07/17/09

Great Dining Experience

by AndyBaker

I've been to Mistral 3 times now (over the past couple of years) and I can honestly say that the food is quite tastey, the service is good and the atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing since it's both elegant and refreshing. The restaurant is expensive but I can say that it's worth the money.

• Pros: Great food and atmosphere
• Cons: expensive

04/17/09

Suitable ambiance for a special event

by Raina413

I've come here for a few my birthday dinners over the years and am never disappointed. Definitely the ambiance is representative of the South of France and I clearly remember the actual Mistral in Provence, that famous wind that sweeps through violently and often out of nowhere. This restaurant has the same sort of enchantment and allure of being in Southern France itself whatwith not only the shrubbery in pots around the room, but also with the gynormous photos of lavendar fiedls and other Provencal scenery hanging around the room. The high ceilings give you a great sense of vertical space and rising. For my special occasion, I had the Kir Royale, and escargot, and the catch of the day which was Red Snapper. For dessert the profiteroles were delectable, covered in not only yummo fudge sauce but also pistachios. My friends and I were well attended to and the service was 5-star. Would definitely go again for a special occasion and/ or to just sit up at the bar which has a lively and buzzing atmosphere separate from the dining room, with the shrubs acting as a natural and pretty noise / wall barrier.

• Pros: South of France feel / 5-star service
• Cons: a tad overpriced / portion sizes are a little small

03/27/09

Oh, please! Let it just be because it was Restaurant Week

by Mabelline

I've always really enjoyed my experience at Mistral, and have made it a regular choice for business dining. But last night was an unmitigated disaster. Hectic and unorganized, the stage was set early when I was unable to get a cocktail at the bar, and made worse when twice during the three courses, I was served the wrong meal. Perhaps I should have taken it, though, as food was a surprising let-down: my salmon was overcooked and under seasoned, and I feel ill this morning.

The real issue, however, was the service. Our waiter was rude and abrupt, interrupting conversation and rolling his eyes at questions on the menu. I finished my glass of wine before my entree arrived, and he took the glass away without asking if I'd like another. Dessert was served without asking if we'd like coffee. But the most embarrassing aspect of the evening happened as we were collecting our coats at the front of the restaurant: our waiter chased after us, loudly calling out that we'd forgotten to pay. As everyone turned to stare, we tried to talk discreetly, but he kept his voice loud. It seems that we'd left the unsigned "guest copy" credit card slip on top in the bill folder and though the signed receipt was underneath, he hadn't noticed before causing a scene. He scarcely even apologized as we called it to his attention. Atrocious.

I pray that this was a fluke experience brought on by the stress of Restaurant Week, but I've already changed the location of my client dinner next week.

• Pros: Usually a great scene, excellent food
• Cons: Noisy, apparently spotty service