A.O.C. Bistro - just plain bad...

[slslaughter]

So after reading lots of good reviews about AOC Bistro on 5th Ave I decided to take my husband there for a dinner date. Classic French bistro food is a favorite of his and we were looking forward to it. We planned to go on a Monday, admittedly not the best night to dine out, and when I peeked in on Sunday evening the place was hopping - a good sign. I thought we might have a new favorite in the neighborhood.

The interior of the restaurant is looking wonderful - sophisticated and modern, however our dinner was a real disappointment.

We had the Grande Mix Cheese plate and nary a French cheese in sight. Perhaps the brie was actually French and maybe the fresh chevre (though most likely not), but the Manchego and Saga blue? It was presented on a large wooden platter with a curious combination of mixed dressed salad, red grapes on shriveling stems, parsley - make that LOTS of parsley, and strawberry halves - in November. I have to say it was the least considered cheese plate I've had in many a while. And $19 for over-glorified supermarket cheese.

My husband had the previously raved about Coq au Vin. It was almost incredibly salty (too many lardons) with no bone-in pieces of chicken. Oddly, it was served both over egg noodles and under egg noodles. Why there were egg noodles on top of the dish I do not know.

My entree was the Lamb Shank - HUGE caveman-sized portion of tender meat on the bone, but that was it - no sauce or reduction to speak of. Served on a pile of overly buttery vegetables. Ugh. I took most of the meat home out of guilt and it's still sitting in the fridge. And more fluffy parsley decorations - enough already with the Marriott school of garnishes.
We also had a side of ratatouille , which was decent. I was thinking that the chef should just puree that a bit and use it for a sauce for the lamb.

This has got to be one of the worst meals I've had in Park Slope and it was not cheap - the bill was around $150 with drinks, etc. All food aside, the service was very attentive and friendly.

This is my first negative write-up on Chowhound, but seriously, it was just plain bad. I don't think we'll be back...

Say what you will about Belleville - the food I've had there was far better than AOC.