09/20/09

Not recommended, bad food

by sweets509

I heard great thing about this place from a coworker so I went with a girlfriend on a Wednesday night. Our waiter was rude the menu dropped on the floor and he didn't bother to pick it up - so I had to bend over and get it, then when I asked for a second glass of kir royale, he completely forgot until the very end of the meal at which I just told him not to bother. My friend had the chicken pri-fix and I had the ravioli. The sauce for the ravioli was too dry and my friend said her chicken was "ok." I'm surprised at how poor the service was especially considering this economy. Due to the poor service, I am never going back there. The waiter didn't even bother to thank us as we were leaving - and we actually tipped him too! There are at least two other french bistros in the area: Rue 57 and Maison Brasserie that have much better service and food.

• Pros: good aperatif
• Cons: food mediocre

01/17/09

Big Dissapointment

by GourmetNYC

I found the experience lacking in more ways than one. My girlfriend and I were tucked in a corner on the middle back banquette and left for ten minutes with only our menus and no drinks and the place wasn't even that busy. The decor is initially pleasing to the eye but it doesn't feel solid enough, almost like they stopped spending money on it at the last minute. Our wines by the glass were very ordinary, my salad was seriously over-seasoned and both our baskets of match-stick fries were stone cold. On top of all this, I couldn't see a manager for most of the evening, I think he must have been hitting the Cognac. If I want French brasserie one night I'm going to stick to the classics a few blocks up and east.

• Pros: space
• Cons: service, value and sloppy food

09/22/08

lunch is superb!

by RFA11

i cant say enough about Cognac. i've had lunch there 4 times and each time has been great. an experience to remember. the portions are not huge but the taste, presentation are incredible. New places usually get sloppy and the food or service begins to deteriorate but not here. i must not forget the mornings, coffee is rich, fresh every cup. the pastries and breads are also fresh. you've got to try it! the staff are courteous and always willing to help you in any way they can. in the mornings the tall latin gentleman always has a smile and patience to answer any question you may have regarding the menu.

the only drawback to me is the outside eating area. they need to have it enclosed, people who pass by get too close for comfort. you cant enjoy your meal. other than that, enjoy it you wont be disappointed.

05/06/08

Good food and atmosphere

by judibean

I took my friend out for her birthday last night and chose this place after deciding we didn't want to confine ourselves to someplace in the TWC. Since we were early (6:45?) we were seated immediately. The colors are very soothing dark woods against cream walls- my idea of a typical brasserie style. We shared a salad (forgot which) and it was tasty enough. I ordered the steak frite and my friend ordered the veal stew. Both of us enjoyed our entrees a lot. My steak was somewhat thinner than a typical steak and that made it easier for me to finish it. It also came exactly as I ordered it- medium rare. The only comment I have about my friend's stew is that it didn't look like a typical stew. It looked like there was a sauce on top of the veal cubes surrounding an island of jasmine rice. It looked like a healthy version of a stew. We both agreed that the apple tartine we shared for dessert was the crowning moment of our meal. It was a great combination of tart and sweet. Next time I'm not sharing.

• Pros: good food, service was attentive

Editorial Review

by Contributor

The folks behind Serafina swerve French with this brasserie in Midtown.