On the Fox reviews Le Berry Bistro
DESCRIPTION: I've been past Le Berry Bistro on Third St in Geneva many time, I've even shopped the store in the Berry House. I figured it was high time to try this place for dinner. When my companion asked me to try my hand at writing a review, I admit I was somewhat hesitant. I'm more of a "behind the scenes" kind of girl if you know what I mean. Le Berry Bistro is located on the second floor of the Berry House and is decorated like a French Bistro. The restaurant seemed unusually quiet for a Friday evening but this was a welcome surprise. Maybe that had something to do with the thunderstorm that was passing through, although bad weather usually seems to bring people out rather than keeping them at home. A nice, quiet dinner would suit me just fine. Our server was friendly and attentive. The bar did not have the bleu cheese-stuffed olives that Ralph always likes with his martini but they were accommodating enough to make some special for him. We decided to forgo the appetizers and just order dinner. Although the evening's specials sounded good, I ordered the Pasta Provencale ($14.95) and Ralph ordered the Chicken Roulade ($14.95), both from the regular menu. The salads before dinner were basic fare, but a great house dressing helped push them just above average. The Pasta Provencale was brimming with shrimp and scallops with spinach and portabella mushrooms served over linguine with a garlic herb sauce. The portion was generous and very tasty but the scallops were a tad over-cooked. The sauce did not seem over-garlic'd, and that was appreciated - as much as I love garlic! The Chicken Roulade appeared to be almost "en croute" for it seemed to be surrounded by a thin crust with the chicken wrapped in spinach. This dish too, was quite tasty and the presentation of the plates was well done, perhaps an 8 out of 10. The only complaint on the Roulade was that it was dry. The roasted red pepper sauce was excellent but the plate needed more of it. It was a fine evening at a restaurant that should have had far more diners than we saw. And there was more than enough to eat - we took some home - so we were too full for dessert. Do yourself a favor and try Le Berry Bistro. We give it four foxes and we'll be back again. Read more Fox Valley reviews at www.onthefox.com
DATE: 2001-10-29
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6

DESCRIPTION: I've eaten at Bistro twice, once for lunch, once for dinner. At lunch, the avocado in my avocado salad was so unripe I could barely bite through it, but it was served to me as if it was fresh (hard to imagine a chef wouldn't recognize this). Dinner was better, though my friend's steak, which I sampled, was tougher than I expected for a $20 piece of meat. All in all, I think Bistro gets away with being lax in their food quality because of their location. If they were in Chicago, they would shut down in two months if they tried to charge what they charge here. The decorations are nice, service friendly, but at the end of the meal, the food just isn't that good to justify their high prices.
DATE: 2003-11-10
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Duck for dinner, Crab cake sandwich for lunch

THE best martinis ever.
DESCRIPTION: Seriously, I been around and you won't find better martinis than from the bartender Dan. The man knows his stuff, and likely the most creative bartender I've known. Every martini is smooth and amazing. If you order cognac he'll even warm the glass for you. I drive 2 hours to frequent the place when I'm really wanting a *good* martini and not just vodka with olives.
DATE: 2004-02-21
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Dirty Martini, Lemondrop, Girlscout, Kelt VSOP

DESCRIPTION: The staff was having some problems with their ovens in the kitchen. Over half of the items on the menu were unavailable. I understand that sometimes things like this are beyond control, but we were not even told of the menu restrictions until the time we were to place our order. It was quite disappointing to find that a lot of the menu items were unavailable. We didn't enjoy our service either. Our waiter was very unattentive and when it came time for dessert we had to ask our server for a dessert menu. He proceeded to tell us that we didn't have a choice for dessert because of the kitchen problems. I felt that someone should have at least made arrangements to have something else in house to cover for this problem. This was my first visit to the restaurant. I was not highly impressed with the restaurant.
DATE: 2004-03-27
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2

Great Food GREAT SERVICE!
DESCRIPTION: Bistro was fantastic for food and service with a most interesting menu for the experimental palet. Simply good food! And you pay for the service.
DATE: 2004-12-10
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Black Linguini, The Duck!!!

