Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

johninajijic

Oct 22, 2011, 9:08 AM

Post #1 of 12 (1379 views)

Shortcut

LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

Last night 9 of us from our Bi Monthly Dinner group ate at Laurent. Most of us ordered appetizers. Several ordered the Blue Cheese Creme Brulee, walnut and apple salad. The salad consisted of the white ends of the Romaine lettuce which I throw away when I make a salad. No one liked it. Another person ordered the Duck Pate salad, a huge portion, looked like a dinner. He said it was OK. Another person ordered the Shrimp Aioli which was serve in a crock dish. They said it was excellent and highly recommended it. I ordered the Onion Soup, a good sized bowl, with a nice cheese and bread. I thought it was very good.

For our Entrees, four people ordered Coq au Vin, one ordered the Tuna steak, one ordered Duck Confit, one ordered the Shrimp Aioli appetizer, one ordered Pasta Chuta (pasta with duck meatballs), highly recommended. I ordered the Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes. It normally came with french fries, but I asked for mashed. I received two generous sized Filets which I could have cut with a fork, so tender and juicy. Everyone loved their entrees. The portion sizes were large. The service was excellent.

There was only one other couple in the restauant, a damn shame considering it's one of the finest restauants in Ajijic.

LAURENT
16 de Septembrie (Across from LCS)
In Hotel Casa Blanca
766 1500

Gringal

Oct 23, 2011, 9:29 AM

Post #2 of 12 (1316 views)

Shortcut

Re: [johninajijic] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

"There was only one other couple in the restauant, a damn shame considering it's one of the finest restauants in Ajijic."
(John's review).

This is a fine restaurant, no doubt, but the review should include the prices for the meals and appetizers as well as for drinks. Many decisions about dining out are based on affordability. Laurent's prices are up there.

Visitors and snowbirds probably have more disposable income than the majority of lakeside retirees, so that's why your readers need to know about the cost of the meals before going there and getting sticker shock.

I've dined there and taken guests as well. It is a lovely setting for a special occasion. The hosts are gracious.

Rolly

Oct 23, 2011, 10:29 AM

Post #3 of 12 (1302 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Gringal] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

I agree that costs should be part of a restaurant review. Listing individual item prices is too cumbersome. The restaurant reviews I post on my website include the total tab including tip. From that information, one easily can determine if the restaurant is within their price range. Take a look here.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Gringal

Oct 23, 2011, 12:37 PM

Post #4 of 12 (1285 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Rolly] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

The only reason I suggested giving prices in this case is that the appetizers are one of the specialties of the house: for instance, the escargots, reputed to be outstanding. Caesar salad......another special item, mixed at the table.

I think a fair way to do it would be: entrees from xxxx to xxxx. Then appetizers: xxxx-to xxx.
Drinks: house wine: $$$.
Dinner: a la carte or complete with salad, etc.

I don't know if it's changed, but the last time we dined at Laurent's (last year), it was strictly a la carte. The main dish included a tiny bit of potatoes. Everything else was an extra. That's how the bill gets "up there" rather quickly.

I have no objection to that.........just think fair warning is in order.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Oct 23, 2011, 2:01 PM)

DavidHF

Oct 23, 2011, 2:27 PM

Post #5 of 12 (1267 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Gringal] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thru the summer he's done Prix Fixe dinners, Starter, Main dish, and Dessert for $190 Pesos. As I recall Starters range from 55 to 85. Main courses from 85 to 140.

Funny thing; In France to choose "Le Menu" will get you the Prix Fixe meal. "A La Carte" means to choose each course.

Gringal

Oct 23, 2011, 3:26 PM

Post #6 of 12 (1258 views)

Shortcut

Re: [DavidHF] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thanks for the prices, David.

It is also true the some people prefer small and some large meals. I prefer having the choice. I'd be happy with the starters, most of the time.

This morning I had brunch at Roberto's and the "grand slam" menu item left me wondering where a person would put it all. (pancakes plus sausage plus bacon plus ham plus eggs.........after the generous plate of starters) A very slender man at the next table provided the answer...... he cleaned his plate. Plus the flan dessert. WOW!

(This post was edited by Gringal on Oct 23, 2011, 3:37 PM)

cbviajero

Oct 24, 2011, 8:03 AM

Post #7 of 12 (1210 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Gringal] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

So Gringal where are the prices for the brunch in your review?
Chris

Gringal

Oct 24, 2011, 9:39 AM

Post #8 of 12 (1193 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cbviajero] LAURENT Restaurant Review in Ajijic

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thread wanderting, but here it is: Roberto's Sunday Brunch: 100 pesos. This includes bread basket, coffee or tea, large plate of about six salad-like items for two (guacamole, ceviche, chicken/rice mix, noodles, etc.), main event dish (about 20 items including eggs benedict in its various incarnations, along with salmon dijon and the aformentioned grand slam) plus a small flan for dessert. A treat in a garden setting. Full bar available.

cbviajero

Oct 24, 2011, 11:36 AM

Post #9 of 12 (1172 views)

Shortcut