Discussion of Robin Garr's Ghyslain review in LEO

[Robin Garr]

Ghyslain: Bistro or deli? Does it matter?
LEO's Eats with Robin Garr


When I first heard about plans for Ghyslain on Market, I was really excited. A French (well, Québécois) chocolatier opening a bistro in a sort-of historic building on East Market. What’s not to like?

I’ve been craving a real French bistro in this town ever since Le Beaujolais closed. Le Relais can certainly satisfy a mood for French cuisine, but even with its trimmed-back-for-the-recession menu, it’s still a cut above bistro fare — not that there’s anything wrong with that.

As it turns out, Ghyslain isn’t a bad place to settle down for lunch or a light dinner. But upon closer analysis, it strikes me as more of a fancy deli with a hint of a French accent than anything that really takes my spirit back to Provence.

Watch out for the Ghyslain sign as you drive down Market: The restaurant is somewhat out of sight, its attractively renovated carriage house hidden behind the old funeral home that now houses the corporate offices of Creation Gardens.

Step in to the large, just-off-white room, and you’ll spot a series of glass-front cases that house neat arrays of fancy chocolates and samples of some of the featured dishes of the day. Line up, place your order and take a plastic number to your table, stopping off to pour your own water or fountain drink as you wait for monsieur or madame to hustle out your food.

Service is friendly and attentive, bistro-style. The cranked-up air conditioning on a brisk spring evening reminded me of Provence on a chilly winter day.

Read the full review on LouisvilleHotBytes,
http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/ghysl ... -it-matter

And in LEO Weekly:
http://leoweekly.com/dining/ghyslain-bi ... -it-matter

Ghyslain on Market
721 E. Market St.
690-8645
http://www.ghyslain.com/restaurants
Rating: 77

I like this gentle re-direction to locals

[Robin Garr]

I like this gentle re-direction to locals

Not because they're local. Because they're better. I really didn't dislike Ghyslain. It's a nice environment, but it's essentially upscale QSR. The candies may be hand-made, and they certainly taste okay, but they just seemed more mass-produced in style.

I understood that from the review, better is better, that is the bottom line. . .

Stopped by and got a cup of gumbo for lunch the other day. I didn't like it. One of my coworkers who lived in New Orleans for several years said that it looked like something that was supposed to be gumbo but that it did not look right. Pretty bland flavor and oily on top. Just wasn't that good. Not horrible, but not good. Maybe I will get back for something else, but probably not as it took forever just to get a bowl of soup!

I have had two incredible meals at Ghyslain. Ever since I first tried it I have been dreaming of the french dip sandwich. The 'au jus' it is served with is so fantastically beefy and silken... wow I need more of it soon. I literally finished the meal by tipping the ramekin and slurping up what was left of the delicious sauce.
I've also tried the charcuterie plate (excellent!) the greek platter (delicious!) the chicken pot pie (loved it), the Croque Monsieur (drool) and an assortment of their sides. Also finished my last meal with coconut gelato. Ive been telling everyone how great this place is. I'm surprised to hear that you all havent been impressed... I would recommend trying some more things on the menu. There are some jewels on there! Especially the french dip. Nom nom nom.

The French Dip did sound good so maybe I will give it a shot next time. Thanks for the info Madi!

[Robin Garr]

Especially the french dip. Nom nom nom.

I trust your tastes, Madi, so I'll get back sometime soon and try the french dip for sure! Thanks for standing up and expressing a different view.

I have had two incredible meals at Ghyslain. Ever since I first tried it I have been dreaming of the french dip sandwich. The 'au jus' it is served with is so fantastically beefy and silken... wow I need more of it soon. I literally finished the meal by tipping the ramekin and slurping up what was left of the delicious sauce.
I've also tried the charcuterie plate (excellent!) the greek platter (delicious!) the chicken pot pie (loved it), the Croque Monsieur (drool) and an assortment of their sides. Also finished my last meal with coconut gelato. Ive been telling everyone how great this place is. I'm surprised to hear that you all havent been impressed... I would recommend trying some more things on the menu. There are some jewels on there! Especially the french dip. Nom nom nom.

While I ordered different things, I had the same reaction as Madi. I've been recommending it highly; I brought their gorgeous and wonderful pastries to Oaks. Maybe it's somewhat of a gender thing- I do also love that everything is so lovely.

Deb

[Robin Garr]

While I ordered different things, I had the same reaction as Madi. I've been recommending it highly; I brought their gorgeous and wonderful pastries to Oaks. Maybe it's somewhat of a gender thing- I do also love that everything is so lovely.

I tried to fight it, but I was disappointed that early reports (and their PR) had led me to expect a bistro, not a deli-style QSR operation. But still, the dishes we got - and we ordered about as much as two people should eat - didn't really seem inspiring. Need to go back and try the french dip, I guess. Any other recommendation of something you really liked, Deb? I'm not above taking a second shot and applying a rating correction if it's justified, but Mary was disappointed enough, I'm going to have to tell her good food stories to overcome her resistance ...

While I ordered different things, I had the same reaction as Madi. I've been recommending it highly; I brought their gorgeous and wonderful pastries to Oaks. Maybe it's somewhat of a gender thing- I do also love that everything is so lovely.

I tried to fight it, but I was disappointed that early reports (and their PR) had led me to expect a bistro, not a deli-style QSR operation. But still, the dishes we got - and we ordered about as much as two people should eat - didn't really seem inspiring. Need to go back and try the french dip, I guess. Any other recommendation of something you really liked, Deb? I'm not above taking a second shot and applying a rating correction if it's justified, but Mary was disappointed enough, I'm going to have to tell her good food stories to overcome her resistance ...

Robin,

My food was not WOW- outstanding! but it was good. I had the Nicoise sandwich; beet salad with it was very good. My friend had a salad ( don't remember which) and thought it was excellent. The Royale pastry- chocolate hazelnut mousse over a layer of hazelnut dacquoise was amazing- seriously one of the best desserts I've had in town in recent memory.
I'm going back for the french dip and the Royale again sometime soon.
Deb

For those who haven't seen it, I shot a "Vendor Spotlight" video about Ghyslain's operation in Indiana (we sell their desserts).

http://vimeo.com/13763784

I go to Ghyslain once a week (since they're right behind our offices). Love it.

A chicken curry panini ($12) was tasty, although mighty idiosyncratic. A mild curry more French than Indian in its inspiration was dolloped on the side of a flatbread round, making for a sandwich more like a gyro than a panini. It came with an acceptable side salad of mesclun lettuces dressed with a tart-sweet vinaigrette.

Shouldn't that be gyros? ......just sayin' Robin

[Robin Garr]

Shouldn't that be gyros? ......just sayin' Robin

DAMMIT!!! The LEO editor changed that and made it wrong. I didn't notice. Thanks for the pointer, Alison. I'm raising hell.

Shouldn't that be gyros? ......just sayin' Robin

DAMMIT!!! The LEO editor changed that and made it wrong. I didn't notice. Thanks for the pointer, Alison. I'm raising hell.