Bistro Vendôme

Reviews 4

DE

Dennis Candey

Visiting friends in Denver, we were excited to try Bistro Vendome in Larimer Square as it had been recommended by friends who, unfortunately, were out of town on August 22nd, the weekend we visited. Based on their recommendation we had high hopes, but our hopes were dashed shortly after arrival. When we got to the hostess we explained we were from out of town and that their establishment had been recommended by friends who dine there. I requested a table for four on the patio and were told there was only seating inside. When I commented that I could see two 4-tops empty, the hostess replied with a bit of an attitude (perhaps she thinks she really is in Paris) that they were being held for reservations, so we took a table inside. FYI, during our entire lunch, one of the outside 4-top tables remained empty, and additional tables opened up so instead of disappointing a customer that was a no show, the hostess chose to disappoint four new customers who were there on a regulars recommendation. After being seated and reviewing the menu, we had second thoughts about remaining as there was nothing on the menu that stood out as an "Oh, I have to try that, it sounds yummy". We regret to say we agreed to stay specifically because our friends had recommended the place. Next time well follow our instincts and walk out. Our server arrived promptly and was friendly, but didnt really seem into what she was doing. We asked for recommendations since wed never been there and the only thing that she seemed enthused about were the pastries. We inquired about a couple other menu items, but didnt receive much feedback, so asked for a few minutes to make our decision. Since were all sharing, we finally opted for one Maison Pastry plate, 4 mini pastries at $10.00 and the only item we chose that left us all smiling. Our second choice was one Cheese plate, an embarrassingly meager selection of three ~1" square pieces, a small bit of honeycomb and some preserves at $14.50! Seriously?? Havent these guys ever been to POSTINO? Our final food selection was one Au Poivre Burger, also $14.50 which was decent, but inferior to what you can find from any "upscale" chain like Zinburger or Smashburger. And by the way, since there is no indication on the menu, the staff should explain BEFORE anyone orders the Pomme Frites that they are coated in a vinegar/sugar/tarragon gastrique... that way you wont be surprised at the sticky sweetness. Three yuks and one so-so on this item. NOT a good complement to the burger. For beverages, 3 Bloody Marys and one water. Total paid before tip $68.73 All this in a place that bills itself as replicating Place Vendôme, a renowned historic square located in the heart of Paris. Sorry to disappoint, but youd get a far more authentic feeling (and less attitude) at Le Cafe Ile St. Louis, in Paris Hotel, Las Vegas. We cant help but think our experience would have been better if our friends who recommended this place were with us... but then a restaurant that commands these prices should always be "ON", regardless of whether youre a regular or a newbie... perhaps working even harder to impress if youre the latter. Mind you, we are not adverse to paying top dollar for exceptional food and service and have frequently done so, Capital Grill down the street being one example. After leaving Bistro Vendome however, we felt like we got ripped off as we received only fair service, lackluster food, and below par value. The only thing in abundance was the attitude when we first arrived. Before choosing this establishment we highly recommend you check out other establishments in Larimer Square... or elsewhere.

A

A Private User

Bistro Vendome, it appears that most people frequent this place at night and not for brunch - if you have thought of trying this place for brunch i would suggest you look elsewhere. We have been to this restaurant twice for brunch and to celebrate family and friends birthdays and have been utterly disappointed with the experience. First time we went the kitchen forgot our order and left us waiting 45 minutes, then when they finally did bring out the food it was not served to our table at one tme which at a restaurant is totally unprofessional. The second time we came for brunch it took an hour to get seated, despite having made reservations due to our party being 5 people. During our hour long wait and seeing parties of 4 people being seated quite quickly, we were left sitting waiting with no kind of apology The general manager was unhelpful and really appeared to have no control over her staff or any kind of acknowledgement that there had been a mistake. To accomodate us one of the staff put a chair at a table that was set for 4 right at the end of the hallway and we ended up seating ourselves. Even our waiter who was finally assigned to us was more responsive to our frustrations than the hostess or the general manager. So on to the food - overpriced for the quality, incredibly greasy, the eggs were overcooked, the potato pancakes burnt and presentation of the food was mediocre. As it was now nearly lunchtime I ordered their burger, again incredibly greasy, tasted more of cooking oil than meat with "sweet" tasting french fries. Overall for brunch I would say this place has a long way to go and the atmosphere is more like the mad hatters tea party - brunch is supposed to be a fun non stress time and for the price we paid i think there are a lot better alternatives with attentive staff and food that does not appear to have all been cooked in a deep fat fryer.

KA

Kayla Krittenbrink

I ate dinner here with a group of friends on New Years even and had a great experience. We tried quite a few dishes. All of them were very good and some were outstanding! Previously I thought that I wasnt a big fan of mussels or escargot but both these dishes here changes my mind! They were both absolutely delicious! Ive been having cravings for those mussels ever since (that sauce was incredible!). The escargot does come with a puff pastry, so beware if that isnt your style. We tried the duck confit which was also tasty, but didnt stand out as much as the others. I wouldnt order it again solely because I would dedicate all the space in my stomach to the other food we ordered! The other stand out dish was the steak frites. I ordered the Au Poivre style which meant the steak was rolled in green peppercorns. My steak was perfectly cooked as I requested and the frites, OMG the frites!! They were probably the best fries I have ever had! They are a little bit sweet and that flavor combines perfectly with the savory. They are incredible by themselves (which normally Im not a plain fry kind of gal) but also were SO good in the aioli dipping sauce served with them. We finished off the meal with some tasty crème brûlée. The ambiance was nice. We were in an area that made it feel like we were dining outside on a street in France (while having all of the comforts of being inside a warm restaurant on a cold December night). There were only a few tables so it wasnt too loud and felt semi-private. Im adding Bistro Vendome to my list of favorite special occasion restaurants in Denver!

A

A Private User

What a great meal and a wonderful evening! As of yet, this has been my favorite dinning experience in Denver (only been here for four weeks). We came in without a reservation on a Wednesday night around 8pm and they were full (there might be 20 tables inside at the most but it creates an almost authentic french feel), and had to wait about 25 minutes for a table. The bartender was very friendly and knowledgeable, letting us taste a good number of wine before we settled on a particular bottle. Service at the table was top-notch. Our water glasses might as well been attached to the tap because there was someone always making sure they were full. Our waitress was lovely and attentive (I wish I could remember her name); she was there when we needed her, did not hover, and was very helpful in describing the menu and making recommendations (pretty easy when everything on the menu is excellent). All other staff was accessible and friendly whenever we needed them. The food was incredible: the fall salad was small but flavor packed at $9; my mom enjoyed the chicken crepe, which was small and flavorful; my girlfriend loved the pistachio crusted trout; and the steak frets classic was cooked to perfection (great sauces on the side and an interesting take on french fries). Oh and the bread!!!!! We asked for thirds - incredible crunchy sourdough. All of it was prefect. I will definitely be back very soon. Thanks so much for a wonderful evening.