Bistro Monet - An Oasis in the Desert of Suburban Mediocrity

Someone had published a list sometime last year of suburban establishments that were good, even by city standards. My husband and I were excited, as we had just moved to Glen Ellyn, and visited a couple on the list and were just convinced that nothing would live up to our standards. We then struck out on our own and gave the "chains" a try (BIG MISTAKE)! Two weeks ago, after yet another mediocre dining experience, I was convinced that the only way we could get good food in the 'burbs was to cook it myself - and that any good dining experience would have to be in the city.

Last night, we decided to try Bistro Monet, a little French bistro located right by the train station in Glen Ellyn. I'm actually surprised we didn't try it sooner, but I'm glad we did. The menu is typical bistro fare, please click on link to view.
http://www.bistromonet.com/Menu/menu.html
We're definitely going back to try items from the regular menu. Chef Michel Saragueta has weekly specials that are amazing! Last night, one of the appetizer specials included Veal Sweetbreads in a Peppercorn Demi Glace with Whipped Truffle Oil Potatoes. I always order sweetbreads when available, and I have to say, these were better than any I've had before.

The "Specials" menu also had salads and entrees, and we happily made our way through the Roasted Anjou Pear with Mixed Greens and Raspberry Vinaigrette (my husband) and the salad of the day for me - Mesculin Greens with Apples and a Souffle of Three Cheeses in the middle with a simple vinaigrette.

There were fowl, seafood and furred game offerings as entree specials, and since our experience was already good by the salads, we decided to plow ahead and order (had we been disappointed with our salads, we may have called it a night). My husband had the lamb chops (and I apologize for not taking better note of what was on his plate, but I was so excited about mine, I had to give it my full attention) which came with white beans that had a smoky flavor, and some vegetables. I chose the roasted rabbit in a mustard reduction. Both were excellent.

For dessert, we split a creme brulee topped with blackberries. I have to say that this is the first time we've happily walked out of a suburban restaurant in quite some time. We made sure the chef knew it when he came out to visit. Oh, and our server, Bernard, an old Frenchman who has made serving dinner his profession, made the experience even more pleasurable. He was witty and very patient with all our questions - and was telling the truth when he said, "Everything is good, here".

The wine selection is not daunting, but is a good one. There are by the glass offerings for sparkling, white and red wines, as well as bottles from different regions. Most of what I saw were French, but they had Napa wines on the list as well. I'm expecting, so I wasn't paying that much attention, but will definitely take better note of it the next time I'm there.

The restaurant has been in business for two years, and is at an ideal location, even for city dwellers, as you hop on the train downtown and get off at its doorstep. It's totally underrated, and could use more patronage from people whose taste buds haven't been desensitized by the other establishments out here in Suburbia. The chef actually imports the duck legs for his confit from France - from a special breeder in France! I'd really hate for this place to close. Please visit and see for yourself.
http://www.bistromonet.com.html

Bistro Monet
462 N. Park Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630.469.4002

I had debated writing about this place as we visited the night before you, I'm glad you started the topic.

Here's my thoughts:

We split two appetizers: sweetbreads and escargot. I dig sweetbreads but I'm not an expert, I've only had them six times or so, but I would rank these as #2 in my experience (the best being at Blackbird). The escargot was in a parsley butter sauce that, while good, was so heavy I was very glad we were sharing.

For an entree, I had the rabbit special which was in one of the best sauces I've had in recent memory. I think it was a full half rabbit, very full of flavor - I'd return for this dish in a heartbeat. The chef said it was a sauce from Dijon (or something to that effect).

The other entree ordered was a gigantic miss - steak frites. The frites were thick cut fries that were pretty good (maybe someone who knows a bit more about bistro faire can address this, but I was under the impression frites are typically cut very thin). I don't question their freshness or anything, they were simply different than expected. The steak, though cooked to order, was not good. In fact, it reminded me very much of a strip steak from Omaha Steaks - we received some as a Christmas present so they're fresh in my memory.

We too had the creme brulee - ours came with blueberries - and it was a solid offering.

The wine list is small, with mostly French bottles, at the markups you'd expect. I'm not sure if there's a reserve list that we didn't see, but I don't think any bottle hit $100.

Service was excellent - water and wine glasses were consistently filled. In the middle of dinner I dropped my knife and had a new one presented to me, without asking, literally within 10 seconds. The chef came to our table twice during the meal, which is a very nice touch. That being said, I continue to have a lingering suspicion that our waiter was exaggerating his accent.

With a $60 bottle of wine, tax, and tip - dinner for two was around $190. The portions here are large and by the glass offerings are such that a couple could very easily eat here for under $100.

I'd recommend this place and return without hesitation with the sole caveat to avoid the steak.