03/07/09

Vaguely disappointing

by jriehm

This wasn't our first visit -- and I truly don't know why we returned. I guess we forget -- it's a pretty popular place, so we keep thinking it'll be wonderful. Except it's not. Nice wine list -- but $15 Kir Royales left us feeling cheated. The pommes frites are just plain awful -- the traditional French version are delightful, and these are tiny and hard and disappointing. The pork shank was too much bone and fat, and not enough meat. The creme brulee felt chintzy. Service wasn't terrible, but why did our waiter take each course separately? I wish we had more dramatic complaints -- so maybe we'd definitely remember not to go back.

12/17/07

Great French for a great price! Delicious overall!

by jules1984

This is one of the best places to go in Chicago for affordable, quintessential French food without the heavy price tag, or the snooty staff. Very friendly and personable staff. Neighborhood feel. The onion soup has it's good and iffy days, but always melts in your mouth. My only problem is that the menu is very limited. Mostly meat and some sort of potato, there are some good fish options. Generous portions; I love having great food for lunch the next day. The desserts are yummy too! Great wine list, although most tend to be heavy wines. Small dining room, so make reservations!

• Pros: The staff, atmosphere, prices.
• Cons: Limited menu.

11/19/07

Regrettably disappointing...sigh

by Searcher44

For more than 20 years we've gone to Mon Ami Gabi and its predecessor in the same location Un Grand Cafe. Our most recent visit was more than disappointing (i) two steaks ordered were clearly of an inferior cut or grade of beef - were not done as ordered and frankly on the tough and chewy side (ii) coffee delivered with caffeine rather than without (iii) a New York strip, usually highly reliable - was done correctly but the texture and odor suggested that it had either been frozen and thawed more than once or had been left out at room temp far too long. One salad ordered was dressed way too heavily. On the plus side the desserts were as reliable as always and the wine list remains fairly priced. I had the impression that they are crowding more people into the space than was the case a few years ago but that's just a hunch. Service was prompt and efficient. Perhaps just a bad Sunday night - but overall disappointing.