L'Ecole, The Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute

10/02/2008 Posted by sweetemmy

FANTASTIC. Why? It's cute. It's tucked away and not screaming for attention (but still busy as can be, so you know they must be doing something right). It's casual and unpretentious, but very still very classy and oh-so-French. It's delicious. The food was so well-prepared, with flavors that were not too heavy or overdone. The portions were just about the right size. Our servers was perfect and did their job flawlessly with great timing. I sometimes hesitate to give 5 stars based on just one-time experiences, but the fact that I cannot wait to go back for more says enough for me.

Pros: foods,servers

07/31/2008 Posted by Jenna1070899

We went here with a group of 5 after a special event here, and had heard the price for a 5-course dinner was really good. I must say, the menu was nice enough, and the manager was really friendly when we arrived, and had wonderful ideas for complimentary wines. However, after the experience I have two words: BUMBLING MESS! One of the meat courses was SUPPOSED to be medium-rare, and came out completely cooked through: well done. Even a child can cook a steak - it's not difficult. Another was supposed to be medium, came out well done. All the main plates were cleaned, the undercooked steak was left untouched and obvious on the table, and noone serviced the table for an HOUR. Honestly, noone said the waiters were useless amateurs - I thought it was a culinary school. They should think to hire useful waiting staff. The manager then came with a ridiculous apology and said they could replace it - but this was 1/2 an hour after the plates were taken; one hour after they arrived. Useless. The food they actually managed to get right was average, but I understand that they're students. I understand you cannot expect Jamie Oliver at such a place, but the culinary school in my home city has x10 better food, and my boss often takes important clients there for work dinners. So it can be done. Also, the service throughout the night was exceptionally slow. Not liked a packed diner slow - ignored slow. The meat course took over an hour to arrive after the fish. Not happy. And no apologies, no "we'll be right with you". Just ignored. So after our ridiculous, wasted experience, with no useful solution offered by staff there, I say spend the extra $50 and go somewhere nice. It really isn't worth bothering here - the $42 can even be much better spent in McDonalds.

Pros: Manager had nice complimentary wine ideas; ambience was nice.

Cons: Uselss waiting staff; ridiculously long time between courses; food was not cooked as ordered; won't ever go back!

07/06/2008 Posted by MarkMunafo

I ate dinner here and somehow didn't leave very full after 3 courses. I guess they serve French instead of American portions. I started with the bay scallop ceviche with caviar (deliciously salty). Then I ordered the Hanger Steak With Red Wine. The steak was soooooooo gooooood. something in that sauce was addicting. For dessert I had the passion fruit baked alaska wasn't so good. boohoo.

07/03/2008 Posted by NYCfoodguy

I love the fact that the staff here are also students of culinary. It makes the experience very unique. The food is actually very good. There are obvious flaws in the prep in some of the dishes and the taste combination doesn't always come out perfect. But go with such expectation and you'll find yourself enjoying the atmosphere quite nicely. I read about this restaurant on the WhereIsCID Blog and am definitely glad I tried it.

Pros: atmosphere, service, creativity

Cons: too much creativity

05/03/2008 Posted by michelle6887

One of the best complete meals I've ever had in my life. Servers were polite despite the fact that we were young and students, and gave us a seat in a window, and we were sent out a small dish gratis. Everything I had was great. I really highly recommend the duck with rhubarb, the trout, and the chocolate tart for dessert. Only complaint would be that service is a little slow, but if you're with someone you enjoy talking to, it's not a problem.

Pros: Food, Service

04/30/2008 Posted by Helenic

I have been there twice and i can say that the palce itself is nice.However the service and food quality is not good as you expect.

02/10/2008 Posted by nixon99

Great food, great experience and I will be going there everytime the menu changes. I love being a part of the students training. Every six weeks or so a new class is preparing the food so it's like a new experience each time. The location is warm and I never felt rushed. a "must try" for NY at a great price.

Pros: A New York must!

01/28/2008 Posted by lovetodine08

L'ecole was a such a treat! I went a few months ago with my fiance and sister and was so impressed. I'm a serious NY diner and I love to visit new spots. L'ecole was as good as some of the more expensive restaurants in the city but for a third of the price. I ordered the cod and my sistered ordered the seabass. The fish literally melts in your mouth. Literally every course was so light and refreshing and satisfying I was in disbelief. We had a 5 star dinner (5 courses!) for under $120 for all three of us. The service is also fantastic. Get reservations early b/c they book fast. Happy eating.

Pros: price, ambience, service

Cons: no good for large groups, kids

12/05/2007 Posted by bellaboo1

We arrived 30 minutes late to our reservation, and I was worried that they might not seat us at all, but the staff was nothing but nice and welcoming! Our waitress gave great recommendations, and the food was just perfect. It was my first time trying duck and it was so delicious. Exceeded all expectations!

Pros: exceptional service, great value, amazing food

10/09/2007 Posted by goodfoodrocks_dup

This place definitely has the best dessert! I had the creme brulee and it was seriously the best thing I have tasted in a long time! I had tried the pork chop for my entree and that was good. I overheard at another table that the Steak is actually really good. Definitely recommend this place. Defiinitely DESSERT makes the whole thing worth it. I will definitely be returning for the dessert and I'm normally not a sweets person.

Pros: Ambience, Close to the MTA, DESSERT!!!!