Detail for Cafe Central : Restaurant, French

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I was really looking forward to having dinner at Cafe Central. Unfortunately, neither the food nor the restaurant met my expectations. When we walked in, there was no one to greet us and no indication where to go to request a table (after 6:30, it's first come first served). I asked a waiter who pointed to a person who I assumed to be the bartender. He said he'd be with us in a minute, but we weren't interested in a drink, we wanted a table. We asked again for a table and he said it would be a minute--apparently, the "bartender" was also the manager (?) We waited about 15 minutes for a table-not horribly long for a Friday. One of my dining companions had French onion soup. It was good, but had apple slices on top which was a bit strange. We also had escargots which were incredibly salty with not much other flavor. We were also served a small, stale baguette with butter that had taken on the flavor of something else from the refrigerator. I don't know about you, but I judge a restaurant on the quality of its bread and this bread was horrid! Our entrees were boullaibasse with overcooked fish swimming in a salty broth, overcooked duckling with undercooked wild rice and tasteless braised cabbage, and roast chicken that was so dry it was hard to swallow accompanied by mashed potatoes you could use for wallpaper paste and sauteed vegetables that all "tasted" the same--flavorless. The only good thing about dinner, was the wine and our waiter. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was because I so anticipated going to Cafe Central. I overheard another customer complaining that the food was not authentic French. The manager/bartender told him the restaurant was not a French restaurant and didn't serve true bistro food! If the bartender is telling customers that the restaurant is not French, they should remove the line below the name which says "A French Diner" along with the artwork and design. I will agree, nothing about the food reminds me of France. I usually give restaurants at least a second try, but I can definitely say, I will not return to Cafe Central--even if someone else offers to pay the bill. The food was not only terrible (especially if you are familiar with French food and have a slightly sophisticated palate) but pricey for the quantity/quality and the atmosphere is totally chaotic. I'm not quite sure how this place sticks around. I don't think Highland Park clientele are the foodies they think they are. Money doesn't buy a sophisticated palate. - Kate, 12/15/2007

Tell us about your experience at Cafe Central
1 planet: Below par, skip it.
2 planets: Has redeeming facets.
3 planets: Decent, worth checking out.
4 planets: Excellent, we'll be back.
5 planets: Stellar .. out of this world!
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