A $12 steak for $28
DESCRIPTION: While the ambiance is fantastic, the food leaves something to be desired, especially for the price. The service is decent, but I would still expect better for the price. The martinis are fantastic. Overall, overpriced for dinner. but good for lunch.
DATE: 2005-02-24
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 4

Entry for August 06, 2005
DESCRIPTION: Walked in at 6:45 had a reservation at seven. I was promptly seated. Had dessert first. I wanted something light and refreshing. So I picked the Lemon Mousse. Althrough, the lemon taste was there it also had a discerning aftertaste that was not at all pleasant. I moved on after rinsing my mouth out with the glass of water before me. The soup du jour was par excellence I may add I was pleased with this visit! I have eaten there before and have been pleased both times. Just the dessert menu needs some help!
DATE: 2005-09-05
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : not the Lemon Mousse

Good food medium price
DESCRIPTION: I have eaten here quite a few times and it is pretty good most of the time.
DATE: 2006-01-14
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Salmon

Good Drinks- Bad Food!
DESCRIPTION: I completely agree with Brandon's comments about Dan- the man does know his stuff! However, the food is seriously lacking! I've eaten there on numerous occassions and each time I have a different experience with the food. Im not picky, but at times it seems like a dishwasher is preparing my food! Inconsistency, flavorless entrees and watered down sauces and soups are a few of the problems. Maybe the Chef should try his own food before it comes out of the kitchen! Other than that, the drinks are great!!
DATE: 2006-01-26
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Hard to tell

Fantastic Dining in a Small Town
DESCRIPTION: My wife and I regularly make our way to Lafayette from Chicago for dinner at the Bistro. She orders the duck and I generally get the braised short rib. The duck is always served at medium rare (which nobody does, thanks to the overbearing health department -- but thank you bistro!) and the short rib absolutely melts in your mouth. We always end our meal by sharing a creme brulee. OR some of the house-made ice cream or cheesecake made by the owner's mother fresh everyday. We make the drive from Chicago rather than dining in the city because we get great food with comparatively no wait and enjoy an upscale yet quaint and casual environment.
DATE: 2006-05-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Braised Shortrib, Roasted Duck, and check out the wine list!

Highly Overrated
DESCRIPTION: This was my third disappointing dinner at this restaurant. (Going there is NEVER my idea and I never again plan on accepting anyone else's invitation to dine there.) On this particular outing, I dined with a group of about 30, which I realize can be troublesome for any restaurant. However, when the cost runs over $100 per person, I expect the service to be good and to have the ability to order the food cooked any way I prefer it. Of the 30 people in my group, no one would recommend this restaurant to any one else. The service was slow. Because we were a large group, the selection of entrees were narrowed to only 3 (none of which I would have chosen for myself from their full menu). The servings were small. (Several of us went to eat when we left.) We were not given menus, but told what our choices were. My small salad came covered in bleu cheese, which I detest. I was not warned of this nor asked by the waiter if I wanted it. Several people at my table complained that there was no discernable dressing on their salad. (I couldn't say since I found the salad inedible.) I chose the pork medallions (of which there were 4) which was served, oddly enough, with a square of cornbread and little else. If eating meat that has only a HINT of flavor is what you're after. You'd enjoy. I was unimpressed. The desserts were fine, but I found them the only redeemable component to the meal. And, disappointingly, the coffee was served AFTER the desserts were cleared away. I found the waiters, without exception, to be haughty in nature and condescending in attitude to one and all. Having dined in Paris, I can attest to the fact the REAL French waiters could not hold a candle to the condescension offered up by the Orangery waiters who seemed to resent patrons for speaking to them. I feel sure they would not appreciate it if we looked with the same obvious disdain upon them. To sum up, I didn't care for the atmosphere in this pretentious restaurant. I hope never to enjoy the dubious hospitality of this restaurant again.
DATE: 2005-02-20
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : None

