Bistro Le Cep — Restaurant in Houston

It all started when they didn't pick up the phone nor returned my message. I should have known something was ascue then but being new to the area and wanting to celebrate my wife and I's 37th wedding anniversary by going upscale from the normal Cheesecake factory so I used open table to make a reservation for the following week on a Wednesday. When we first walked in to a musty smelling empty dining room at 6:05 pm, we were graciously greated by a male host. I attempted to say hello in French, since it was a French restaurant but I got the impression the host didn't know what I said nor wanted to connect in that way. We had a lovely table glittered to set an anniversary atmosphere and the host was sure to wish us a happy anniversary twice. Our server was friendly but it seemed like there was a language barrier because he didn't speak in full sentences. He recommended a stuffed a avocado appetizer with shrimp and crab meat so we split it. They nicely split the plate but to our suprise it was a 3rd of an under ripe avocado with some meat that looked like crab meat and boiled shrimp, catsup sauce, iceberg lettuce, and a few other vegetables. Not what we expected. A busboy poured water for a new table and didn't refill our half empty glasses as he passed us by. A few minutes later I held up my glass to him from a distance and he scowled at me and brought the water, never smiling. When I thanked him he said nothing. The next course, roast duckling was rubbery, fatty, and under cooked with a sauce that tasted like it was made with minute made OJ. We decided at this point to cut our losses and have them cook it more togo. It was our conviction not to let the night go to waste where we could get better service at home. The bill was $111.00 and the food was stored in white Styrofoam containers. I placed the duck in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes and it was still rubbery and tasteless. Escoffier would role over in his grave it he read this review. They were nice enough to give us a free candle lit creme brulee which...

In search of something un peu différent and decidedly European, I stumbled upon a charming little French restaurant tucked near my workplace. It dawned on me—mon dieu!—I couldn’t name a single authentic French dish I’d actually tasted. Sure, I’d heard that French cuisine is practically the culinary cradle where all great chefs are born, but I had never taken the plunge myself. That changed today.

The moment I stepped inside this cozy bistro, I was welcomed with the kind of warmth that made me feel like I’d just been invited to a family table in Provence. A friendly server escorted me to my seat, setting me up with a basket of fresh, crusty bread and a cool glass of water—simple, yet très français.

The menu was a delightful blend of French titles with English descriptions underneath (thankfully, for us less-than-fluent foodies). I began my culinary journey with vichyssoise, a creamy leek and potato soup. My waiter thoughtfully explained it could be served either chilled like gazpacho or warm. I opted for warm—merci beaucoup, waiter—and I’m glad I did. It was velvety, savory, and surprisingly comforting.

Next up: poulet cordon bleu with a side of haricots verts (that’s green beans, for those skipping French 101) and glazed carrots. Let me tell you—this dish was formidable. The chicken was tender, the cheese melted just right, and the ham inside added the perfect note of saltiness. Everything tasted fresh, wholesome, and balanced.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist the mousse au chocolat—a rich, airy chocolate mousse that made me question every other dessert I’ve ever loved. It was the kind of finish that makes you pause and close your eyes for a moment. (You know the one.)

Would I recommend this place? Absolument. Whether you’re wooing a client over lunch, gathering family for a special occasion, or sharing an intimate dinner with someone dear, this restaurant delivers an experience as refined as a Parisian evening stroll....

This place has gone down hill. I have gone there on a number of occassions and have been going there for about 10 years now. I have not gone very often over the past few years as I have noticed that the service is always poor. Nevertheless, I took my Firm there for Christmas Dinner last Wednesday as several of my employees had never eaten there and wanted to try it. The service has always been poor, but this day it was terrible. We put the reservation at 6:30 so we would be assured that we would eat early and that the restaurant would not be full at that time (and it was not). We were there at 6:30 and they sat us up front (a large group) in a dimly lit area. The waiter did not come around until 7 pm to take our drink orders and then only after I went to the Hostess to ask for service. I had to go find our waiter 5 times throughout the night and I complained to management 3 times. Nothing improved. The tables that came after us, some with less people and others with more, came and went. We were not allowed to order our food until 8 pm. We finally got served but many of the items we ordered were never brought to us. (We weren't charged for them, but they lost about $100 in revenue by not bringing us what we ordered. We finally got out of there at 10:15 pm. We were the last ones out and they seemed to want us gone as they were closing down. Our waiter got an automatic $150 tip because they charge 20% regardless of the service. Bistro Le Cep is no place anyone should go if they want to enjoy the evening. While the food is good, it is not excellent (Like BackStreet Cafe, etc.) and the poor service is a huge turnoff. Plus, the menu is limited. Not very original and it is not French Cuisine anymore. If you have ever been to Paris once, you will be disappointed in their food selection. I spend around $25,000 a year eating out--I will go elsewhere. I will not be back and I have called them and told...