Holly's American Bistro - watch your step

Over the 4th of July weekend we and another couple decided to try Holly’s American Bistro in Lake Bluff as we had heard good things about it. Unfortunately, things got off on the wrong foot (literally).

As the hostess led us to our table, my wife slipped and fell heavily on her side when she stepped off the runner on to the wooden floor. The hostess (who was quite young) made no attempt to help though my wife had been walking directly behind her. My wife was wearing low-heeled leather-soled sandals and has never had a problem with them before (she often wears the same sandals at work where we have wood and tile floors). The rest of us had rubber-soled shoes and were OK.

Another customer, a woman with her young daughter, approached my wife and said her little girl had just fallen twice at the same spot, and seemed quite upset. The manager came up to us, thinking at first we were all one party. He then accompanied the woman and her daughter back to their table (outdoors). Later he stopped by to see how we were doing.

Our waitress was solicitous and said that people are usually warned about the floors (the hostess had said nothing to us). The manager, who was also very polite, indicated this has happened frequently enough that different cleaning products had been tried to address the problem.

This hardly seems adequate. If the hostess can’t be bothered to warn people, why not post a sign? Better yet, install continuous runners or more rugs. This should be dealt with before someone is injured.

We were lucky. My wife has bruises and has been unable to sleep on her right side this past week. Otherwise she has been OK. Nevertheless, we’re monitoring the situation.

As for the restaurant itself, we have mixed feelings. It’s a nice looking space - large, light and airy. The service was OK and the food was tasty, but some dishes were surprisingly small.

Two baskets of a decent white bread came to the table at the start.

My wife had the chicken pot pie entree ($10) as did one of our friends. It came in a crock pot about the size you expect for French onion soup. The crust on top was light and flaky. The interior was soupy rather than creamy. It had excellent flavor, but was not what one expects for pot pie, especially as there were only about 6-8 thumbnail-size pieces of chicken. The verdict was it’s an excellent cream of chicken soup, but not an entree. There was no accompaniment.

Our other friend had the Beef Tenderloin Sandwich, without the usually-included bleu cheese ($13). She described it as “good, but not great.” It came with skin-on fries (I sampled one) and would also describe the fries as “good, but not great.” Her plate was well-filled and she didn’t finish the meal, though she did say later that the size was the result of being heavy on bread.

I had planned to order the Braised Lamb Shank which was on the restaurant’s website menu, but that had been changed to Braised Short Ribs so I got the Chicken Paillard ($15) instead. I asked what came with it and was told it included cherry tomatoes and greens. The flavor was excellent; definitely a tasty dish. It wasn’t a true Paillard which involves slicing the meat and then pounding it thin but that wasn’t a problem. The chicken breast was modest-sized and close to normal thickness. Nevertheless, even though I’ve been trying to cut down on quantities, it left me feeling hungry.

The four of us shared a dessert of gelato (3 scoops for $6). We chose chocolate, vanilla and raspberry. I don’t think the gelato was house-made, but it was a nice finish.

With beverages (one glass of wine, two ice teas), tax and tip the total was a little over $80. A reasonable sum for full meals. However, by the time we got home my wife and I both felt the need for a snack. (If we had gone past a White Castle I would have been sorely tempted to stop in.)

In summary, Holly’s is a nice place for a light meal. If you want a full meal be sure to order sides, or at least try some of the meatier dishes such as the ribs.

And watch your step.

Holly’s American Bistro
28 E. Center Avenue
Lake Bluff 60044
847-615-9400
http://www.hollysamericanbistro.com

George R wrote:As the hostess led us to our table, my wife slipped and fell heavily on her side when she stepped off the runner on to the wooden floor. The hostess (who was quite young) made no attempt to help though my wife had been walking directly behind her.

Though the manager and the waitress were both solicitous of your wife's mishap, the hostess's attitude (I'm picturing her being too cool to bother even to turn around to see what that loud thud was all about) outrages me--which is probably what you intend. If the picture in my head corresponds to the reality, part of what the manager needs to do--besides trying out different floor waxes--is either retrain her or get rid of her.

Riddlemay wrote:

the hostess's attitude (I'm picturing her being too cool to bother even to turn around to see what that loud thud was all about) outrages me

It's hard to convey all the nuances of what happened in short summary. Actually we think the hostess suffered from brain freeze. In any event, she does need more training.

Sorry if I created the wrong impression.

George R wrote:Riddlemay wrote:

the hostess's attitude (I'm picturing her being too cool to bother even to turn around to see what that loud thud was all about) outrages me

It's hard to convey all the nuances of what happened in short summary.

GeorgeR,

I think this is a frequent problem when people report problems with restaurant service. It's just not possible to objectively relate all the dimensions of such a situation -- so much depends upon "nuance," as you say, individual perceptions, tonality, etc.

Still, it sounds like the lack of a sign or other warning about slippery floors is a major service gap...and probably a law suit waiting to happen.

Hammond

The slippery floor issue has been addressed. There are now additional runners and area rugs.