Not The Best, But...
DESCRIPTION: For Knoxville, this is the only upscale fine dining restaurant that I have come across in the area. It's not the best I'ver ever been to, in fact, I've found other Eurpoean fine dining places in remote parts of the country that were much more superb. I've also been around the world to over 15 countries so I have some experience with how "fine dining" should be. The night I dined, it was during the week around 6:30pm so it wasn't crowded. The menu offered a wide range of entrees and appetizers. The expense wasn't too bad, seeing that you can go to other "not-so-fancy" places and pay about the same for comparable food. I did find the general waitstaff to be quick on their toes keeping our glasses filled and clearing away dishes (even bringing some courses to us - isn't that the personal waiter/waitress job?) however, our personal waitress was less to be desired (slow, uninformative on what certain dishes contained or their overall flavor, and disappearing for too long inbetween courses without checking to see if we needed something & bringing the bill). If it not for her slowness, we could've been out of there within 1 1/2 - 2 hrs. Except for the salad, I found the food to be pretty tasty but not a "wow" factor. I'd go again and recommend it if someone absolutely wanted a fine dining experience. We tried a raw oyster appetizer that was hideous (and we LOVE oysters served in any way). The dessert we chose was a strawberry shortcake to go; we got home (15 min. drive) and was ticked because the "biscuits" was hard and dry, and the insulated cup held about 2 tablespoons of ice cream and the strawberry filling was runny and had about 2 strawberries - $5 for something that was supposed to serve 2 people. Shoney's has a better shortcake than that. Needless to say, you will be unimpressed with this establishment. If it not for the ambiance, decor and the piano man playing in the background - we probably would've been irritated.
DATE: 2005-10-12
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 4
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Smoked Salmon appetizer, Steak (any kind) and Pork or Chicken medallions.

Better Than I Expected (or Don't Believe Everything You Read!)
DESCRIPTION: I admit I was more than a little freaked out when I read the first review. But, I was pleasantly surprised by the food and the service at The Orangery. It's certainly more cosmopolitan than most of the restaurants in Knoxvegas, but it was definitely worth the trip. While our waitress certainly wasn't Little Mary Sunshine, she was efficient and that worked for our group. It is pricey, that's for sure, but for $28 (including 20% gratuity), I had bread, a little pre-appetizer (a surprise from the chef), soup (which I requested instead of the salad - no additional charge and DELICIOUS!), and probably the largest pork chop I have ever seen!! Well-prepared with nice accompaniments. I expected to leave hungry, and I absolutely did not. The Orangery is a great place for a romantic dinner or other special occasion or simply for a Tuesday night treat!!
DATE: 2006-01-24
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Tomato Basil Soup with Crab and Shrimp, Niman Ranch Pork Chop

Best place for Lunch !
DESCRIPTION: Hey, this is one of the best place to have a lunch if you are around Marietta / Smyrna / Vinings ! Their homemade soups are awesome, just like their hot panini sandwiches and their "quiche du jour". And I am not even talking about the desert and all these delicious fine pastries: cr me brul e, tiramisu ... If you want the best of France, without the worst... Try Douceur de France !
DATE: 2005-03-21
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Tomato basil soup, chicken Panini, St Tropez

Good stuff here ...
DESCRIPTION: These guys know how to make sandwiches! Great and healthy french food, top quality ingredients ... a really good place. Dessert ... no need to speak about them, just try one ... and you'll be addicted !
DATE: 2005-03-22
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : TNB panini with Praline Hazelnut cake

Sandwiches???? Go straight for the desserts!
DESCRIPTION: This place is a FIND!! Kind of out of the way, but worth the search for gorgeous party desserts and pastries. I ordered a special French anniversary cake that was incredible...like mounds of homemade doughnut holes stacked 5 feet high!
DATE: 2005-05-18
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Any and all dessertsl

Best Restaurant Around!
DESCRIPTION: A rare treat in a rare ski resort tucked away in the mountains of Idaho.
DATE: 2001-07-24
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10

