Took a friend to dinner to celebrate his new job, and it was a first visit for both of us. The service was wonderful from the first moment we were seated all the way through our leaving.
First, the reservation was incredibly easy to make through the Resy system. I'm an Android user (so no app yet) but it was painless. It had space to indicate if there were any food allergies or preferences (which I definitely have to contend with when dining out) and asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. I made a note, but didn't expect much, but was pleasantly surprised (read on).
Our server was lovely (so sorry I can't remember her name) and the young man that helped serve was also fantastic. Service is attentive but not interruptive, which can be a hard line to walk.
We started with the Escargot Vol-Au-Vent which was quite good. It was my first foray into Escargot and the delicate and buttery puff pastry was a perfect accompaniment. Plus, the mushrooms provide another very similar texture, so it's a very cohesive appetizer.
Next, I have to commend the restaurant's substitution policy - I was fixated on the Duck Confit, but really waned the Boursin Mash and Carrots versus the Beet Puree and Lentils - not a problem!
My dish was delightful. The duck was tender, the skin was crispy, and the sauce was a perfect compliment. The Boursin mash (oh my God good!) and the carrots were lovely.
My friend had the Cognac Braised Short Rib with the Boursin mash and the carrots. When he had his first bite of his carrot, he said, "Now THAT'S a real carrot!" and that's a great way to describe the food. It's real, it's delicious, it's high-end but approachable and beautifully presented.
Finally, we couldn't resist dessert, so while he had the Fifteen-Layer Crepe Cake, complete with cream, berries and a gorgeous raspberry coulis (I had a bite, YUM), I indulged myself with the Chocolate Mousse which was a dream both in flavor and texture. Seriously, you couldn't go wrong with either!
When the server came with dessert, there was a bonus dessert to celebrate his new job! He was so shocked and they were lovely - it was a crepe with Nutella filling , chocolate drizzle and plenty of powdered sugar. I couldn't indulge, but he loved it which was the point.
Overall, it was a lovely high-end dinner at approachable prices for a nice night out, and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. If you're not sure you're up for French fare, take another look at the menu and you'll find plenty you can enjoy even without an adventurous palate (next time I'll be trying the Parisian roasted chicken).
Thank you to the staff for making our celebration so wonderful!
PS: Saw multiple people with children under 10 dining, so it's definitely family friendly, although I have NO idea what the kid's menu is comprised of.
Second Visit: This time I came with my husband and my in-laws for a special occasion (to celebrate Mother's Day) and man, this place did NOT disappoint. Service (from Courtney) was wonderful, food was divine and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We all had the short ribs (though some of us substituted boursin mash in place of the sweet potato puree) and we were all members of the Clean Plate Club! We each split desserts (creme brulee and chocolate mousse) and again, not a crumb was left.
Only thing to note is that the noise level was harder for my father-in-law to deal with due to hearing aids, but once he adjusted them, we were good to go.
Thanks for the fantastic service and...
Read moreI dined at this restaurant the other night, and I have a few thoughts.
Upon walking in, I really liked the decorations and the vibe of the restaurant. The server was very nice even though it was very busy when I went. However, I think the restaurant should train their workers with a bit more knowledge about the menu. For example, one person at my table asked about wine recommendations, but the server really had no knowledge about the wine selection. Next, we order the table charcuterie board, and after it arrived at our table, we asked for clarification about which item was which. The server tried her best, but she didn't really know either. I do not fault the server for this because I believe it is the responsibility of the restaurant to train their employees with enough knowledge to guide guests.
Now onto the food, I was a bit underwhelmed. The charcuterie board had a variety of items, but in particular, the cheese and meats were not what I expected. The server told us that the cheese options changed frequently, but this time, the cheese was quite hard. I was a bit disappointed that there were only hard cheese options, especially because we had to cut the pieces ourselves with our blunt butter knives. As for the meats, one kind was served as a large piece that we again had to cut up ourselves. The other came in very small and hard pieces. I liked that there was fruit, nuts, honey, and other interesting components to the board, but I especially think they missed the mark with the lack of crackers/bread. We were served a small baguette at the beginning, but it wasn't enough for this huge charcuterie board. The server brought us more bread eventually, but it was rather inconvenient having to wait for bread. I would've preferred it if they served a larger basket of bread (2-3 of those smaller baguettes) with the charcuterie board or other crackers with it instead of us having to depend so much on the server on such a busy night.
Next, I was a again underwhelmed by the main course. The portions for most of the entrees were on the smaller side in my opinion. I ordered the burger which had a decent portion, but I really disliked the fries it came with. A lot of people at my table ordered French fries, and they were really hard and barely had any potato in them. I ordered a side of green beans, and the flavor was good, but they were a little undercooked and hard like the fries. I think everyone decently enjoyed their meals, but there were certain elements that could've been better, especially at these prices.
Finally, we ordered the 15-layer crepe cake and the creme brulee. I wasn't a big fan of the crepe cake because it just felt really mushy and doughy. It was a cool idea, but it didn't seem to work that great in my opinion. As for the creme brulee, the presentation was very nice and there were lots of berries on top. I liked that the sugar was nice and thick, but the custard could've been smoother.
Overall, the restaurant is not bad, but I think some small changes would significantly improve...
Read moreIf you're looking for a culinary experience that combines exquisite French cuisine with an inviting and stylish atmosphere, Margaux Brasserie at The Corners of Brookfield is a must-visit.
Kristyn and her curated team of acclaimed chefs have truly outdone themselves. Every bite reflects their individual expertise and passion for French cuisine. The well-curated wine program offers a diverse selection that complements the menu beautifully, promising a complete gastronomic journey. Margaux Brasserie brings the essence of French fare to life with standout dishes that are both refined and comforting. Our meal began with the most incredibly satisfying Tuna Tartare and the Au Poivre Filet Mignon was a highlight—perfectly cooked, tender, and accompanied by a rich, peppery sauce. The Bouillabaisse was a seafood lover's dream, bursting with fresh flavors and an aromatic broth that warmed the soul. Another must-try is the Hudson Canyon Scallops, which were seared to perfection and beautifully presented.
Ambiance and Decor: The attention to style and detail in Margaux Brasserie’s decor is apparent from the moment you step through the well decorated front door. The ambiance is a delightful blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair, with touches that perfectly capture the spirit of summer. Whether you're dining inside or enjoying the fresh air on the patio, the setting is both relaxing and visually appealing.
Service: With the restaurant not yet even open to the public the service at Margaux Brasserie was exceptional. The staff were not only eager to assist but also demonstrated a strong knowledge of the menu and wine pairings. Their enthusiasm and professionalism contributed significantly to our delightful dining experience.
Family Friendly: A special mention goes to how welcoming the restaurant was to our family. Our 11-year-old daughter enjoyed her very own Au Poivre, ordered rare, and was thoroughly impressed. Her meal concluded with a classic crème brûlée that left her beaming with joy—an experience she’s still talking about to her brothers.
In conclusion, Margaux Brasserie is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the impeccable dishes to the inviting decor and top-notch service, it’s clear that every element has been thoughtfully crafted to offer diners something truly special. We eagerly anticipate our next visit, eager to explore more of the menu and indulge in the impressive wine selections. If you're in Brookfield, Margaux Brasserie should be at the top of your list.
Rating: 5/5
We look forward to...
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