Artful Gourmet Bistro

We wanted to try a different restaurant this week so we went to the Artful Gourmet at 630pm on Thursday. The ambience is pleasant not particularly creative. The clientele was mostly older caucasians with a flair for the pretentious. \r \r We spent a lot of time waiting while at the table. The waitress did take our order after about 10 minutes. (The Da Vinci, which is baked chicken, and the lettuce wraps). We waited for probably 30 minutes for our meals, I didnt keep exact time. They also did not bring the bread out to our table and I had to ask for it. \r \r The staff is courteous and the bussers kept our water glasses full which I appreciated. But the food was lackluster at best and between all the waiting and the boring, canned food (My chicken for the wrap was almost definitely pre cooked, pre cut frozen chicken; I am willing to bet the vegetable sauce on my husbands chicken was canned) there is just no way I will be going back. The prices are extremely bloated for food product that is no better than a Morrisons cafeteria. \r \r If you are over 55 without discerning taste buds and have plenty of time to kill, this is the place for you. Pros: Nice patio area Cons: the food, the price more

THE ATMOSPHERE -----The dishes are named after artists or works of art and the dining areas are filled with paintings. It is located off a somewhat busy street in Owings Mills, however the bistro sits back far enough to allow the customers dining on the patio a relaxing meal. The front dining area is semi self serve, order you meal at the counter, grab a drink, and choose your own table. If you would like a more traditional arrangement you can sit in the back bar area, full service...........................\r \r THE FOOD-----\r \r The dishes are named after famous artists or works of art, however you don't have to be an art buff to order off the menu. My recommendation is The Botticelli, penne pasta, with pesto, mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, feta and parmesan cheese. They have a selection of Panini sandwiches and wraps. My favorite is the Rousseau. If you get a sandwich an upgrade to the sweet potato fires is a must! Pros: Good Food, Good Location, Good Service Cons: The intersecting roads can be busy more