How the Mighty Have Fallen
DESCRIPTION: I recently dined at Cousins Heriatge Inn for the first time since new owner took over early in 2001. And might I say, what a disappointment! One of the first things I noticed was the absence of the long time servers. These servers WERE Cousins, with their warmth and knowledge. In this instance, I was waited on by a college age server, who, although upbeat, knew little or nothing about service or the food. The food changed dramatically. Gone were antelope and pheasant, now it's strip steak and chicken? I ordered the steak medium rare - it came medium well. The salad was the same as I remembered, as was the pat I ordered. But the dessert was a disappointment. I ordered chocolate mousse, more like chocolate soup. I sent it back. I did not order another. At the end of the meal, right before the bill was to come, the owner Ray came over. He asked how everything was, and of course I told him about the dishes. He said he would make things right, which he did, but he seemed less than sociable. I was dumbfounded. All in all Cousins seems to have taken a step down from the Pat & Paul Cousins era. Here's hoping Cousins gets on track - fast.
DATE: 2002-07-20
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : None

Cousins - Still Small Town Service with a Big Bang
DESCRIPTION: Ray Lance, of Cousins Heritage Inn recently served as caterer for a group of 160 people at my wedding reception. As we have for years and years, we dined in the restaurant a few times before the big event. Although the place is lacking the familiar faces we all once knew, the ambiance feels much the same and the food is still outstanding. Ray, along with his staff of able servers, provided an outstanding feast and an evening free of interruption, allowing the guests and hosts to enjoy themselves without worry. The few minor mishaps or oversights (which will always arise when catering to a group that size) were quickly corrected so as not to disturb the rhythm of the evening. The following morning we served a delicious platter of smoked lox along with fresh made muffins, a Cousins classic. Throughout the months of planning Ray was flexible and generous with his time and his plans, a sure sign of the small town service Cousins Heritage Inn continues to provide. Overall, I was thrilled.
DATE: 2002-09-09
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Seared Salmon with Chilled Dill Sauce

Best Initmate Restaurant in Washtenaw County
DESCRIPTION: The small, quaint appearance and the home-like decor gives the impression of dining with friends, but the room layout is perfect for larger parties as well. The food is outstanding from appetizer to dessert! The wine list is very good, and the service is friendly and prompt. The food easily exceeds the Gandy Dancer, the ambiance out-classes the Chelsea Grill and the price beats the Chop House. Overall the best dining experience in the Ann Arbor Area.
DATE: 2003-08-22
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Duck

Switch to Tuscan House, kills it dead
DESCRIPTION: Cousins switched to the Tuscan House, and is out of business five months later.
DATE: 2004-09-03
RECOMMENDED DISHES : none

Shifty Waiter
DESCRIPTION: Sunday Brunch, 1/19/03. Waiter named Dan wasn't very attentive. When we paid our bills, we didn't receive the coin change. When asked why not, he said he didn't have change for a dollar. When we insisted we get the proper change for our receipt he said "he assumed he would get some type of renumeration." I told him not to assume anything when handling people's money. As a result, he didn't get a very good tip from our table when we originally had planned to be very generous. You might want to check into this to see what other customers he might have done this to. Not a good reflection of the restaurant.
DATE: 2003-01-22
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4

Outstanding food and proprietor
DESCRIPTION: The owner/chef is alway present and engaged in exceeding every diner's expectations. Extensive wine list and knowledge. Names after the owner's son the place is friendly and customer oriented.
DATE: 2003-12-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : All are great

OUTSTANDING
DESCRIPTION: Make sure you let the owner, Stephen, chose your wine pairing!!!!
DATE: 2004-01-31
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : scallops

