Vivace

11/07/09

Waste of an evening

by raleighreviews at Citysearch

Although nice enough, the staff was about as helpful as a blank dictionary, and offered zero enthusiasm or personality. The bread was dry, and there instead of olive oil, they brought out a little bowl of white paste that very closely resembled bird droppings. The menu itself was unauthentic, unexciting and surprisingly limited. I had the salmon which was served over a cold mess of cucumbers and tomatoes- disgusting combination- and cold- really? My companion had the risotto, which last time I checked, isn't supposed to be crunchy... Basically, if you're looking for an enjoyable meal, either stay home or go somewhere else. The only place worse is their sister restaurant Coquette.

• Pros: When the check came
• Cons: Where should I start

09/20/09

If you're watching your calories, this is a great place!

by Gnat Happy at Citysearch

To save time, here is the email I sent to the contact person. Read on.....

Subject: My 1st Experience at Vivace was today and....

It was pretty bad. My friend and I met at Vivace at 1:00 PM today for lunch. We were both surprised that there was only a brunch menu and not a lunch menu available at 1:00? We both went online prior to arriving and didn't see anywhere that stated only a brunch menu would be available? But given that it was Sunday, we just said "oh well". The waitress did inform us that the chef might make us meals from the lunch menu if those food items were available, which they were today. While we waited for our meals, we were joined by a 3rd guest; a gnat, which constantly flew around our little table. This annoyed me. Lunch finally arrived and we were both shocked at the portions. Both the swordfish and salmon seemed to suffer from malnutrition. But we pressed on and talked ourselves into believing that since we were both watching our weight, the portions served at Vivace would help us achieve our weight loss goal in the long term. The gnat agreed. While eating lunch, the gnat sent a text on his blackberry asking a friend to join us and soon there was a fly trying to sample my salmon, but I wouldn't let him. There just simply wasn't enough to share. We decided to skip desert and go on with the rest of our day.

We both had heard such great things about your restaurant and one of my co-workers raved about Vivace. He also talked about how good the wine was so now I have to wonder if he was completely zooted to suggest this restaurant to me? My friend and I both were terribly disappointed.

Needless to say we will never return.....

• Pros: Good Location, Easy Access
• Cons: Need magnifying lense to see portions.

06/03/09

good, not great

by LMar at Citysearch

Menu has remained the same for quite a while and dining room can be hot. Food is fantastic. Wish there was more variety.

• Pros: some healthy, delicious choices
• Cons: menu is stagnant