The Georgian
| Address: | 411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101, USA |
| Phone: | +1 206-621-7889 |
| Site: | fairmont.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 6:30AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM 7AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
JA
James Teeples
I was taken here yesterday for my 32nd birthday. Ive been to several tea services, including the Fairmont Empress in BC, and was really looking forward to getting to experience the holiday tea here in Seattle. I would never suggest anyone do this. Despite wanting to eat here so badly, they ruined my birthday. The staff (Jorge, Anna, and Mackenzie) were all very good and professional (+1 star). They took our complaints in easy stride and did what they could to rectify the situation. Our party of 6 had two vegetarians and one person with a nut allergy, which they easily accommodated (+1 star). The down sides however, far outweigh the good here. The decor of the place was the same as during the summer, nothing to indicate this is a "holiday tea". No wreaths, trees or anything beyond a small fondant sculpture at the front. The rest of the hotel is overflowing with decorations, but that seems to have stopped at the door to the Georgian. With the architecture and space of the place there was certainly room to do a lot more here (such as anything at all!). Images on their website include a red reindeer napkin holder, and a sprig of holly with berries. I dont know where those were from, but not at the Georgian. The tea. I want to first say that I know a lot about tea. I go out for tea on a regular basis and there are at least three pots of tea brewed in my home a day. Our party got several types of tea, and they all had a common problem. In our two-cup pots of tea there was about 1/4-1/2 cup of tea leaves. You should never use so much tea. Its wasteful, and makes the tea taste horrid. Tea takes 1 teaspoon for every cup of tea, this isnt coffee. Additionally, there were no tea strainers in the pot to remove the tea once it has reached a perfect steeping. Instead they use a strainer set onto your cup to pour the tea through. I had to send my Earl Grey back to be replaced because it had been both burned and over-steeped to the point that the bitterness made it entirely unpalatable (it was darker in color than black coffee). The second pot had the same problem of too much tea, so while the first cup was ok, the second was horrendously bitter again. The third pot was no longer Earl Grey, but the 1907 blend. It had the same problem of too many tea leaves in the pot but was under-steeped, so I could make it work. Tea can be so good, and its so sad that a place known for its tea service doesnt know how to brew it. My wife also had to send her pot of 1907 blend back for a new one due to bitterness, and the rest of the table also complained about their tea being so bitter they couldnt drink it either. The comestibles also left something to be desired. The scones were very sweet, so it came off as us eating a dessert, then a small savory snack, then more dessert. I can usually overlook that since its a common trend with scones. Yet the tea sandwiches were abysmally lackluster. There were four bites of savory comestibles per person (roughly 3/4-inch in size). The lack of culinary balance here was felt by the entire party, who asked when the savories would be arriving. The entire party was still hungry for real food after the service concluded, which is something Ive never experienced at any other tea service Ive been to before. We were highly confused at the end of the meal since this was supposed to be their holiday tea. What made it a holiday tea? Ive looked at images of their regular tea service ($35) and it appears we had the same experience (for $65)! Im highly disappointed in what we experienced and sincerely hope that the person(s) who run the establishment take my review seriously enough to make drastic changes to the service. The Georgian has so much potential, and it feels like it was just phoned in.
MD
md ho
$50 after tip and tax for an afternoon tea with terrible service and uninspiring tea and food. The place is inside the Fairmont hotel. There were only a few tea options on the menu. I got the Earl Grey and it wasnt as flavorful as I had hoped. At least it wasnt bitter as other reviews have noted. We went around noon so the place was only a 1/4 full. There were at least 4 waitstaff and a few other service personnels. However, we barely receive any service. Near the end, I wanted to get the staff to clean up the dishes so we could take some picture but had to wait more than 10 minutes craning my neck at every direction trying to get someones attention. The afternoon tea came with 2 cherry scones, 3 savory sandwiches bites and 4 desserts. Overall, everything was too sweet. At the very least, they could have 2 different varieties of scone, a savory cheese and herb for example, to balance it out.
CH
Christopher Sasaki
An elegant space, French-inspired Northwest Cuisine; this isnt going to be cutting-edge dining, but all plates are well executed. Service at the table was excellent, but communication with valet staff and execution of validation handoff was not as smooth. Ambience in the room was quiet, with a much older crowd than Ive experienced at many of Seattles restaurants. Maybe it was the weeknight, but most of the diners were 60+, tilting heavily in the direction of the 70s. This made for a quiet room, with not a lot of energy. More lively was the bar area, with some live music and a younger crowd collecting drinks.
JO
John Deeney
the georgian is a perfect spot for an elegant and gratifying night out, especially when dinner will be the only activity. service is gracious and attentive but unhurried, with a crew of helpers all efficiently seeing to their respective duties. the interesting appetizers and entrees are very well prepared, especially when northwest seafood is featured, and there are wonderful desserts available. the georgian has an excellent selection of domestic and imported wines and a full bar, and beverages come quickly after they are ordered. perhaps most impressive is the beautiful physical appearanc
TO
Tom Rubel
Food was good to very good, but service was very average, and they werent very busy. Bill for 4 people was >$500. With so many other great and interesting options in the area, I would not return, nor recommend to anyone. It WAS peaceful and quiet, and easy to talk. The room was pretty but not outstanding when compared to similar venues in other world class cities. Overall, memorable only in the sense of " I wont do this again".
BI
Bill Merrow
Very nice looking buts looks are deceptive in this case . . . Have attempted to get into the high tea as well as breakfast several times on multiple trips to Seattle. Even when it is possible to get in the staff at the desk is generally unhelpful, even rude. Have been told lunch seating will be in 10 minutes and after 10 minutes told it will be another 10 and on and on.
A
A Private User
This is 5 star fair for breakfast, brunch and dinner. Been here many times and never disappointed. The very few errors in service or order were always remedied quickly. Sometimes you can find a special. A quieter atmosphere is a great break from the normal high-energy of other high-end eateries. It feels a little more formal, but that doesnt bother me.
