson by now.

Wait a minute...did you actually think that something called the LaSalle Power Company (complete with Ohio State flags hanging outside) in the old Jordan's/Lalo's space was going to have a better brunch buffet than the Four Seasons?

jesteinf wrote:

evilotto wrote:

Mike G wrote:This is in the old Michael Jordan's Restaurant space, isn't it?

That is, perhaps, a clue to the intended clientele of tourist rubes.

Yep, it's the old Jordan place BUT I thought they were going to do a better job. The result so far, to me, is amateurish and boring. I will continue my search for a buffet that can beat my local, the four seasons. Serves me right for trying something new, I should have learnt my lesson by now.

Wait a minute...did you actually think that something called the LaSalle Power Company (complete with Ohio State flags hanging outside) in the old Jordan's/Lalo's space was going to have a better brunch buffet than the Four Seasons?

I live in hope, I am not a fussy eater but this was so bad I thought others should be warned. Most buffets are ok but this one is a joke and they should be ashamed of themselves. I really hope the folks who are visiting don't judge us by this crap. It's WORSE than Dick's since the move. I used to like Dick's in the old place ( circa 2004 ish). I did the rounds today Pennisula/Ritz/ Dick's and they all sucked big time. I don't mind shelling out money for a good buffet but they are all jokes these days.

You ate at three different buffets today?

Mike G wrote:You ate at three different buffets today?

Come now, it's kind of impressive.

Mike G wrote:You ate at three different buffets today?

Nope, sorry I wasn't clear. I walked out of three buffets today. The Lasalle/Penninsula/Ritz. all for different reasons.

jpschust wrote:

Mike G wrote:You ate at three different buffets today?

Come now, it's kind of impressive.

I agree BUT it didn't happen, I used to eat huge portions but I am getting older now I am selective in my buffet eating.

Have you tried the new Sunday Buffet at Shaw's?

kafein wrote:Have you tried the new Sunday Buffet at Shaw's?

Shaw's!!! no I haven't and it's one of my favorite places to eat at lunchtime. Thanks for pointing this out to me I will try it soon.