CHIReview
Included In
Because of its location in the lobby of an apartment building, Mon Ami Gabi gives you a comfortable neighborhood feel while maintaining an upscale French ambiance. It’s the kind of place you could easily see Ernest Hemingway pounding whisky at the bar or Eloise braiding Skipperdee’s ears in a nearby booth. What you’ll actually see is bar stools manned by couples, and small groups having dinner.
The food is classic French with go-to’s like steak frites and chicken grand-mere. They’re solid, expected dishes that are heavy on the butter, onions, and cheese. Be still our beating hearts, literally, because this stuff is heavy. The service is great, and the staff is incredibly helpful with wine options, food recommendations, and general pleasantries.
Restaurant concepts often feel manufactured, especially a chain restaurant as overdone as “French Bistro.” It’s easy to try too hard and tip the scales too far in one direction. But Mon Ami Gabi doesn’t have servers in stripe shirts and berets. And they aren’t strutting by in Coco Chanel stills with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths. Instead, Mon Ami Gabi gives you the French vibes while still maintaining some heart.
Vous botter les fesses, Mon Ami Gabi.
Food Rundown
Bread
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Frisee, Kale & Warm Bacon Salad
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Onion Soup Au Gratin
Caramelized Sea Scallops
photo credit: Christina Slaton
Classique Steak Frites
Short Rib
Lemon Legere Creme Brulee
photo credit: Christina Slaton