Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pi(e): Not the breakfast of champions


In a search for new places to eat, I kept running into Pi. From the Lobster Mac & Cheese (or death in a casserole to DHP) offered as part of the DRW menu to google searches, I just couldn't seem to escape Pi. Reviews were very warm for this Hilton Garden based spot. With DJ's Berkley Cafe still on the post fire mend- we needed a new weekend breakfast spot and so we decided to give it a try.

The lunch and dinner menus seemed decent but it was 8am so we headed off to give breakfast a try. I am no stranger to hotel breakfast offerings and quirky service but my expectations were greater since they appear to be promoting themselves as more than just a hotel restaurant.

When we arrived, the outside doors were locked. We had to walk through the hotel lobby to get in. We waited several minutes at the host stand before just walking into the dining room where we were seated, provided menus, and drinks but then they never came back to take our order so as hunger set in we decided to just do the buffet. All hot food at the buffet actually had to be ordered at the counter- not just the eggs made to order but also hash browns- which were actually like really thick pub fries, meats, etc and the offerings were not posted. I ordered an omelet with sausage, tomato, & cheese. I was offered an assortment of cheeses as well as hash browns. JB ordered spinach and cheese. He got cheddar and was offered a wide variety of breakfast meats but no hash browns. The guy beside us got a waffle. The buffet did also include fruit, yogurt, granola, pastries, etc. It is an okay value ($13/pp including juice and coffee) if you know how to work the system but don't expect any of the staff to be of much use.

I think I will let someone else try out lunch or dinner or cocktails in the hipster bar. It is probably a good place to pick up out of town business men as you can see the big blue bear from the bar.

5 comments:

rebeckspe said...

DHP and I had drinks there with a friend of mine. The place was empty and we had overly attentive service and okay drinks/food. But the atmosphere was a little too airport bar and not cozy enough for me with the floor to ceiling windows out onto the street.

Anonymous said...

Hated it. Been twice an not going back.

InfoChef said...

Okay, thanks for the warning. It's so close to DCPA we might've wandered in during one of our 'quirky musical evenings' out. Instead, 'we' 'accidentally' spent a LOT of moolah at Yazoo's for takeout. FYI, you don't need a whole rack of ribs per person.

Anonymous said...

If you are looking for a place to pick up an out-of-town guest with a liberal tendency, I recommend Strata Bar in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency.* http://denverregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp It is the "official" hotel of the Democratic National Convention.

Also good for a drink if waiting for a show at the DCPA.

*not that i have tried it, I'm just sayin that I'm thinking of hanging out there.

rebeckspe said...

I have had drinks at the strata bar. Its okay, but has too much traffic for my taste. I do love the Peaks Lounge (upstairs - great view) at the Hyatt Regency tho. Still pricey but it feels swank.

when will we be hitting The Corner Office!?!