Phyllis B.
Google
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at the newly opened French restaurant, Maison Ostrow, in North Bay Village, and we were excited to explore its culinary offerings. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism by the staff, who made us feel genuinely welcomed.
The service throughout our meal was exceptional. Our servers were not only attentive but also embodied a genuine friendliness that enhanced the dining experience. They were well-informed about the menu and provided thoughtful recommendations, demonstrating their dedication to ensuring that guests feel valued and taken care of. This level of service elevated our experience, and it was evident that the team is well-trained and committed to the restaurant's vision.
The restaurant's decor is charming and adds to the ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere. However, I regret to share that the dining experience did not meet our expectations, particularly regarding the food.
We began our meal with the Lamb & Caramelized Endive Tart and the Endive and Bleu Cheese Salad, which was enjoyable and flavorful. Unfortunately, the Lamb & Caramelized Endive Tart did not appeal to our palates. For our entrées, my husband chose the Lamb Ragu Tagliatelle, which was disappointing; the sauce was excessively watery and lacked any creaminess, resulting in a bland dish. I opted for the Steak Frites with Pommes Purée, and unfortunately, I was disheartened to find that the $72 steak lacked flavor and required seasoning, and I found it to be quite chewy. The hand-cut French fries, while unseasoned, were a better component of the dish, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to freshness.
Disappointingly, the Pommes Purée Maison Ostrow seemed to lack the expected finesse; they were reminiscent of instant potatoes and were rather bland, eliciting laughter from my husband and me, as it felt surreal to receive such a dish in a restaurant of this caliber.
To conclude our meal, I ordered the Crepe Suzette, which was unfortunately the least favorable part of the evening. The initial bite was overwhelmingly salty, lacking the delicate flavors of liquor and orange peel, and the crepes themselves were served slightly cold. Adding to the disappointment, I found the espresso to be completely watered down, failing to deliver the richness one would expect from a high-quality coffee.
The artisan baguette at $8 and the butter at $2 were, by comparison, the highlights of our meal, though I suspect they may have been pre-frozen. On a positive note, the beverages I tried—the Golden Spark and Lychee en Rose—were quite delightful.
Overall, while the staff and service at Maison Ostrow were commendable and created a friendly and inviting atmosphere, the food did not align with our expectations for a fine dining experience. We hope for improvement in the kitchen, as the potential for excellence certainly exists, and we would love to return to enjoy a better culinary experience in the future.
