The Bistro at Marshdale — Restaurant in Four Corners States

I hate to give this review of what used to be our favorite restaurant... but tonight was absolutely ridiculous. I understand that the bistro is under new ownership, and unfortunately they changed the things that used to make it great. Based on the overall ambiance of the place, you would expect to find hearty and classic dishes like a good steak with mashed potatoes or a simple but tasty fish dish, along with good and decently fast service. That is what the bistro used to be, and that is why we were loyal patrons. Unfortunately tonight we arrived for our reservation not realizing that everything had completely changed, including our favorite dishes on the menu. We were surprised to find a strange assortment of Asian fusion dishes and disappointed to see that our favorite item on the menu (the ribeye) had been done away with completely and our second favorite (the filet mignon) had been changed to a strange Greek style served with cucumbers and couscous. Imagine that you walked into an Asian-style restaurant and found out they served hamburgers... that's how it was walking into the bistro and finding an Asian fusion menu.... very strange.

At that point we almost got up and left, but we were celebrating a birthday and already pretty hungry. We asked the very kind waitress if there was any way to get a filet cooked "the old way" instead of with the weird cucumber thing and she said she would ask the kitchen since apparently that is not an uncommon request and many people seem to have an issue with the new menu. They were able to accommodate, and we ordered.... And waited. And waited. And waited. For an hour and ten minutes. We got there at 5:35 for our reservation at 5:45, and we were basically the only people in the restaurant.... But we didn't get our food until 6:55. The waitress comped us one virgin mojito because "the kitchen was so backed up" - a nice gesture I suppose, but that's like $5 so not really that nice. After dinner, we made the absolute mistake of ordering dessert, which took another 45 minutes to arrive. The tiramisu was gross and super soggy and the crème brûlée was very very good. After that, it took another 30 minutes to get the $160 bill. I don't mind paying that for dinner, but when I do I expect things to be considerably better. The people seated around us were also talking about how they were disappointed by the menu and we saw one couple who hadn't been seated yet read it on their phones and then leave.

We got there at 5:35pm on a Monday night and didn't leave until after 8pm. Paid $200 with tip for food that was tasty, but again... not on the menu.

We won't be back until the new owners sell it to someone who knows how to run...

This place had amazing food, friendly staff, some parking issues, but was an overall wounderful experience. I would say a reservation is a requirement due to how busy they get on any given weekend night, and to help ensure parking. The staff had great recommendations and answered all my questions. Certain dished are unable to be modified, which isn't a bad thing just something to note. Drinks and food are great to say the least!

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The food and drinks themselves were fantastic! My party and I shared the muscles appetizer, and the last few shells were definitly fought over. I had the gnochie. It was rich and creamy, and definitly super filling. My boyfriend had their special of the night, lamb chops cooked rare. I had to steal a few bites, and I don't regret the dirty looks he gave me as I did it. SO good. The drinks were to die for. I had a cocktail with their pear infused vodka that was so good it made me forget the name of it.

One of the only downsides to this restaurant is their parking situation. However, I can't really blame the restaurant at all for this. They're up in the mountains, and on the side of a little hill with a surrounding neighborhood. So the parking is SLIM pickings. There are no near by parking lots for overflow, so we had to walk quite a distance when we got there. I also blame my parties and I's arrival time on this fact as well. We got there considerably early to our reservation, so logocaly all the spots were taken by customers still finishing up their meals. I'd definitly place a reservation, not only to ensure a table at this wounderful establishment, but to help your chances at getting a parking spot.

Over all my friends and I had a woundful night filled with amazing food, great drinks, and fantastic staff that DEFINITLY DESERVE A RAISE. Just make sure your make a...

Excellent drinks, pretty good food

Drinks at the bar we're great. Something with Bulliet whiskey that was delicious. The waitress also recommend a Malbec with dinner that was rich and earthy, exactly what I asked for. My wife's white was also good -- apricot and freshness, no alcohol aftertaste.

The crab beignet were fabulous, as was the warm brussel sprout salad. The sourdough bread with dinner was tasty and served with very flavorful balsamic vinegar.

The gnocchi with lamb meatballs was good, but the tomato sauce was nothing special and there was too much of it. The pork spare ribs were cooked well, very tender, but at the end of the day just BBQ. I probably ordered poorly on that one. I thought the polenta was bland, but my wife loved it. The veggies served on the side were cooked well (not raw but not mushy), but uninspired. Butter or holindaise or something would have been nice.

Bread pudding was just ok. The creme brulee was different. It was rich and smooth and almost liquid, but not sweet except for the thick caremelized sugar on top. I can't decide if I liked it. Some other time I might have, but I wanted something sweet so it was...