03/14/09

great french bistro in the LES

by ak10002

We had dinner at this cute restaurant, the food is amazing and affordable, I took the truffle asparagus as an appetizer while my companion took the lamb meatballs it was suburb. For and entrees we shared they king crab ravioli (really home made) and the short rib that was so tender that I could cut them with the fork, the music in the back round was joyful and the service was excellent. Add it to your must try list !! I’ll come back

• Pros: excellent food
• Cons: What are the drawbacks?

03/09/09

Painful ending to an otherwise fine experience

by jc2039

I brought a party here on a Saturday night. We squared a nice menu away for a very reasonable $25 prix fixe ahead of time. I confirmed the reservation the day before. They have no liquor license yet so we had to bring out own wine, which, given everyone's money issues, was actually a positive.

Upon arriving we had to wait 45 minutes because the manager I had spoken with in person several times had gotten it into his head that our reservation was at 9:30, though he admitted that in his book it was written as 9:00. It was nice out, so we waited outside and BS'd a while. When we were seated, he told us he was adding an item to the menu for us since we had to wait. No one was really interested in it, but hey, nice gesture.

The food was fine and speedily served. Then after dinner it all fell apart. The house did not add gratuity to the check. Fine, we're not about to stiff anyone. The server was pleasant and capable. When all the cash was counted we left what worked out to a little over 18%. This, apparently was not enough to suit them. My girlfriend was approached by the manager -- no kidding, the manager -- who told her he didn't think the tip was sufficient, and he condescendingly informed her that the servers work for tips. Duh. When she asked if she had miscounted, he informed her he had counted the same amount she had. He then asked for at least $10 more. To save everyone else from suffering the rudeness of this situation, she obliged (it was my birthday, and she's sweet). So go if you like, it's a cute spot with decent reasonably priced food, just make sure you leave 25% or whatever it is they think they deserve so you don't get chastised like a child at the end of your meal.

• Pros: Cozy, Decent Food
• Cons: Unacceptable behavior from management

09/21/08

Charming Decor, Tasty Food, & Hip Spot - Just lower the lights a bit!

by nycflava

My partner and I have been at this place twice for dinner. The place has consistently been good. Service is friendly, pleasant - always a hip man or woman, a great chatter with engaging and cool personality... On the food front, tasty, excellent portions, and artistically presented... One of the best lamb shanks I've ever had: juicy, tasty, rich, and meat for days! Short but excellent wine list. The decor is simple but charming. Lowering the lights a bit would definitely add a more bistro-like ambience to this already cool and good eating spot!

• Pros: Food, Service, Wine
• Cons: Lower the lights!