The Garden Restaurant

It has gone downhill steadily. With cold pizza and warm salads now in plastic box--not newly made. And all for over $6 EACH! Truly. The place has gone so downhill I'd recommend you grab your coat, eat at one of the better fast places on Michigan Ave and return to AIC. When frequent visitors like myself AVOID the Garden (restaurant it isn't, not even cafe as it now touts itself)--it says something.

I've ate here a few times out of necessity only. Pricey. Typical food service food. Last time I had the Lobster bisque and the cook said it had lobster in it. well I just had some watery, salty steam table broth that tasted like dirt! The sandwiches i've had always had stale bread too. I wouldn't get more than a sweet treat there or that garlic/oil bread on the hot food bar. The entrees are pricey, and look better than they are. They will be cold by the time you get your beverage and check out at the long register line!

What could be better than a beautiful, sunny day, a bottle of crisp white wine, and interesting food for lunch.  The tinkling of the water from the elaborate fountain in the background provides a peaceful, ethereal environment.  Monet couldn't have have painted a better setting.

I understand they recently changed the menu to "small plates".  The chef did a wonderful job of making the offerings interesting and up-to-date as well as filling enough to hold you the rest of the day.  

The service was fine--our waiter provided us with all the details we needed to make our decisions.  The sliders were a perfect choice for the three of us, a lamb or beef burger for each of us.  Moist, juicy, and delicious.  The asparagus salad and fish tacos hit the perfect spot.  High quality food from an inventive chef.

When we finished and started to leave, we realized what a treat it was to have this peaceful, urban locale for an hour's respite before rejoining the rat race.