Carlyle Awards

Carlyle Restaurant Review:

Even after simplifying its name (dropping the “Grand Café”) and losing its noted chef, Carlyle is still a chic place to eat and to be seen in the trendy ’burbs. Dropping by for lunch may be a speedier time to catch one of the salads, burgers, sandwiches or steak entrées, otherwise the wait may be lengthy. It’s bistro fare, but with an edge: think along the lines of Tex-Mex egg rolls with black beans, a warmed goat cheese and spiced pecans salad, and New Orleans shrimp and creamy grits. Try the Caesar salad, listed as small but really rather robust and loaded with Parmesan, and the chicken grill sandwich, dripping with melted havarti cheese and a lemon-basil mayonnaise. The flourless chocolate waffle and the old-fashioned banana pudding may find you loosening your belt. A modest but well-grounded wine list adds to the bistro buzz.