Mon Ami Gabi: User Reviews
Disappointed on Valentine's Day
By Moxiegirl80 from Roscoe Village, February 15, 2009
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My husband and I decided to have Valentine's Day dinner there last night and it was a big mistake. Our table was no more than 8 inches away from the tables on either side of us which made having a romantic dinner for two a bit challenging. The staff completely rushed us to put in our orders and we felt like they were trying to get us out of there. I finished my first glass of wine half-way through dinner and my glass was empty for about 15 minutes before I had to ask for a second glass. And they did absolutely nothing special for Valentine's Day other than decorating the tables with pink and red napkins. The food was delicious but we could get food of the same quality somewhere else that has much better service!
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Our experience was just OK and yes the seating is tight. Most every dish was underseasoned and needed salt. These included the butternut squash soup, the steak steak bordelaise and the duck L'orange, which also ended up being overly dry. The deserts were very good, in particular the Banana Foster Crepe. The meal was OK and I would not classify this as a destination restaurant, but I will give it another try if given the opportunity.
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We got there right when they opened becuase we were told getting a table on the patio can be difficult, and within an hour it was full. Our server was super friendly and extremely helpful, always there when we needed him but never there when we didn't. The food at Mon Ami Gabi is amazing (it was our first time). The steak Aupoive is my new favourite thing EVER. Also they have amazing escargot and scallop apps. Highy recommended and definitely worth the wait...
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To the Owners of Mon Ami Gabi: please, have a seat on the terrasse, at the tables right against the wall... you will note that the height of many of those tables is way over 30", i.e., the table top comes right up at your neck. Also, dear owners, sit in one of the chairs available on the terrasse - nobody can sit comfortably in them for an hour and a half. The granite on the tables is chipped (see table by the gate) and the lack of a simple table cloth makes your bistro approach the visual "flavor" of a fast food joint. Why start with such a terrible premise?
The food lacks imagination or even interest to attain or render a memorable experience to the guest. The trout was totally bland, the soft shell crab was fried to a point of being drowned in the frying oil while the ratatouille was below all qualitative descriptors.
So, dear owners, try to take pride in what you do. And to do that, go back to sitting in your chairs, trying the height of your tables, evaluating the mis en place, inspecting each plate and its presentation, and finally, yes, try eating your food. I guarantee that you will certainly not be happy with it.
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Service is fantastic. Ambiance detracts from experience: it was hot and stale; very confined spaces; tables are very close to each other. Food was nothing special: trout was boring and beef wellington was uninspiring. At more than twice the price of the trout, the beef should have brought something. There are so many better bitros and brasseries in Chicago; try La Sardine or Bistrot Margot to start.
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Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The restaurant itself has a lovely atmosphere and the steaks are superb. The service has always been excellent - they are friendly it is priced very reasonably. I highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi - the only minus points they get are for the outdoor seating. The area itself is nice but the seats are uncomfortable and the tables are too high. Answer - sit inside.
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We went there on a Saturday night (we had reservations). We were seated immediately and our waiter was AWESOME! He wasn't hovering, but whenever we needed him, he would magically appear. He didn't rush us, but our food came in a timely manner. My boyfriend had the Classique which was divine and I had the NY strip, with a heavenly sauce. We want to go back again and again to try the other steaks. Get the whipped cauliflower - it was sublime!
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WOW- a lot of food!...
By Rachel from Chicago, iL, August 22, 2007
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WOW- a lot of food! the portions are hefty for the price, and our service was impeccable. VERY helpful with wine selections, and offered a dessert platter when we had a difficult time deciding. Road closure made it difficult, but that's not their fault- the valet was very helpful, and fast!
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Went with a large group....
By Ed from Chicago, IL, August 1, 2007
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Went with a large group. Our waiter, Sacha (sp?), was very attentive and very friendly with our group. I had one of the best crab cakes ever. Everyone enjoyed their food. We did get charged the service charge aka "gratuity" twice (had a group of 10), but it was quickly corrected, once pointed out. Overall, a good time had by all and well worth price.
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The steak frites are fantastic...
By Patty from Chicago, IL, June 7, 2007
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The steak frites are fantastic as was the salmon fish special!! Great service and a wonderful patio!
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Review Summary
The following scores represent the average rating submitted by 35 users:
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