Clarke Cooke House, Newport

- An overall disappointment. First, let me say I ve been going to Clarke Cooke twice yearly for 15 years. Second, I ve recommended this establishment to friends and colleagues over those years. My husband and I went last evening for dinner in the Candy Store. Our waitress was cooly polite . We asked for water- never received. At the the end of dinner, when we opted to skip dessert, it was poorly received. Our drinks came and I believe the bartender forgot to actually add the vodka and gin. The oysters were incorrectly shucked and many sharp fragments were left on the meat. The crab cake was burned and overall tasteless. The baked stuffed lobster, a house specialty was dry and bland. The steamed lobster was tough and dry. It appeared after steaming, it had been placed on the grill. The mashed potatoes were gritty. The sautéed spinach was burned. Everything had a dried and burned taste. I can t understand how a steamed lobster could be done wrong. I could have gone to the docks in Galliee and steamed a lobster at home with better results. All of the food ordered was lukewarm to cold. In truth, the restrurant is on the upper side of pricey, a point I never had issue with because the food was so well done but after last evening s experience, I know things have changed. I should have known something was amiss when I easily booked reservations through open table. Other establishments, such as the mooring and Bowen 22 were booked solid. It is my hope Clarke Cooke realizes it has deteriorated and needs significant overhaul. From the menu, to service, to the food...all needs repair. Such a disappointment in an establishment that has been a jewel in the Newport Dining scene. Perhaps Clarke Cooke has become comfortable in itself and it s enduring reputation; however, reputations are maintained through hard work and not resting on laurels.

Was there on my Honeymoon Service was great The Baked Stuffed Lobster was Excellent 09/28/09