Shawna S.
Yelp
I'm a food snob, originally raised in NYC and living in Miami.
So, my standard of measure is against those communities, not Baltimore; my rating is based off that comparative.
In Baltimore for the day, I wanted to find a fun bistro for myself and friends.
Searching various online sources, including Yelp, I concluded this should be a perfect choice.
Our plans changed, and when I called to alter our reservation, the hostess on the phone was pleasant and accommodating.
On arrival, plenty of parking in a large circumferential lot.
Attended immediately by the hostess and seated outside on a perfect late spring day.
Our server was exceptional.
Friendly, professional, thespian articulate and menu knowledgeable with ideal accuracy.
Most appetizers were exactly what was ordered.
My companions left no evidence of their vichyssoise, reporting excellent flavor.
The house green salad overflowed the plate and was described as "refreshing."
Mine fell short.
Described as a shrimp and zucchini fritter, similar to a hushpuppy, it was actually tempura fried shrimp and zucchini sticks.
Not my expectation, but tasty.
Main courses were not as elevated as anticipated.
The Sweetbreads was a small serving over a large mass of butter sautéed mushrooms.
My companion liked it, but did not rave.
The Duck Confit also looked more appetizing than reality.
Again, marginally enjoyed without a glowing description, an unfinished plate.
The Steak Frites was the reason for dining at Petit Louie.
Myself and another concurred on the following:
Prepared to medium as desired.
But, a slightly tough cut.
And, both the steak and fries were very heavily salted to a point of unpleasant.
Dessert was an order of profiteroles.
Cold, sweet ice cream in a flaky, crispy pastry.
Prices were better than NY or South Florida.
As a repeatable plus, service was excellent.
3-3.5 stars - boosted for service.
It was a graduation weekend (Thursday night) with the crowd building very fast.
Maybe the kitchen was overwhelmed in prepping for a busy night.
I was expecting far better food from the reviews I had read.