Norman's Bistro

Today found me with a window of opportunity to lunch at Norman's Bistro.  When we got there I realized we were in time for the buffet lunch, which is a full on "brunch" menu complete with omelette station, and pancakes.  It is served from 10AM to 4PM for $25 per person.  The featured buffet entree was chicken and dumplings, which was deliciously seasoned but the dumplings were more akin to hockey pucks.  I decided to bathe a fresh buttery biscuit with my chicken sans dumpling, and it worked well.  The buffet included a lot of fresh fruit that was beautiful, and ripe.  Snuggled in the mix of fruit was small mountain of sauteed plantain.  Rounding out the starches, was a mix of grits, oatmeal, hash brown potatoes and some orange looking rice that was propping up salmon croquettes.  Bacon, sausage links, sausage patties were all housed in a chaffer as was a custardy looking bread pudding on the dessert station.  There was a server at the buffet taking orders for omelettes and pancakes.  I didn't order an omelette, but they looked beautiful... no browning on the eggs (pet peeve of mine).  There was a trio of salad dressings to put on raw veggies (no salad greens) which included zucchini, corn, tomatoes, cucumbers.  The buffet was quite attractive and well thought out.

Service is pleasant, even if a bit late on the uptake.  I stood quite a while before I had to ask if I should seat myself, and when I arrived it wasn't crowded.  I asked what beer was on tap and the wait staff didn't know what that meant...I ordered a Corona, no beers are on tap.  I was very hungry and I wanted to graze...it fit the bill.  Would I go back?  Yes, in a heartbeat!  Would I order the buffet again?  Absolutely not!  There are better options on the lunch menu, for less money that are better prepared.  I appreciate the availability of the buffet, and hope they continue to keep it going.  There are those days when it pays to g.r.a.z.e...

Ambience is light, airy and fresh, I would stick to dishes that are "a la minute"... make them cook it fresh, they do it well and you will have a higher opinion of their culinary skills.  I will definitely go back and find my menu favorites that I can depend on, and it's my goal to do a 4Star update!  One can only hope!

Very disappointed by both the service and miss opportunity. I went on Election night...it was my first time at Norman's and i don't think i'll ever be going back. The kitchen closed early because they were "backed up with orders", the waitress didn't come to our table for 15 minutes after we sat down, the table was never bussed to sat at the table with empty glasses and plates all night, was never offered any drinks yet alone a drink menu. We had to get up and walk to the bar on the other side of the building to get glasses of water. It was just a real let down for a place that could have done so well on a big night in Hyde Park/Kenwood. If you're going to be open to a event like this....then you should be prepared (whatever that takes). That was my first and probably last time trying this spot.

Server was average. Food was good. Kitchen was slow