bistro one west

I've just read a review of this place in Chicago magazine that makes it sound pretty good. Anybody tried it yet?

bistro one west
1 W. Illinois St.
St. Charles, IL

From Chicago Magazine's Dish.

I've been there twice now for lunch and really like it. Each time the menu was almost completely different so they are definitely aiming towards fresh. The first trip I don't remember the sandwich I had but the side was the most wonderful roasted mix of small Yukon gold, purple and red potatoes. There was just a touch of crispness to them, I wound up eating them right away and taking most of my sandwich home. My partner had a salad of asparagus, egg and mixed greens sitting in an endive leaf, there were also some of the potato mix but roasted a little differently with added roasted tomatoes and a dressing over them. My second visit I had a steak sandwich which was very tender. It had a creamy horseradish sauce on the side and came with house made potato chips cut slightly thicker than a commercial chip. Again I ate all the potatoes right away plus the friend I was with ate some too, it was a huge pile and really good! On my first trip our server was training another and went beyond overboard explaining preparations of things when we didn't ask, the second visit was friendly and efficient. The restaurant made a big change in layout when it went from Eric & Me to the next incarnation in Sage Bistro. They haven't been many changes now other than it is brighter and better use of the view of the Fox River out the windows. The one day we were there they were pressure washing all of the outdoor furniture in case we ever get decent weather!

I used a Groupon on Tuesday night and had a really great dinner. I had the country pate. It was served with a hard boiled egg in the center of the slice, mustard, grilled bread, carmelized onions and little cubes of pear compote. Nice combination of flavors. We also had deviled eggs with lobster. I had the cornish chicken with toasted orzo and zucchini and cherry tomatos. The chicken was perfectly cooked. Menu says it's "farm marinated", whatever that means, but it had a good crispy skin, and flavor that infused the meat. Also had the panko crusted trout, a pretty big piece of fish with salad. The trout was beautifully cooked and the panko crust was really crunchy. Great dish. Finished with profiterole with a wonderfully bitter chocolate sauce and vanilla gelato. All outside on the patio overlooking people fishing in the Fox River. Nice evening. Definitely will go back, even without the Groupon.

Went to Bistro One West a couple weeks ago for a birthday celebration. It was a beautiful evening, and our table next to the window overlooking the Fox River added to the relaxed ambiance of the place. We enjoyed the appetizer of deviled eggs with buttered Maine Lobster. How could THAT go wrong? I had a vegetarian dish consisting of an entire mini pumpkin covered with a rich sauce showcasing onions and mushrooms. My dining companions had the skirt steak and chicken dishes. We all loved what we had ordered. The bread served along with the meal was outstanding. Price ranges were from about $18.00 and up. Lunch prices are must less. I liked it.

I'm glad you liked it Razbry! I keep wanting to go back but we have so many great places in the Tri-Cities that I just haven't gotten around to it. Saturday and Sunday are my only times to get out and they aren't open on Sunday.