Burgundy Bistro - Restaurant Review

Such a nice name, sounds like a place I’d like to eat especially since their enticing website with frenchie music boasts a nice looking gluten-free menu. It also happens to be geographically desirable for me now that I live in the boonies. Why I am writing a review about Burgundy Bistro when I haven’t actually tasted the food? And, why will I never set foot in the little restaurant located in a strip mall in Olympia Fields? I’ll tell you why. If the new owners, Tom and Tamara, were the people drinking at the bar about 8:15 one Thursday evening earlier this summer when I entered to finally enjoy their establishment, they were the most unwelcoming restaurant owners I’ve ever experienced. The woman, who I’ll assume is Tamara, jumped from the bar, walked forcefully towards me like I was breaking in and asked “is there something I can help you with?” Sounds innocent enough, but the attitude was frightening. I wanted to run. Taken aback by her question, because I’d think as a restaurant owner, you should basically assume that the people who enter your establishment are there to, um, EAT! I said, well yes, I’d like to dine. Just two, are you still serving? I got a “NO, we’re closed for the evening!” Like I should have known.

Being the hungry person that I am who also loves bistro food, especially one that again boasts such a lovely looking gluten-free menu, I decide to give them another opportunity. This time, I called first at about 6:30 pm (unfortunately, I don’t remember the day of the week) to be sure they’d be open for dinner. A woman answered the phone and I asked if they were still serving. Without a courteous please hold a moment or some nicety you’d expect before being put on hold, I got a hand over the receiver. There was muffled conversation and when she returned, she said NO. So, I mentioned that I can't seem to figure out the Bistro's hours can she please tell me what they are? No clear answer in return, but the kitchen was closed at 5:30 that evening.

The mission statement on the site doesn’t promise much, but it does say “To bring quality food and fine dining to Chicago’s south suburbs, in effect, to bring “downtown” food and ambiance to the south suburbs! And I think we’re doing a pretty good job – The Owners.” It may be quality food, but with their attitude and hours no one is going to get the chance to experience it. And, whose ambiance are they trying to emulate from the Chicago restaurant scene, Ed Debeviks? Tom and Tamara, you should be ashamed for ruining what the original owners, Harry and Adele, created. I’ve heard that the restaurant was once quite welcoming and lovely and in this economy you really need to go above and beyond with the charm to get people out and eating. If I were a real restaurant food critic, I’d have a hand symbol for the very lowest of the low, that’s right, I’d flip Burgundy Bistro the bird. *Stay tuned for my very own coined phrase and symbol for the restaurants I appreciate.