Cafe Monet

Unfortunately I am not able to give this "cafe" negative stars as this is not an option so i am forced to give it one. While out walking with my fiancee we came across this place and decided to give it a try. While sitting down and looking over the menu we realized there was no vegetarian options this on its self is not a big deal. At this time the most obnoxious waiter in the world walks up to the table after we explaining to him that we are both vegetarian he completely ignores us and proceeds to ask if we would be interested in the specials (all were meat options).  We again explained that we were vegetarian and would be leaving he continues to talk and explain about other dishes they have. He mentions that they would be able to put together a pasta dish with out meat. Once i asked him what kind of pasta they have he acts like he never said pasta and in a smug voice said that they do not serve pasta. After all this they  have the audacity to charge $8.50 for a bottle of water.

I have been dining here over the last 5 years, off and on. When I realized I would be dining here on New Year's Eve I decided to take a look at the reviews. I was surprised to see the reviews so mixed and skewed towards negative. Nevertheless, we kept our reservation and went with E&S wide open. And I am glad we did. As has been my experience, the prix fixe  menu held great choices 4, apps, 4 mains and dessert. I had the foie gras torchon, my dining partner had the goat cheese ravioli. I love foie gras but should have ordered the ravioli. Both were good but the ravioli was outstanding, served hot and gooey in a great tomato sauce. For the main course I ate every single bite of my Chilean sea bass with truffle potato, mmmmmmmm........the serving size was generous and I was stuffed! My partner had the rack of lamb with vegetable tian. Although the lamb was tasty it would have been better if served medium rare instead of medium. We had not requested this but neither were we asked.

The restaurant has been slammed for lack of service. Well they were at the top of their game this night. There were an abundance of servers, service was quick. In fact, we had expected to stay through midnight but we finished our meal in about 90 minutes! And it looked as though other diners had about the same timing so that experience seemed consistent.

As for nice touches for the evening, the restaurant was festively decorated, there was  live music, and at midnight there were party favors. We missed midnight but the hostess let us know what we would be missing!

I will continue to go to Cafe Monet. As one poster said, if Wes is in the kitchen the restaurant is at the top of its game. This night, unusually, we did not see Wes but when we inquired we learned he was working hard in the kitchen...and it showed.

Overpriced small portions. V E R Y slow service. The quality is good but for the reasons noted, it's not worth it.