Bijou Restaurant & Bar

I heard about this place quite some time ago and I finally went with a few friends earlier this week. To be honest, I didn't expect much from it, but I was pleasantly surprised!

We arrived around 7-ish and the place wasn't too busy, so we were seated right away.  Everything on the menu sounded appetizing - so we decided to order of the "small plates" portion of the menu and share amongst the three of us. Let me tell you, everything was DELICIOUS and filling! The presentation was great - all the dishes were well put together and they came out piping hot! I wasn't too big of a fan of their drinks or their service, but the food definitely made up for it!

Here's what we had (yes, my friends and I love to eat, lol):

Bijou Sliders - One word - WOW! So much flavor packed into these!  The caramelized onions were perfection and the meat was so juicy and flavorful. And get this, they top it with a quail egg - fancy! They're served with fries and a yummy dipping sauce. I really wish they made a regular sized version of this because I would totally get it!
 
Jalapeño Croquettes - Another must! These little crisp potatoes (crispy on the outside, mashed potato-y on the inside) were divine! And the jalapeño aioli they serve it with makes them even more perfect!

Mac & Cheese - I thought it was odd that the used Penne...doesn't that defeat the purpose?  Anyhow, this dish was also yummy and really filling!

Flatbread Pizza - I think this was my least favorite compared to everything else.  Still good, but I feel like it could have been better.

Strawberry Crepe with ice cream - delish!

I'm so excited to go here again and try other stuff on their menu - I must say this place is a little gem!

Came here with some friends who had a Groupon and failed to be impressed.  The scary thing is your could tell every single table in the restaurant was their on a Groupon as well.  You could tell by everyone having their free cheap champagne.  It scared me because you would think a restaurant of the caliber would have people coming for their regular menu and not for a Groupon. The menu looked very promising but it failed there as well.  The highlight of my meal was my appetizer.  I have the fried risotto which was done well.  I had the beef as my entire and I had literally three tiny pieces of meat, it was VERY disappointing.  For my dessert I had the crapes and they were bland.  My husband and friends had the macaroons and said they were amazing.   Last two things there was only one server for the entire floor so it was hard to get another drink or anything of that sort.  And the restrooms were in very poor shape and smelt.  Bijou I tried you but I won't be back.

The food was good.  Actually pretty darn good for a place out in Hayward.  Well prepared and seasoned, and great service despite going for the Living Social deal.  Honestly, for what I paid, I shouldn't complain, but I'm conflicted.  I wish I didn't have to give a rating, because I don't think I had a taste of what this restaurant really has to offer.

The appetizer was ok - the Beef Carpaccio was smothered to death with grated parmesean, too much cheese in my opinion, but still tasty nevertheless.

The second course comes out and I noticed that I had fallen for a bait and switch.  The prix fixe menu stated  "Seared Cod with Creamy Morel Sauce and Mashed Potatoes" for the second course.  Out came a cheap Basa Fillet with a sauce made with Crimini/Baby Bella mushrooms.  It was very good.  Portions were just right too.  But I can't get over the fact that I was tricked =/ with lesser quality items than promised.

I don't know, I understand that this was an online deal.  I guess I'm naive.  The dessert course was great, and I enjoyed the warm welcomes and the service.

3.5 stars, I may be back soon to try their real menu.