Provence

11/09/2008 Posted by morrisonjohn

We went here a number of times and had nice meals. Then, about a year or so ago, we had a very disappointing experience. Let us begin at the beginning. Their wine steward hasn't a clue. My wife did not want more than a glass of wine, so we ordered Pinot Noir by the glass. Mistake. It wasn't cheap -- $10 per glass for a meager pour. We noticed that the staff lavished attention on a table of regulars. Their party had five people in it. They ordered two bottles of wine. Voila! Proper glassware appears! For us, we got a really mediocre house wine (I don't expect this in an nice establishment) poured in tiny glasses to the brim. Hey, this country hayseed from the New York and Philadelphia areas knows what a Pinot glass looks like. We both ordered the same seafood dish that was to be prepared tableside. The waitress had not been properly trained to present the dish. It was embarrassing. And the dish was a featured item on the menu. We were ignored by the staff and were treated with disdain. Needless to say, this place is OFF my recommended list and we haven't been back. Smart job, management. That decision has cost you a bail of money and some very soured goodwill. It has put you squarely on my list of places I tell my friends, colleagues and students to avoid. Someone from Provence should take a walk down Franklin to the Carolina Inn. They get wine right. And service too.

Pros: It used to be good, but the past tense doesn't count.

Cons: Attitude.

03/17/2008 Posted by kellyvries

We recently took a visitor from France to Provence and he was greatly impressed by the food. He informed us it was the "real thing". Our waitress suggested that we try the escargot in roquefort and the seafood bisque. I will go back just for those two appetizers alone. The seafood was outstanding, mine was a grouper wrapped in basil leaves, but those that ordered the beef wellington were happy too. I'm still full but ready to go back.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/15/2008 Posted by malbec75

My husband and I were fans of Provence for years. They had one of the best wine selections, appetizers and fish to choose from without the formal pompous atmosphere one associates with a higher end restaurant. Unfortunately in the past 6 months we have continuously experienced apathetic service, food portions have increased--however quality has decreased. They sitll have pretty eclectic wine list, the hostess is extremely friendly and the a romantic setting.

Pros: Easy parking, romantic relaxed atmosphere, wine list

Cons: service, food quantiy and quality

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/29/2008 Posted by BarryDK

The seafood selection is outstanding and the preperation, presentation and taste was the best I have had in the Triangle area. I would recommend to anyone. We plan to return next week for a Birthday celebration.

12/28/2007 Posted by bornandbread

Recent reviews of this restaurant were less than stellar. My friend wanted to go for dinner for a special ocassion but after reading recent reviews I was skeptical. I let Michael know when I made the reservations. We arrived and were pleasantly surprised by the ambience (opposite of what I had read). It was romantic with lighting that was just right. It was also busy given the time we went (8:00). Our waiter Alex was excellent and knowledgeable. He answered our questions and did an expert table side filet of the Red Snapper my friend had ordered. The Shashimi Tuna was excellent as well as the salmon and sole with almondine that our other guests had. From the succulent fish to, wine, to dessert, we thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Our favorite in town photographer (Catherine Carter) had prints on display that really made the room feel warm. After dinner we talked with Michael and he had remembered my conversation with him and what I had read on City serach. So, to Michael, per my word, here is a review that your restaraunt is deserving of. Keep up the good work and our compliments to all of you and you staff! By the the way, for those who are interested, they are having a New Years eve event, so call and book in a hurry!

Pros: Atmosphere, owner/chef on premises

Cons: none

12/22/2007 Posted by dsandra

My husband and I have been eating at Provence regularly since we moved here 3 years ago. It is the only place in town we will eat fish (which is superb), the cottage is adorable and the waitstaff is always smiling and professional. This weekend our extended family was visiting and we took them to eat at Provence for the first time. In our party we had 1 vegan, 1 glucose-intolerant and 1 picky child. What could have been a difficult dinner ended up being the easiest and most appreciated evening. My brother said his vegan plate (pasta in pesto surrounded by beautiful grilled vegetables) was maybe the best he had ever had. Thanks Provence for going out of your way to make our evening special.

