03/09/05

Family-style Asian fusion dishes mostly succeed in the lobby of the chic W Hotel.

by Contributor

The Scene
Situated in the swank W Hotel, Savu embodies minimalist, urbane cool. Icy tones of celery-green accentuate blond wood and brushed aluminum. Thumping house music is more suited to a Midtown club. The one softening element is a gauzy white curtain that separates the restaurant from the lobby. Like the surroundings, service is on the chilly side--but comes with solid menu recommendations.

The Food
Creative Asian-fusion combinations, served family-style, are the highlight of a trip to Savu. Skip the spicy shrimp summer rolls, which sear the tongue, and opt for nicely dressed Szechuan lobster rolls. The crackling calamari salad with miso dressing blends textures and tastes for a pre-entree must. Mandarin beef tenderloin is fragrant with a soy-orange glaze and wasabi mashed potatoes; wok-charred ahi tuna is anemic in comparison. For a finale, lemongrass creme brulee packs amazing flavor.

04/05/04

Service with a guile

by steven_averett

I ate at Savu after attending an event held at the restaurant's bar. The drinks were quite pricy ($11 for a cosmo). My tab for two drinks was $25. I was also erroneously charged for a third drink, which was quickly corrected.

Entrees average $30 apiece, so appetizers ($12-$20) were about all we could afford. I had the Szechwan lobster pancakes, which were good, while others in my party had the crab summer rolls, which were unimpressive and overpriced. Once the waitress (who may have actually been the owner) discovered we were only having appetizers, she immediately switched into ice queen mode. She was competent, but she snatched menus from us, scowled at us at every opportunity, and looked as though she was on the verge of a conniption fit when we asked for separate checks. I dont think Ive ever been made to feel more uncomfortable by a server.

• Pros: Decent food, Stylish decor
• Cons: , VERY pricy, Weak atmosphere