Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

Winni · 12-17-2005, 04:27 PM

That was my husband speaking in the earlier post. He is indeed the professional musician; not I, and if I told you who he is you would be greatly surprised and not take his opinion lightly. I'm sorry, "pointicus", but you are way off the mark on this one. Yes, the percussionist was decent (compared to his buddies), but if you want to compare credentials, my husband has actually been a soloist with the Boston Pops! He also has a master's degree in music. He still is and has been a music teacher, conductor, and performer for over 45 years. So, I do think he knows something about this topic.

The band playing the night of Dec. 11th was not sensitive to their surroundings. They were playing "appliances" at a level that would have been more appropriate for a giant reception hall. Even if they were not very good, if they had played softly, as background music in a restaurant should be played, it would have been tolerable. Yes, using un-amped acoustic guitars might have made it better. If the idea is to attract "diners" with the entertainment, however, blasting them out of the place is not the way to go.

We went to this establishment when it was first opened and did not go back for a long time because we found the food very greasy. However, we were told recently the chef had changed. We've been twice since and have very much enjoyed the Barn & Grille's new menu. I will never go back on a night when they have entertainment, though, if this is what they are offering. It was just unbearable.

I do also think the place has been beautifully redone. It has a lovely atmosphere. The rustic beams, the horse related and other decorations, and the wonderful fireplace area with the couches all add to the charm. Unfortunately, of course, it was not possible to sit by the fireplace that very cold evening because the band was using that space! What a shame to ruin such great ambiance with that kind of inappropriate "noise"!

Another comment I might make, is that I think this establishment is too "upscale" in their pricing for the location. They are charging Boston prices (I do speak from experience; I dine down there often with my grown children), that won't fly long on the edge of Alton. There is nothing particularly unique that isn't available somewhere else, so I do not believe they will get repeat customers (where the real money is) forking over large sums of cash for meals.

When I have visited the Barn & Grill, I've noticed most of the customers were around the bar and only a few were at tables. This should tell them something. You can't make an eating establishment succeed on only liqueur. Someone has to be eating all that food they keep available in the kitchen.

Good luck to them; I really do hope they make it. It's nice to have a nearby place to eat and drink with good food and a nice atmosphere. But, if anything can be learned from the failure of Victorian House, it should be that the area can't support such pricing. Also, those of us who want to still have brain waves when we exit will not tolerate sure horrible noise levels from the entertainment!

12-17-2005, 04:27 PM	#33
Winni Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Off the mark on this one That was my husband speaking in the earlier post. He is indeed the professional musician; not I, and if I told you who he is you would be greatly surprised and not take his opinion lightly. I'm sorry, "pointicus", but you are way off the mark on this one. Yes, the percussionist was decent (compared to his buddies), but if you want to compare credentials, my husband has actually been a soloist with the Boston Pops! He also has a master's degree in music. He still is and has been a music teacher, conductor, and performer for over 45 years. So, I do think he knows something about this topic. The band playing the night of Dec. 11th was not sensitive to their surroundings. They were playing "appliances" at a level that would have been more appropriate for a giant reception hall. Even if they were not very good, if they had played softly, as background music in a restaurant should be played, it would have been tolerable. Yes, using un-amped acoustic guitars might have made it better. If the idea is to attract "diners" with the entertainment, however, blasting them out of the place is not the way to go. We went to this establishment when it was first opened and did not go back for a long time because we found the food very greasy. However, we were told recently the chef had changed. We've been twice since and have very much enjoyed the Barn & Grille's new menu. I will never go back on a night when they have entertainment, though, if this is what they are offering. It was just unbearable. I do also think the place has been beautifully redone. It has a lovely atmosphere. The rustic beams, the horse related and other decorations, and the wonderful fireplace area with the couches all add to the charm. Unfortunately, of course, it was not possible to sit by the fireplace that very cold evening because the band was using that space! What a shame to ruin such great ambiance with that kind of inappropriate "noise"! Another comment I might make, is that I think this establishment is too "upscale" in their pricing for the location. They are charging Boston prices (I do speak from experience; I dine down there often with my grown children), that won't fly long on the edge of Alton. There is nothing particularly unique that isn't available somewhere else, so I do not believe they will get repeat customers (where the real money is) forking over large sums of cash for meals. When I have visited the Barn & Grill, I've noticed most of the customers were around the bar and only a few were at tables. This should tell them something. You can't make an eating establishment succeed on only liqueur. Someone has to be eating all that food they keep available in the kitchen. Good luck to them; I really do hope they make it. It's nice to have a nearby place to eat and drink with good food and a nice atmosphere. But, if anything can be learned from the failure of Victorian House, it should be that the area can't support such pricing. Also, those of us who want to still have brain waves when we exit will not tolerate sure horrible noise levels from the entertainment!