12/19/07

Great ambiance -- Food Liquored up...

by lovely626

I went to this cafe specifically for dessert -- the ambiance, server and hostess was great -- The dessert selections were unique. I was greatly looking forward to trying dessert however my dietary restrictions kept me from being able to have any. If you have no dietary restrictions -- this cafe is great , however they are not able to modify the dishes if you do. All the desserts have alcohol , some are made with pork, and you must be lactose tolerant. Just be warned if you specific restrictions this is not the place for you and you will walk away hungry as I did, otherwise good pick.

• Pros: Beautiful ambiance, creative desserts
• Cons: No flexibility in accomodating customers with dietary restrictions

07/16/07

5 Star desserts but the burger is a beauty. You don't need the egg and order it medium rare to truly experience an exceptional burger. One of the best not only in Chicago but the USA.

by hpbecker

I went for the burgers. winner of a Time Out magazine contest. gave it a 93 because of the bun and a few minor items. Well it is now as close to a perfect burger as any in the USA. Don't order the egg on top unless you don't care about cholesterol. Medium Rare. So I went back for desserts...knock yourself out Then I had to try brunch on Sunday. Could barely get in. Crowded. Wife, daughter and I had 3 different items. The smoked fish plate -- at $14 it was a bargain. Smoked salmon and smoked fish. Wife had the brioche french toast. Daughter had steak and eggs. All excellent. Plus the plate of assorted pastries. Only negative comment was the $4 for coffee and another $4 for the refill. Coffee is easily 2 cups in its own container but a second $4 was just too much.

So go for burgers, brunch, and any desserts... try specials for lunch or dinner. Mindy Segal...a star on the rise. (james beard top pastry chef in USA nominated)

• Pros: Creative anything. Mindy has a unique twist on all food items. Just enjoy!

02/25/07

Worst brunch I've ever had

by northby_nw

The brunch at this place was absolutely terrible. I've never been served hash browns that weren't at least edible. The potatoes at this place were disgusting! And my brunch entree had NO flavor or substance - it was basically a fried egg on ciabatta. And the coffee is a ridiculous $4!! My friend ordered the "mixed greens with seasonall vegetables," and they gave her lettuce with some tomatoes and a cucumber. It would have barely passed as a side salad, but instead was a pathetic excuse for an entree. There was nothing good about this place. I've been there in the evening for dessert and cocktails, and those were mediocre and overpriced as well. The decor's nice, but can't begin to compensate for the bad food.

• Pros: Ambience
• Cons: Overpriced, bland, uninteresting food

10/26/06

Pastry chef extraordinaire Mindy Segal scores big with a full menu of savory and sweet delights at this buzzing Bucktown space.

by Contributor

You thought Segal's desserts were good. From tender morsels of mussels in a slurpable curry broth (waiter! more bread!) to sprightly spring beet salad, the kitchen at this perennial Bucktown hot spot turns out one delectable plate after another. You could easily make a meal of dessert, too: Faves include warm chocolate souffle tart with salted caramel ice cream and pretzels; warm brioche donuts with sinful chocolate dipping sauce; and light, lovely orange- and vanilla bean-infused creme brulee. The muted color scheme features fittingly chocolate walls, hardwood floors, sleek light fixtures and wall-mounted surveillance mirrors. Young hipsters dine at close tables or slip into the lounge for a late-night sugar fix.

02/02/06

WE LOVE IT!!!

by vike

I didn't read the reviews here until my wife and I had already visited the restaurant 3 times. I was surprised to see all of the negative press. We absolutely love everything about the restaurant...the food, coffees, tee, sweets, decor and service are all top notch. It's our favorite place.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: none

01/28/06

Hot, HOt, HOT

by kapalina

A great place for dessert, chocolate lovers' delight in all the variations and manifestations of the cocoa bean exulted. The noise level from the blender in th kitchen and other prep areas is fairly obnoxious. The space, done in tones of beige/brown somehow magnifies these sounds too much, though the decor is sophisticated.

• Pros: great desserts
• Cons: noise from kitchen

12/17/05

next please

by asclepius

well, i tried it. twice. the 1st time i sent back a lamb dish because it was like eating dried cardboard (not even an apology from any of the staff for serving something so bad). i ended up w/ pork - that was just OK. the 2nd went w/ friends of the chef, sat at the "special" table, ... and it still was bad food (had mediocre fish). maybe they should just stick to deserts.

• Pros: decent desert
• Cons: food, ambivalent service

12/12/05

User review by sheyenne

by sheyenne

good for 3-5 people but not for more, difficult seating during peak times, great appetizers and whipped drinks from the bar - my personal favorite is the stout and caramel milk shake, intoxicatingly good!!

11/20/05

total disappointment

by vaha

After waiting for 50 minutes for our dinner my friends and I were more than irritated. Finally when it arrived my mussles were completely uncooked, smelled and looked just plain disgusting. My friend' s meals were also mediocre. The desert was recommended, it wasn't that fantastic either. In conclusion I will never return again to this D - restaurant.

• Pros: decore
• Cons: food, service

11/02/05

a must try!

by mgbelly

I had dinner with friends on a Sunday night. Got seated wright away. Excellent service.Tried the cheese tasting as an appetizer(very good), the whitefish with chorizo and the porkchop (both excellent), the chocolate tart, chocolate pillows and the donuts with chocolate sauce for desert. It was almost a sexual experience!! Very romantic. Very friendly and not pretentious. Easy to miss if you're not paying attention cuz the only sign is painted on the window!! Not a lot of choices on the dinner menu.

• Pros: food, ambience, great bar
• Cons: hard to find, a bit pricey