Monarch

11/28/2007 Posted by simone75

I have dined at Monarch many times and never have I been disappointed. My favorite person to wait on me is Lacey. She takes the time to explain the wines and the dishes without sounding pretentious or condescending. It is my favorite restaurant to take clients or celebrate with my family.

Pros: Excellent service, food and ambience

Cons: Expensive if you don't appreciate fine dining.

11/27/2007 Posted by sallyserver

I was confused upon reading the post by anne 2346 when she described her lunch experience at Monarch in October 07. Clearly she has found a way to time travel, as Monarch has not served lunch since December 2005. Impressive!

Pros: Great service; Excellent food

Cons: Beautiful view of Shop 'N Save

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/27/2007 Posted by anne2346

I work in the Maplewood area and met a friend for lunch at Monarch. It's pretty. Very "cool". Service? Not so cool. Food? Nothing special. We were seated near someone important - no idea who, but the staff were falling all over themselves to the extent that my lunch partner and I became quite invisible. We truly felt ignored. We waited, rather than walking out ,because we both had to get back to work, but it was seriously poor service. When we spoke to our server about it, he seriously seemed shocked that we didn't understand how busy they were, which was interesting since they were only about half full. When my Ceasar salad arrived I was relieved that I'd get to eat, but not at all impressed. Will I go there again? Can't think why I would.

Pros: Looks good

Cons: Doesn't live up to its look. Uninspiring food and even less inspiring service on our visit.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/26/2007 Posted by cindyzf

Overrated Reputation We recently ate at Monarch based on recommendations from others. Overall, the experience was mixed. Although the food was good, the chef's behavior put a damper on our meal and the prices were excessive for the amount of food served. We were impressed when the receptionist asked if we had any dietary restrictions. (We do.) She said the chef would be happy to explain alternatives. We were eager to see what Monarch would offer. The service by the wait staff was professional, but the chef's attitude was arrogant and condescending in his review of what we could not have off the menu. He came out and proceeded to read through the menu and say over and over, "You can't have that and you can't have that, and of course you can't have that." His tone of voice was belittling, as though it was our fault we have food allergies or intolerances. His lecture was not helpful. (We already know how to read a menu and find foods we can eat.) The chef's idea of offering alternatives was to say "I can leave x, y and z ingredients out." Hmmm. Seems like that would drastically alter a dish with four or five ingredients. Also, the chef had trouble looking at us while speaking. He was too busy swivelling his head around checking out other patrons and restaurant employees. This did not inspire our confidence. We order salads and seafood. The salad was good. The seafood was tasty but was in extremely small portions. One entree was between $25 and $30 and the portion was slightly bigger than a soup spoon. I ordered 2 ounces of wine with dinner because I thought $8 for a glass of ordinary white wine was expensive. I know restaurants make their money off the drinks, but after having lived in Europe for seven years, I find wine prices in U.S. restaurants outrageous. We would be unlikely to return and be subjected to this chef again. Perhaps with time he will learn to treat his customers with respect and dignity.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/16/2007 Posted by daveaustintx

While the food and ambiance is quite good, it really doesn't overdeliver....I was quite disappointed, and my date's fish was chewy and overcooked.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/11/2006 Posted by elisehwall

After growing up in Richmond Heights, it is nice to see nice establishments such as Monarch open up to create a more inviting experience for Maplewood. The interiors are great and the space is well thought out with the bar almost separate from the restaurant. The food of course was equally enjoyable.

Pros: Decor, Service

Cons: Parking

08/17/2006 Posted by hopdog2

The bar staff is top drawer! I can't begin to say how great the service I received was on 3 seperate occasions, without failure. Michele B. was poised, pleasant, and extremely knowledgable about the wines, beers, liquors, etc. without being condescending or patronizing. With an attitude and aptitude like hers, this girl is a true asset for Monarch and I for one will refer all my business associates and friends to drink -- and dine -- great, fun & fresh food! What a fabulous find! What a boost to Maplewood!

Pros: Veteran Bartenders

Cons: Couldn't fault a thing on my service. Food portions proportional.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/08/2005 Posted by joycebaum

We had a party for 18 people(including a 3 & 8 yr old) , it was fantastic from cocktails through dessert. EVERYONE loved everything, food(fantastic), service, ambience!! Would recommend to anyone looking for a great experience, not to be out done by anyone in St. Louis! We were celebrating a 95th birthday and waned the evening to be perfect, it certainly was. We made all arrangements on the internet, couldn't have been more pleased!

Pros: food, service, ambience

09/06/2005 Posted by 1971martir

Monarch is wonderful! Jeff Orbin is pure genius!! Everything about my dining experience was wonderful, the wait staff, food, and atmosphere. This is a restaraunt that is a top notch addition to the city of St.Louis. Congratulations on a spectacular job!!

Pros: Food, wait staff, atmosphere

Cons: none

09/05/2005 Posted by 1971martir199

Jeff Orbin is a pure genius! This is an amazing addition to the city of St.Louis. The food, atmosphere, and wait staff are all top notch!!! A simply beautiful restaraunt. Congratulations to Monarch for a job well done!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Food, wine list

Cons: None