This location is now closed.
Joey mentioned to me that he was interested in trying Chateau Lamothe in Burnsville. Well known for its highly rated wine list, we did the restaurant absolutely no justice by sticking to water. A cozy and family run restaurant, this location pokes its head out from behind several suburban hotels and is buffered by an entrance ramp to I-35 right across from Nicollet Ave in Burnsville. We’d heard many good things about the place including that it was a near diamond in the rough and really brought something special to an area which was generally devoid of any similar dining options prior to Porter Creek Hardwood Grill.
Chateau Lamothe really rolls out the red carpet for its guests and provides everyone with a great overview of the menu, special care to explain the history behind their most famous dishes, and even delivers water in a festive holiday pitcher apparently dug from the depths of the chef’s home one winter night. All wonderful touches which make any restaurant a nice place to escape for an evening.
I ordered what was sold to me as one of Julia Child’s most famous dishes–Boeuf Bourguignon. A classic meal which Oprah’s website proclaims, “one of the most delicious beef dishes concocted by man,” sounded like the absolute best entree on the eve of, “the worst snow storm since the famed Halloween Blizzard of 1991.” Seriously, what isn’t to like when a dish contains bacon, beef, and red wine? This dish had me nearly foaming at the mouth prior to its arrival at the table. Clearly I had been looking forward to this meal for weeks as I always enjoy an evening out with my lovely wife and good friends while The Rooster squawks angrily at someone else for a few hours.
After dinner we went home and flipped through the Netflix streaming queue. About a week before I blindly added Julie and Julia based on a quick recommendation from a Netflix streaming aggregator site. I knew nothing about the movie aside from the fact that it was about Julia Child. Turns out it’s about a blogger who spends a year going through Julia Child’s famous cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking recreating the recipes and writing about her experiences. At one point near the end of the movie a woman who was reading over a copy of Julia’s recipes to determine its publishing worth decided to cook Boeuf Bourguignon at home. After tasting it she was nearly brought to her knees–a feeling which I myself have experienced a few times and, like any addict, wish to repeat time and time again…always searching for a better high.
So Chateau Lamothe’s large and steaming bowl of Boeuf Bourguignon arrives at the table. Simple enough with whole mushrooms, bright and fresh green peas poking out from behind potatoes and carrots, and a hunk of crusty bread just begging to receive a hearty dunking in the stew. Their recreation of Julia Child’s famous dish did not bring me to my knees and unfortunately while all of the ingredients were there and done correctly, it just lacked something I was unable to put a finger on. The meat was extremely tender but not to the point of falling apart, the potatoes were perfectly cooked and the mushrooms had just the right texture. Unfortunately it all tasted the same–like many of the stews I make each winter and somehow fail to execute properly. While they were trying very hard and were clearly interested in closing the feedback loop as the server, one of the owners, and even the chef came out of the kitchen to ask us how everything was, I was left at a loss for words. While it was fine, it wasn’t worth the $19 I paid for it.
But even so there were some bright spots. My friends both had excellent soups. The lobster bisque was a smooth, creamy and hearty concoction which brought kudos from Joey. His wife’s French onion soup, while not served exactly how you see it everywhere else, was hearty and full of what she proclaimed were the most perfectly sized onions for the soup. My wife’s pork and Joey’s wife’s Beef Wellington were both cooked to perfection.
However the misses kept on rolling in. My wife’s carrots and wild rice were missing any distinctive flavors. Everyone complained that the potatoes were bland and without salt and pepper available on our table, or any table in our immediate area for that matter, there was little hope for improvement. A half tomato covered in cheese adorned the sides of the ladies’ plates and was just as ho-hum as the rest. Everyone seemed to agree that a simple shrug of the shoulders would suffice to explain the experience. This would have been fine if the average cost per entree hadn’t been $24.
While there were some hits and some misses, the evening ended on a great note with homemade peanut butter cookies delivered to the table with the love and affection that the rest of the food had been. The food may have not been as wonderful as we all had made it out to be in our heads but Joey noted that at least it was better than anything you would ever be served across the street at Chianti Grill.
