Canele

This restaurant is a welcome addition to an area that desperately need a friendly, neighborhood bistro. The food is quite good, something to be expected from a chef who previously worked (as sous-chef) at Lucques. However, it was the rest of our dining experience that merited only an average rating.

First, the menu: don't make your patrons read the food offerings on a tall black wall written in chalk. In our case, my back was to the "menu wall" so my husband had to read it to me! Curiously, when I asked for the wine list, I found printed on the back side of the page was the menu! Second, wine should NEVER be served in a juice glass. And a small one at that, which resulted in a stingy pour. I mean, the wine glass need not be crystal or even fancy. It just needs to be a wine glass. Isn't that why man invented it? Third, coffee is not available at Canele. Given that this restaurant just recently opened, I'm hoping that it is something that will find its way to the beverage list. I've never seen my husband so disappointed as when he was told that there would be no coffee to go with his dessert. (Thankfully, there is a coffeehouse just down the street from the restaurant.) Lastly, the tables are too close together, which makes for a rather claustrophic dining experience and makes it difficult for the serving staff to maneuver around. In all, since we enjoyed the food (other diners have commented on the small portions), we look forward to going back, maybe in the winter or spring to see if the menu has changed to reflect the seasons. And to see if coffee is now on the menu.

PROS: Good food, welcome addition to the neighborhood
CONS: Small portions, tightly spaced tables, no coffee on the menu

Posted 10/01/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?