I decided to try Bistro Vatel on a Friday evening early and was seated promptly. The ""special"" was Dover Sole Mueniere, a dish that I remember fondly from lunches at now long gone Chez Ardid. There the waiter would bring the whole fish fresh and crisp to the table and remove the bones intact, leaving you with the most delectable meal. None of that happened at Bistro Vatel. It was brought already plated and drenched with sauce and had soggy crust and was overcooked. And it cost almost $30. Dessert was an almond-pear tart that had been resting awhile and was quite dry. A double espresso was $7. Accompanying vegetables were good though.
more