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Mon Ami Gabi
7239 Woodmont Avenue,
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301.654.1234
http://www.monamigabi.com/
February 8, 2010
By Danny Lledó
Nestled among the glamor of what Bethesda Row has become is this enjoyable this French restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi. The shops and restaurants around here give you an expectation of excellence. I have come to Mon Ami Gabi several times, and generally I leave very satisfied even though it is a rare occasion when corporate restaurants find my palate.
When I come to a French restaurant, it is very hard not to start off with snails or the French onion soup. The Escargots de Bourgogne (oven-roasted snails) receives a high rating in my book, but the French onion soup was lukewarm (ouch). It is hard to believe that a French onion soup does not come out blazing hot; I was with a guest and did not want the guest to wait on me so I suffered through.
Your French favorites of steaks with pomme frites are sure to be your favorites. This is one of the true places where a med-rare steak comes perfect. There are numerous choices that you can try. The more interesting plates are defined by the sauces, Steak Au Poivre with brandy peppercorn sauce; “Hanger Steak” butcher's cut, merlot butter; and Steak Béarnaise, a classic with béarnaise sauce. A couple other items to look for are the Trout Grenobloise with lemon, capers, croutons and the Pork Tenderloin date-glazed bacon, pommes puree, port-wine cherry sauce. The mashed potatoes with the pork could have been better, hotter, and tastier. For brunches and desserts you have to order the crêpes, Bananas Foster Crêpe triumphs here.
The service is friendly and upbeat which gives a fine impression of French Bistro service. This restaurant enjoys the traffic from what Bethesda Row has to offer which creates a happening bar scene of people enjoying their cocktails and French food. Stick to the French favorites, and you should leave satisfied.
* Quality of Dining – Both Food & Service – ½ Star
* Value – Related to the Cost – ½ Star
* Atmosphere – Desirable for any occasion – 1 Star
2 out of 3 Stars
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