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goodeatsforyou

Joined 4 years ago

What a delight, what a treasure!. This is an email I sent to the owners of Bistro Maison after dining in their establishment. If you haven't been and love great food, service and ambience then you must try this restaurant. Impeccable does not begin to describe a dining experience here.

We were a party of 4 This last Saturday night and I wanted to let you know of the amazing experience we had at your restaurant.

First, the ambience was perfect. We decided to eat in your patio after taking a look... we usually don't like to eat outside at restaurants because it is usually an after thought by the staff. Not so in this case. Your patio was perfect- including your boxer. The tablecloths were pretty and matched the atmosphere, the chairs were

comfortable and the landscaping served as a pleasant backdrop.

Second, your staff was amazingly proficient, friendly and attentive without being annoying. They also knew their menu and were able to convey a sense of "I've got to try that" without being pushy. We never wanted for anything and were replenished with water a bread at

the right moment.

Third, your special drink of Aperol was delicious and perfect for an evening meal on a summer night. We intend to purchase some Aperol and share the drink with friends while we tell them of your restaurant.

Fourth- the food was beyond delicious. We all had fish at our table and it was prepared perfectly and presented beautifully. I must say that the green beans and carrot were also perfectly cooked. I get so

tired of the vegetables in other restaurants cooked to death and annoying. Yours were a great match with my Halibut in a Morel cream sauce.

Fifth- We got to "dine". there was no hurry to turn the table and we were able to savor our appetizers and dinner and enjoy great conversation.

Kudos to you and your staff for doing everything possible to make our evening memorable. Although I was the only one that had been to your restaurant before I felt as if I had discovered something new even

though my other experience had been just as wonderful.

I wish you the most success in keeping your restaurant the beautiful gem that it is. We will be back with friends in tow!

Doesn't Recommend

chuck_in_salem

Joined 7 years ago

Were never seated. My wife and I were in McMinnville for a Memorial Day outing. We noticed Bistro Maison among several interesting looking eateries on the town's charming 3rd ST. The door was wide open and the open sign was lit. We waited several minutes in the entry area where not an employee nor a patron could be seen. Finally when we were approached by a young woman, we were told there would be a lengthy wait. I looked aroung at all (and I do mean all) the empty tables and ask if she was serious. She said they were only serving outside and only had one person in the kitchen. We left. This was out first and probably our last experience at Bistro Maison.

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KC110147

Joined 4 years ago

Amazing Restaurant!. My husband and I had dinner at this absolutely amazing restaurant. I am still in awe of my dish: the sturgeon with mushroom sauce. Amazing!!! (I know, I am overdoing that word)....



Everything about this restaurant is wonderful: impeccable service (Portland higher end restaurants should look to the staff at Bistro Maison to learn what impeccable service involves), great and reasonably priced wines, and a remarkable variety of stunning food.



It is only the distance (we live in Vancouver, Washington) which prevents us from being regular customers.

Thank you for a wonderful dinner!

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Wineoceros

Joined 5 years ago

The Coq au Vin is to die for!!!. Bistro Maison offers amazingly fresh bistro fare w/ a superb and moderately priced wine list that compliments the authentic French cuisine. Deborah is a thoughtful hostess and her chef/husband Jean-Jacques is a masterful genius in the kitchen. My wife and I dine at Bistro Maison every time we are in McMinnville and are continuously impressed. The Coq au Vin is to die for!!!

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Martiniss

Joined 5 years ago

Masterful and amazing chef, no better food and wine.. As resident of McMinnville, I am grateful for the excellent restaurants we have in our historic downtown area on 3rd Street. However, even in the mix of these wonderful places, Bistro Maison stands out from the rest. I am amazed that we have chef Jean Jaques Chatelard in our little town. My husband and I have been fortunate to travel rather extensively including Italy and France. The food at Bistro Maison is world class as is it's chef Jean Jaques, and proprietor Deborah. When we are dining in Portland, I constantly find myself comparing everything to the quality and taste of Bistro Maison. Not only are they amazing on a day to day basis, but if you get the opportunity you will want to attend one of their wine dinners. These are truly events where you will not forget the food and wine. No one does more thoughtful food and wine pairings than Deborah.