Address:
Chateau Lamothe
14351 Nicollet Ct
Burnsville, MN 55306-4574
Phone:
952-435-7709
See all the pictures from Chateau Lamothe on Flickr here.
No related posts.
Dakota Complaints Map
Dakota Inmate Dashboard
Loading ...
December 17th, 2010 at 7:43 am
No wine? Really?
My parents go here on occasion and love the place. They mostly just get wine and appetizers though.
December 17th, 2010 at 8:32 am
Great people at Chateau Lomothe. Its always a fun evening to visit and the food is generally very good.
December 17th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Nice poke at the terrible Chianti Grille. Those never get old.
This Lamothe place has a pretty interesting menu, I think we will give it a try. Hopefully our experience will be better than yours. I give them credit for even trying Boeuf Bourguignon, as that is a really tough dish in my opinion.
That said, I have had very few meals ever that have brought me to my knees outside of La Belle Vie.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:15 am
This is a great place to go for a special occassion or just a casual night out. We love the food, the service, and the atmosphere.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:23 am
We have always had good experiences at Chateau Lamothe. We may be headed there tonight.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:48 am
I’m very surprised that people are so positive about this place. We arrived at 6:00 and they were booked with reservations until 8:00. I realize the service is friendly and the cozy (some would say cramped) atmosphere is appealing. I had no problem on those accounts at all and enjoyed the place.
But at $91 (with tip) for 2 entrees and 2 appetizers (no drinks) I expect the meal to impress me, not just the soup. Sure, the $8 lobster bisque was good, but the silence 2 minutes into our entrées when our server asked, “How is everything?” said it all. The meal wasn’t bad and nobody really disliked it, but nothing wowed us. It just wasn’t worth the price.
I came in with low expectations, mostly because I tend to like a place better if I haven’t built it up in my head. Unfortunately, those low expectations were pretty much met.
@O.B.B., my excuse on not doing wine is that my wife is pregnant. In truth though, I’m not really a wine connoisseur.
December 17th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
We tried Chateau Lamothe one time and were very disappointed — their reach exceeds their grasp more often than not. I had a roast duck that “solved” the problem of tender meat vs. crispy skin by serving the skin separately, which was just weird. The whole experience came across as pretentious and off-target, like “fine dining” presented by people who have only read about fine dining in books or magazines and never experienced it first-hand.
December 17th, 2010 at 1:31 pm
O.B.B., when I drink wine I’m totally satisfied with a $5 to $10 bottle. I simply don’t know enough about it or really care to know enough about it to spend more–especially by the glass. I mean, I’m thrilled that Chateau Lamothe has amassed the congratulations for its wine list that it has but it simply doesn’t appeal to me much. Now, if they had an award winning beer list then I’d be all for it.
December 17th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I wonder what was missing from the stew (I’m too lazy to spell check today, so I’ll just call it “stew.”) Now you’ve got me wondering, and I’ve never even HAD it, so I wouldn’t know a good one from a bad one.
December 17th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Distinct flavor was the biggest thing.
December 17th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
It’s interesting – unlike the Julia Child recipe, Jacques Pepin doesn’t use water or stock, just red wine. Wonder if that would make it richer.
Sorry – I know the recipe isn’t the topic here, I just like playing with my food. : )
December 17th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
“The whole experience came across as pretentious and off-target, like “fine dining” presented by people who have only read about fine dining in books or magazines and never experienced it first-hand.”
Well said, Jill T.! That was my impression as well, the one time that I was there. They have high hopes, but it’s almost as though they don’t really know what things are supposed to taste like or how to identify good-quality ingredients. It’s like they have very romantic ideas, but don’t know how to execute them.
