Winberie's

I went here after I had heard the brunch here was good. I should have known, since it's a recommendation for a place in oak park. The brunch was 3-star hotel quality. Something you would get at a Marriott, Holiday Inn, La Quinta etc for free. Normal business fair, with a guy making omlets and another crepes. Now this is fine, I don't mind it...but for $18 a person I expect a much better brunch. Wait staff while pleasant, was slow. Never got my kitchen order. Waited what seemed like an eternity for refills of drinks.

We have been going here for years because they are convenient. Saturday night we had finally had it. I ordered a meal I order regularly. I asked to substitute these wonderful potatoes. They said they would up-charge-I said fine. They did what they did the last three times I ordered them-they didn't bring them. This time, they tried to bring the regular potato-like I wouldn't notice. I said-this is the wrong potato. The waiter brings me back what was obviously a potatoe that was either left over from someone's plate or the last of a pan, with no topping, and dried out from the microwave. I said, "You're kidding, right?" He took it back-returns, then admits that they were out and baking more. I said, "This is the samething that has happened the last three times. Maybe plan ahead. I was a server for years. I'm a patient woman. I don't mind waiting,but I don't like someone trying to fool me." They eventually brought the potatoes, they weren't good, they never apologized, didn't take anything off our bill, and up-charged for the potatoes. This is how they are. And the reason they are this way-is because they can be. They are owned by one of the huge companies-Nabisco or something. I love Oak Park. I will never go there again. They have some really good dishes-but they are inconsistent, and they do not care about their customers. And this one manager, a guy, works during the day, couldn't be ruder, nastier, snobbier... Also, they are over-priced. They have a nice wine list-but it is ridiculously over-priced. They take themselves a bit seriously. I'm pretty irritated. And I'm the kind of person who tips well, no matter what, and almost nothing bothers me in a restaurant. This bothered me. It would be lovely if we could all send them a nice little message. Service matters...

My fiance and I ordered the chocolate fondue to share. Her recommended wine turned out to be an excellent choice, and the coffee I ordered (I forget the name, but it has the orange and chocolate flavor added) was FANTASTIC. The fondue filled the belly well, and we were able to enjoy the evening outside. Service was attentative, friendly and helpful. A pricier establishment, but since I have not had any other dishes yet, I can't give a more specific critique of the menu.