The White Linen

We went out to dinner last Friday as an early Valentine’s Day dinner as we don’t like to deal with the crowds that pile out on February 14. We’ve dined at The White Linen now at least eight or nine times, including the private chef’s table in the old safe (the restaurant is in an old building where a bank once was). The food is always delicious, exciting, thoughtful, and nicely plated. We appreciate the fact there’s a fine dining restaurant option in Topeka (it’s a lot closer than Kansas City!). But every time we go we are always struck by the service. As good as the food is (and it’s very good) the service is always lacking. It feels like the servers (often high school or college age) are play acting at fine dining service. Everything is always just a little off. For example, the silverware: it stays out through the whole meal. Normally, you finish a starter and they take away the used knife and fork and bring new, clean ones. (This could just be easier on the servers but perhaps the restaurant doesn’t have enough silverware to do this.) Then, there’s usually on every visit one mess up or another. If this happened once on one meal I’d say it was an anomaly, but when there’s something every time we dine there you start to question what kind of training goes on with the front of house staff. Here’s a list (not an exhaustive one) of things we’ve experienced: * Entrees for another table being set down in front of us. This by itself is no big deal, but when the problem is pointed out and those entrees are then picked up and set in front of other diners, I wince. * When asking for salt and pepper a small bowl with salt and pepper mixed is provided. I don’t know if this is a chef’s choice or the server’s, but I’d like to dose any salt and pepper myself, thank you. * My wife is allergic to cilantro (not a dislike as in “it tastes like dirt” but an actual EpiPen-carrying allergy) and it was noted both on our reservation on Tock and described verbally to the server when we ordered. A starter arrived with microgreens as a garnish. When my wife asked what the greens were, the server took them back to the chef and another one was sent out because the microgreens had cilantro in them. I worry the server did not communicate the allergy in the first place. * Cleaning equipment left out on a dining table next to ours (see photo). For all the care and attention to the food and the menu, I wish Adam VanDonge paid as much attention to the training of the front of house staff. Certainly, they must be working on the tightest of margins running a fine dining establishment in Topeka. Staff is at an appropriate minimum, but the lack of a Front of House manager shows. When asked what a certain item was on a menu, a server replied, “I don’t know. I don’t eat this kind of stuff.” I wrote such a long review because I have a hunch none of these issues get back to the kitchen. They are kept in the dining room. I think most diners coming to The White Linen are thrilled to have a great night out—and they should. I applaud Mr. VanDonge for the fortitude to keep TWL alive with a vision of great American cuisine. The front of house staff are eager and enthusiastic, don’t get me wrong. I just wish the service reflected the quality of the food.

We went out to dinner last Friday as an early Valentine’s Day dinner as we don’t like to deal with the crowds that pile out on February 14. We’ve dined at The White Linen now at least eight or nine times, including the private chef’s table in the old safe (the restaurant is in an old building where a bank once was). The food is always delicious, exciting, thoughtful, and nicely plated. We appreciate the fact there’s a fine dining restaurant option in Topeka (it’s a lot closer than Kansas City!). But every time we go we are always struck by the service. As good as the food is (and it’s very good) the service is always lacking. It feels like the servers (often high school or college age) are play acting at fine dining service. Everything is always just a little off. For example, the silverware: it stays out through the whole meal. Normally, you finish a starter and they take away the used knife and fork and bring new, clean ones. (This could just be easier on the servers but perhaps the restaurant doesn’t have enough silverware to do this.) Then, there’s usually on every visit one mess up or another. If this happened once on one meal I’d say it was an anomaly, but when there’s something every time we dine there you start to question what kind of training goes on with the front of house staff. Here’s a list (not an exhaustive one) of things we’ve experienced: * Entrees for another table being set down in front of us. This by itself is no big deal, but when the problem is pointed out and those entrees are then picked up and set in front of other diners, I wince. * When asking for salt and pepper a small bowl with salt and pepper mixed is provided. I don’t know if this is a chef’s choice or the server’s, but I’d like to dose any salt and pepper myself, thank you. * My wife is allergic to cilantro (not a dislike as in “it tastes like dirt” but an actual EpiPen-carrying allergy) and it was noted both on our reservation on Tock and described verbally to the server when we ordered. A starter arrived with microgreens as a garnish. When my wife asked what the greens were, the server took them back to the chef and another one was sent out because the microgreens had cilantro in them. I worry the server did not communicate the allergy in the first place. * Cleaning equipment left out on a dining table next to ours (see photo). For all the care and attention to the food and the menu, I wish Adam VanDonge paid as much attention to the training of the front of house staff. Certainly, they must be working on the tightest of margins running a fine dining establishment in Topeka. Staff is at an appropriate minimum, but the lack of a Front of House manager shows. When asked what a certain item was on a menu, a server replied, “I don’t know. I don’t eat this kind of stuff.” I wrote such a long review because I have a hunch none of these issues get back to the kitchen. They are kept in the dining room. I think most diners coming to The White Linen are thrilled to have a great night out—and they should. I applaud Mr. VanDonge for the fortitude to keep TWL alive with a vision of great American cuisine. The front of house staff are eager and enthusiastic, don’t get me wrong. I just wish the service reflected the quality of the food.

We came into town for meetings and came across The White Linen on Google and noticed that reservations were recommended. We knew it was a long shot but we called and spoke with Chef Adam who told us to come and while we wait for a table we could enjoy a delicious cocktail in the lounge. Between the lounge, the restaurant, the food, and the staff, we had an impeccable experience. Highly recommend!

We came into town for meetings and came across The White Linen on Google and noticed that reservations were recommended. We knew it was a long shot but we called and spoke with Chef Adam who told us to come and while we wait for a table we could enjoy a delicious cocktail in the lounge. Between the lounge, the restaurant, the food, and the staff, we had an impeccable experience. Highly recommend!

Best restaurant in Topeka, locally owned. Beautiful, historic building. A unique and romantic atmosphere. The food is always beautiful and delicious, and the service is spot on. Have never gotten anything there we didn't like. Can't wait for next time.