Fairly recently the breakfast area in the entrance of the Ibis hotel has been converted to a bistro-style place. I had planned to check it out sometime soon, so when I got invited for lunch, I thought that today was as good a day as any.

When arriving at 12:15 there were plenty of tables available – no need to make a reservation, just like I had expected. We picked a table in the corner and ordered aperitifs. There was cutlery but no napkins, so we nicked those from the another table.

My red vermouth was surprisingly served in a sherry glass and without ice – they never bothered to ask if I wanted it served in this uncommon way – and it would prove exemplary for the service.

We felt adventurous and chose a South African wine, which – at 20 EUR – was quite acceptable, both in taste and in price.

Both of us selected for starter the foie gras on a thick slice of “farmer’s” bread (boerenbrood). It was served in a small puddle of some sauce with an occasional raisin. Not bad so far, it only took oodles of time before we got it.

In the meantime the waiter served a table next to ours – just two plates of steaks and fries. The customers said it wasn’t what they ordered, so the waiter took it back. He then returned from the kitchen, saying it was his mistake and wouldn’t they accept the food, on the house. They didn’t, they said they wanted what they had ordered.

We then saw the maitre d’/restaurant manager/headwaiter reproaching the waiter in the middle of the restaurant.

After almost 2 hours our main course was served. Nothing complex: one onglet de boeuf (hanger steak/hanging tender/butcher's steak/butcher's tenderloin) and one entrecote (rib steak) with fries basically, no side salad, no veggies whatsoever. We asked for salt & pepper, the waiter said “coming up”, then he started clearing the table next to ours. One would expect that, with almost all tables free and set, and our food cooling down, he would first help us.

Considering the number of customers it took far too long to get our food. A meeting at 14:30 prevented us from looking into a dessert, or even a cup of coffee. I would qualify the service as slow and bad. At 70-odd EUR, this was not value for money.    [10 May 2006 06:26:41]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­flurk, ChefMoz Editor