Pros: Consistency of food, Ambiance, Parking, Outdoor seating, Regular waitstaff,

Cons: Dining room can be loud on weekends

12/14/2007 Posted by canileavenow

What a change--and not for the better. I ate here with out-of-town relatives two years ago, and the meal was wonderful. The food and service were well above average, and the place was busy that night. Two months ago (Oct. 2007) I went to Provence with my mother and a friend (both of whom had eaten there more times than I had), and we all agreed--everything's gone downhill. The food took an extraordinary amount of time to get to the table, which was odd, as, aside from the three of us, there were only four other diners in the restaurant. Our waitress apologized for the wait, and brought an extra bread basket, but neglected to bring the butter. When we requested more butter, she was unwilling to bring it, but did eventually bring two small pats. Quite a tussle to get some butter, and not even enough of it! I had ordered the lemon sole Meuniere, and when it finally came, it looked as if a bare tablespoon of sauce had been carefully drizzled across the length of the fish. When I requested more sauce, it was the "butter tussle" all over again, but the waitress finally brought a dab more sauce in a tiny cup. The friend my mother and I were dining with went through the same thing with her order of beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce--a scant spoonful was on the dish, and she had to ask for more sauce, several times. before the waitress brought it. The desserts were on the dry side. We had coffee with the desserts, and again, there was something of a tussle to get a second cup. Plainly, Provence is going downhill (the near-emptiness of the place when we came in should have told us something). Apparently they're really counting the pennies, and won't cut loose with butter, or sauce, or coffee, without something of a fight! Provence has gone from a place I used to recommend unreservedly (as did my mother), to "Well, it's too bad it's not what it used to be." I really couldn't recommend it as it is now.

05/24/2007 Posted by marcyo

We were a party of 8 once, of 4 another, and am looking forward to going again soon with 10 of us. Each one is treated like royalty, the baked whole fish was amazing, the desserts incredible. the tables outside really offer a lovely dining eveing. They have a well trained French chef who prepares some of the best meals around. Superb.

Pros: the food, service, lovely old house converted to a restaurant

Cons: none

02/27/2007 Posted by valeriefrusa

What impresses me most about Provence is that we have been there over a dozen times and have yet to be disappointed. In fact, the most difficult part of the evening is choosing which wonderful items to choose from. I always feel compelled to order one of the seafood offerings because finding perfectly prepared fish is almost impossible. Salmon, sole, halibut all are prepared without too many competing flavors.s. My husband on the other hand most often orders the beef Wellington, the lamb or the wild boar, which I love to share with him. The real dilemma though is choosing appetizers: my favorites are the escargot, the bisque and the onion soup. It is so hard to save room for the chocolate mousse, but I always do. The service has been professional and friendly, not stiff or pushy. It is so nice to have a dependably good dinner.

Pros: Ambiance, decor, service, consistency, menu selections

Cons: Very little handicapped parking

07/19/2006 Posted by afr

Had a lovely dinner there on one of the hottest, most humid nights this summer. The thought of having to dress up made me feel faint so I called the restaurant before our 8pm reservation to ask about the dress code. I still wore pearls and linen, but my sweet husband blew in Carrboro-style in shorts and a crisp t-shirt. It was the nicest setting we'd been in a long time and we like to go out now that the grown kids can be left sans babysitter. The wait staff was quick and friendly and the Frenchman who greeted us couldn't have been warmer to us. (I think he told us we could wear shorts!) Everything tasted fresh and was just as pretty as the French it was written in. Some may argue this point with me, but I thought the servings were too large, even for an ugly American like me. Once it cools off some and my lipstick doesn't melt off on the rim of my Sauvignon, it will be nice to sit outside for a meal. Until then.

Pros: friendly wait staff; welcoming feel; small bar; parking in back

Cons: none, really