Fabulous Food at Billy Ogden's
DESCRIPTION: I have been to Billy Ogden's many times and I must say that this restaurant probably has the most fabulous food in Buffalo. <P>The printed menu has few items, but there are always a host of specials on the blackboard each night. Typically, there are 10 or more selections each of beef, pork, chicken and seafood every night, along with a large variety of appetizers and a lamb dish or two. <P>Every dish is prepared with true gourmet flair. This is not typical restaurant food, but the fabulous, award winning creations of Chef Andy DiVincenzo. <P>The food is always prepared, presented, and arranged perfectly. My favorite is the James Beard Pork Tenderloin, which is prepared on a bed of onions and apples with a Jack Daniels sauce -- this is an award winning dish. <P>The service is always fabulous. Food is brought out immediately after preparation. Drinks and water are refilled when your glass is nearly empty. Dishes are cleared soon after you're through. You rarely have to ask for anything. The wait staff is definitely well trained. <P>One of the best parts of Billy Ogden's is the atmosphere. You don't have to get dressed up to enjoy a gourmet meal. Billy Ogden s seems like any other neighborhood bar and grill, but, when the food starts coming, you immediately see the difference. <P>Prices are very reasonable for what you get. Average prices are around $6 for an appetizer, $18 for a dinner, and $5 for dessert. Other restaurants in the same price range don't even compare. <P>My recommendation: Go there prepared to eat. You must order an appetizer, a main course, and dessert to truly appreciate the experience..
DATE: 2000-09-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Stuffed Hot Pepper (appetizer), James Beard Pork Tenderloin (dinner), Dom Blanche (dessert)

DESCRIPTION: I went to BILLY O's last week and had a porterhouse and it was overcooked (I had asked for med-rare). The waitress was rude and reaked of cigarettes. I thought that a restaurant which got great reviews the service would be good but she was too damn rude. The only thing that saved my meal was the desert, it was A Dom Blanch (Two crepes vanilla and chocolate both wrapped around vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and nuts, the plate was covered with a nice thick sauce with a hot fugde design and fresh fruit nicely presented) If it wasn't for that my meal would have gone to waste.
DATE: 2002-05-14
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6

Just Superb
DESCRIPTION: I did not know to expect such great food in the middle of nowhere. I was stuck in Buffalo for a sales meeting, and the customer suggested we go to Billy Ogden's for dinner. I couldn't have been more surprised. The conversation was awful, but the food was outstanding. The menu is basically entirely made up of "specials" and the food is prepared with a great deal of care, and while the presentation is simple, the dishes are visually appealling and flavors can be quite complex and satisfying. The staff is very friendly, in a very informal way. The desserts are to die for. Overall, an oasis of good food on a dark country road.
DATE: 2002-08-14
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10

BUFFALO'S BEST!
DESCRIPTION: From ambiance to menu selection to service, this restaurant is top notch. Don't expect candelabras and black-tie suited wait-staff, but friendly, competent service in a truly unique atmosphere. Their vast menu hosts cuisine to suit anyone's palate; order mostly Italian dishes from the printed menu, or a gourmet special from "The Board". Order with confidence, as Chef Andy does NOT disappoint!
DATE: 2003-02-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Stuffed Hot Peppers and Breaded Zucchini (appetizers), Bentley's Badass Porterhouse (Rob's entree choice), Shrimp Talley (Dawn's entree choice), Dom Blanche (We usually have to share a dessert!)

Everyone Was Happy !
DESCRIPTION: I went there with five couples who had never been there before. EveryOne ordered something different. We all loved it.
DATE: 2003-05-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Anything On The Black Board.

Simply the Best Restaurant in Buffalo
DESCRIPTION: I have never had such delicious food, and I have been the some of the best and most expensive restaurants in the Western New York area. If you go the Billy Ogdens, I strongly suggest that you try the Portabello Mushroom appetizer and the BBQ ribs (enough for two people). I hear the desserts are good, but they give you so much food your filled up by dessert time!
DATE: 2003-07-19
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : BBQ Ribs

My way or the highway
DESCRIPTION: Some friends and I went to Billy Ogden's recently. A person in my party wanted some type of bread that came with his meal replaced with a different kind. The answer was "no" just that simple. It was explained to us in very brief terms that there are no substitutions, period! Food was OK, not overwhelmed, nor overly impressed with the cleanliness. We know Andy very well, still no substitutions. I don't think I will be back anytime soon, there are just too many fine establishments in and around the Buffalo area to deal with such an attitude.
DATE: 2003-08-11
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 4