Our favorites are definitely any time and any way that there is halibut on the menu, and the white truffle fondue is unbelievable. If you are a fois gras fan, you will find it masterfully prepared. French fries to die for! The Creme Brulee is without doubt the best I have had anywhere. The sauces are truly unique and executed to perfection.

The staff is experienced and knowledgeable, and committed to providing you with great service.

If I sound over the top about Bistro Maison, I am. I would drive to Portland on a regular basis to eat there, but how lucky are we, we only have to walk downtown.

Be sure to make reservations on weekends.

Doesn't Recommend

portlandhereIcome

Joined 5 years ago

Too much pressure..... My boyfriend and I have been here twice and though the food is usually good, we always end up feeling uncomfortable. Even if we just want to order two entrees to keep costs down we are always pressured by the owner and waitresses to buy drinks, appetizers, a dessert... It makes me feel that though we are being cheap for only spending $40 on a meal for two. The mark-up on the wine is also very high. We bought a bottle of Pinot for $60 ( a splurge to celebrate our anniversary ) and found it in the grocery a day later for $15. I just don't like to be constantly pressured into buying more, more, more when I'm trying to have a relaxing evening with my honey. It makes me feel like I'm at a car dealership.

They also moved us around three times one time we went in to make more accommodating spots for other guests.

If you are rich and feel good about spending money on overpriced wine, I would recommend it. If you are just a normal joe who doesn't want to feel like white trash for having a budget, avoid it.

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scc4u

Joined 5 years ago

Always excellent!. We love this restaurant: the owners are friendly, the food is delicious, the ambiance cozy. We enjoyed this years Mother's Day fixed menu that had so many delicious options that it didn't seem "fixed" at all. The use of fresh local ingredients makes the food even more appealing. We make the "trek" to McMinnville at least a couple of times year to savor the wonderful things they have to offer.

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hulda

Joined 6 years ago

September Surprise. On a repeat visit to McMinnville and surrounding wine country, we decided to check out Bistro Maison, based on reviews we'd read on this site. On a mid-week night in September we arrived for our early evening dinner reservation. With the weather still pleasant, we chose the lush patio/garden seating where tables were covered in warm yellow and blue cloths and candles. Overhead, were strings of lights with reflectors that cast a romantic glow. The wait staff was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, and the owner personally attended to our wine selection. We started our meal with a cheese and pate board, followed by an entree of crusted pork chop with huckleberry sauce, mash potato, and roasted green beans. The starter was varied, and piqued our anticipation of the main course. The chops (at least 1-inch thick) were perfectly done, and the sauce was rich and piquant. We finished our meal with molten chocolate cake with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, and coffee of locally roasted beans. This restaurant provides excellent quality, and expertly prepared meals --served with sincerity.

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dennis_anderson

Joined 6 years ago

Parisian dining experience in little, rural McMinnville, Oregon. A few minutes and a few bites into our first dining experience at Bistro Maison, my wife said, "I didn't renew my passport and I don't have jetl ag, but we're in Paris." The main reason for the authentic French dining experience at Bistro Maison is the authentic French chef -- Jean-Jacques Chatelard, and his delightful wife/hostess, Deborah. Our taste buds delighted at every bite of every course. I don't know where to begin. New Orleans had been the best food experience of my life. Now it is McMinnville -- luckily for me only 2 miles from my home. The ambiance -- you feel like you are in a small French cafe -- and the service -- personal, friendly, efficient -- complete a perfect experience. Amazing, simply amazing.

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njab

Joined 6 years ago

A perfect celebration of French meets Oregon!. How fun it was to find an authentic French Bistro right here in the Valley! The chefs use of sauces combined with a killer white truffle fondue were a perfect celebration of French meets Oregon. Deborah was gracious and accommodating at every turn and made us feel welcome even though there were a dozen other couples seated at the same time. Not pretentious, great portions and an outstanding experience that I would do again.