I attended the most recent Garde Manger Grand Buffet at Kendall College on Nov 6, 2008 and it was a mind-blowing, all you can eat assortment of hors d?oeuvres, pates, mousses, terrines and charcuterie. A plated cobb salad was also available. In addition to these cold items, the hot entrees included Beef Wellington and Shrimp de Jonghe. \r
\r
As great as the lunch was, the desserts were also to die for. I tried a sliver each of Pear Mousse, Mango Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Opera Cake, and flourless Chocolate Cake, each better that the last. Servers will slice the desserts paper thin if you ask so you can try as many of the dozen or so items as possible. The coffee was also delicious.\r
\r
This was the first time I had been to the Dining room at Kendall College, so I guess in the back of my mind, I was expecting a school cafeteria experience - but with wine! Well, this is anything but! The 3rd floor space is open and clean with exposed brick and walls of windows. The silverware, crystal and linen rival Chicago's fine dining restaurants. \r
\r
The total cost per person of $25 included the buffet, one non-alcoholic beverage, and tax. The dining room was BYOB with no corkage fee at lunch. The servers did a great job of refilling the wine and water glasses and removing the plates from the table during my many trips to the buffet table. \r
\r
Warning: The buffet had 2 seatings - 12:00 and 12:30. The 12:30 reservation is fine if you don't dawdle (like we did). Otherwise, try to get the noon seating so you have time to savor every bite and finish your bottle of wine.
Pros: BYOB w/no corkage fee at lunch, free parking, friendly service
more