Best food in town!!!
DESCRIPTION: I'm good friends with the owners daughter.. and we eat there all the time. I love the food.. the resturant is cool...
DATE: 2003-09-12
FOODRATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : stuffed hot peppers. (appetizers), Chicken Parm.(dinner), dom blance (dessert)

My favorite place to eat!!
DESCRIPTION: I have never had a bad meal! I'm still trying to figure out the stuffing in the peppers. They are amazing!
DATE: 2004-07-12
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Anything on the black board

Best Food On the Planet!!!!
DESCRIPTION: The service was great the food was great and the atmosphere was awsome!!!!!!
DATE: 2005-02-14
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Any Steak

One of my favorite restaurants
DESCRIPTION: If you are looking for a sophisticated restaurant, this is not the place. The atmosphere is casual,comfortable and sometimes loud. The food is not inexpensive but is delicious and perfectly seasoned. My friend loves the three cheese baked fish, and I highly recommend the boneless butterflied pecan encrusted pork chop. Its enough for two. And don't leave without trying the banana stuffed peppers !
DATE: 2006-02-03
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8

Gourmet Cooks would Love Chez Foley
DESCRIPTION: If you're a typical Minnesotan not used to tastefully prepared dishes using lots of herbs and spices, you may only want to dine here during brunch or lunch. Out door sidewalk cafe-style seating with a lake view is available on warm days, which we thought was a nice touch. However, if you've ever eaten at our favorite restaurant, SOLERO, and loved their flavorful food, you'll love the food at Chez Foley, though it's French-like instead of Spanish. If you have a sense of adventure culinarily-speaking, don't waste a minute getting there. If you like great live music - that's a plus, too. After trying just about every restaurant in Minneapolis and Maple Grove, my husband and I were about to give up our quest for a restaurant that cooks the way we do. Chez Foley uses the freshest and finest ingredients and herbs in all of their dishes. Everything we had was outstanding. The soups ($3.50 per cup) were a little strong to me, though we ate every spoonful. My husband ordered a vegetable soup that he probably would have licked from the bowl had we been in the privacy of our home. I ordered a seafood chowder that rivals my own and we're FROM the coast originally. The server is happy to bring soup "samples" to the table if you have any trepidation about trying them or simply don't know which to order. We split a baked brie appetizer ($8) with fresh delicious strawberries and a very fresh spring mix salad ($6). Both were hefty portions even when splitting them. We ordered the salad with a citrus viniagrette which was delightful and probably very low cal. My husband ordered a sizeable filet mignon ($24?) for his entree, which until then we could only recommend ordering at Blackwoods Grill (our second favorite restaurant before Chez). His filet came with basil mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. He loved the potatoes. I really liked them also, but prefer the garlic mashed potatoes at Blackwoods Grill. I ordered a creamy Sun-Dried Tomato-Basil pasta dish ($21) with scallops, artichokes, carrots, brocolli, mushrooms and parmesan that was out of this world! Most restaurants serve 75% pasta and 25% sauce. Chez Foley definitely does not skimp on the sauce, nor the calories in them, which is probably why it tasted so good. A regular order of Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Diablo costs $12 and $16 for breast of chicken. A basket of bread and butter is also served at the table -- I think we ate two. We ended up boxing up the pasta and taking it home, which I'm now savoring every bite as I write. If you like Chuck Mangionne-Type jazz, you will love the live soloist. Each entree on the menu is matched up with a recommended wine. We ordered a Cavit Pinot Grigio ($27) which was excellent paired with my seafood dishes. Chez Foley has an impressive and extensive menu for brunch, lunch and dinner, which they were happy to give us a copy of. We live 30 minutes away, though we won't think twice about calling ahead our order and jumping in the car to grab a casual brunch or lunch. And we honestly can't wait to try it again for dinner soon. We will make reservations next time to guarantee a table!
DATE: 2004-04-04
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Filet Mignon, Sun-Dried Tomato-Basil Diablo Pasta