Posted by Tammy at 12:00 pm
Nov 172008
There were no crimes against fish at Mexique. The trout was perhaps the best dish at the table.
We recently ate out with Emily Szopa of the Chicago Dining Examiner to try the French-influenced Mexican cuisine at Mexique. We enjoyed excellent service, wonderful appetizers, outstanding entrees, and desserts to die for. The only question I had at the end of the evening was why there wasn’t a line to get into the place. Tune in for the details.
(13.3 M)
Show Notes:
00:00 – 00:54 Playing influences
00:55 – 02:46 Atmosphere & service
02:47 – 05:33 Appetizers? Order all of them? Next time, definitely!
05:34 – 09:25 Cleaning our plates
09:26 – 12:05 Dessert? Order all of them? Yes, thank you.
12:06 – 13:15 Very varied wine
13:16 – 14:28 Wrap-up & sign-off
Chef/Owner Carlos Gaytan serves up an amazing menu.
Mexique
1529 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
Get directions
| |
Bridget’s Ratings |
Tammy’s Ratings |
| Food Quality |
5 |
5 |
| Value |
5 |
5 |
| Service |
5 |
5 |
| Ambiance |
4 |
4 |
| Overall |
9 |
9 |
Average price per person: $65
Online buzz about Mexique:
LTH Forum
TimeOut Chicago
The perfectly sliced grapes were the highlight of the Brie.
Cafe Barnard is a Lincoln Park staple. But what is it about its French fare that keeps folks coming back? Tammy and I brought friends to dinner to test the menu and find out.
(26.2 M)
Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:21 The mystery French place
01:22 – 04:26 Lived-in charm, basket-o-bread, baked Brie, and escargot
04:27 – 06:33 Wine and service commentary
06:34 – 13:28 Main dishes A.K.A. a game of chess with sauce
13:29 – 18:08 Dessert and dessert wine not so sweet
18:09 – 19:06 Ratings and sign-off
Cafe Bernard
2100 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL
Bridget’s Cafe Bernard Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Overall: 5/10
Tammy’s Cafe Bernard Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 2/5
Overall: 5/10
Average price per person: $45
The steak is very peppery but some thought it better than those at a fancy steak house.
Online buzz about Cafe Bernard:
Citysearch
Metromix
Yelp
The three-salmon appetizer is second only to the salmon entrée at Cyrano's Bistrot.
The chef at Cyrano’s turns out spectacular dishes that are affordable and right-sized for every course. From the cheese plate and lobster bisque to the coq au vin and chocolate mousse, everything is mouth watering. The only thing holding this cozy bistrot back is uneven service. Still, it’s one of the best French restaurants I’ve tried in Chicago so far, and Tammy and I plan to wander in more often.
(6.5 M)
Show Notes:
00:00 – 02:03 Quest for cheese leads to consistantly good, affordable food
02:04 – 03:05 Ambiance and charm
03:06 – 03:51 Bread glorious bread
03:52 – 05:15 Menu quibbles and courses
05:16 – 05:57 Salmon-three-ways and muscles
05:58 – 07:06 Portions and stuffin’ ourselves
07:07 – 09:16 Coq au vin and and salmon entrée
09:17 – 10:45 Save room for chocolate mousse and crème caramel
10:46 – 13:00 About service
13:01 – 14:08 Ratings and wrap-up
Cyrano’s Bistrot
546 N Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 467-0546 | Make Reservations
Bridget’s Cyrano’s Bistrot Ratings:
Food Quality: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Overall: 8/10
Tammy’s Cyrano’s Bistrot Ratings:
Food Quality: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Overall: 8/10
Average Price per person: $70 for the whole-nine-yards but you can eat there for less. This is the perfect neighborhood place for a quiet evening with a small group of close friends or for a date. But don’t plan on a quick meal.
The mussels are served in a sauce that is perfect for bread dipping.
On-line buzz about Cyrano’s Bistrot:
Metromix
Yelp
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