December 17th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
i’ve made Boeuf Bourguignon before and it’s not worth my effort and the mrs didn’t like it:( i did:)
i don’t think we’ll make it to lamothe any time soon.
bb
December 17th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I occasionally braise beef with red wine, beef stock, herbs, and veg. It’s yummy, but not at all “fancy”; more like everyday eats. I don’t bother following a recipe. Julia used “stew beef”; in these days of poorer-quality beef, it’s best to use chuck. Also, there are no potatoes or peas in Julia’s (or in mine), so I’m not sure why the Chateau would include them. I suspect it’s not her recipe and that their recipe and ingredients are less than top-notch.
December 17th, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Good evening. I heard Chateau was moving to the Westside neighborhood of St. Paul soon.
December 17th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
According to reader Dave CL is closing on 12/23 for good: http://twitter.com/squarelogo/status/15973242032365568
December 17th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Just another case of LLKOD [Lazy Lightning Kiss of Death (c) ]
December 17th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
That does sound good, Sandy. Pepin’s mother made the stew in her restaurant every day, and it was not a high end place.
I got it into my head to make it for us tomorrow, so when I picked up my husband from his work at Costco, I suggested we stop to shop for ingredients. First we had the Byerly’s vs. Cub debate (I’ve been in the back rooms of Cubs: No, thanks!)
We compromised by going to Burnsville Target. (I hate Archer Farms forever, but I was tired and cold and I wanted to go home.) The parking lot, filled with crazed Target holiday shoppers, convinced us both that we’d rather settle for freezer leftovers. Ah, well, another time.
December 18th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
The family is taking over another catering venue in St. Paul. The restaurant is shutting down, not moving.
December 18th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Michele, boy, do I ever understand that. Beware, though, that Target beef has a lot of additives that shouldn’t be there. The print is VERY tiny on this admission.
December 19th, 2010 at 12:40 am
Bill, this is a timely post. We’ve driven over to Chateau LaMothe, looked into the windows and wondered “when is this place ever open?”
You have to dig around on their website to find their hours and site doesn’t really make a compelling statement to figure out what’s special about the place. We always thought maybe it was a front for money laundering for the mob because every time we stopped for gas at the PDQ, there were never any cars there or anyone around.
Well, at least we know someone figured out when to go. We’ll figure out a way to go over.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:12 am
I have never even heard about this place until I read this review. Guess we won’t be trying to anytime soon since it sounds like it’s closing.
December 20th, 2010 at 9:18 am
I find it interesting that the owners/chef etc. took such care in ensuring that you liked your meal, Bill, but when you posted that it wasn’t very good they shut down. Why would they care so much if they knew they were closing in two weeks?
Normally I would think that it is a coincidence, but the timing seems as if you did kill this place, at least killed it earlier than it was going to kill itself otherwise.
I suspect a glowing review might have kept them going.
Is that your take?
December 20th, 2010 at 9:24 am
If only I were that narcissistic.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Bill, Bill, Bill, if only you would use your amazing powers for good…
December 21st, 2010 at 9:27 am
I make a beef braised in Barolo (i am too cheap to use good barolo so i use shiraz or cabernet from California) and like pepin, you dont use any water, just red wine… no potatoes… but you do put thyme and shallots in it, you could also use good beef broth i suppose in combo with the wine.
CL has been open for years, i went once. Meh. your review hits the target, just nothing special. That area is a black hole as noted, who would even know there was a place there, although they do have a sign that is fairly high and can be seen from 35-E approaching northbound.
December 21st, 2010 at 5:34 pm
A late post here, apparently. My wife and I had our wedding reception here three years ago, we were very pleased with that end of the business. (My take is that they’re primarily a catering/reception hall, with the restaurant kind of an add-on thing.) I liked the restaurant, thought the food was decent for the price, but sometimes had trouble getting in; it was a very small room. Sad to see them go, they were several cuts above the typical chain restaurant fare, and a level above Doolittles and the like, IMHO. The owners were always friendly, and you have to appreciate that kind of personal service these days. I hope they’re moving on to better things.
December 23rd, 2010 at 10:46 am
[...] Porter Creek Hardwood Grill 2. Windmill Cafe 3. Valley Diner 4. Junior’s Sports Cafe 5. Chateau Lamothe (closed) 6. India Palace 7. Fireside Pizza 8. Blondie’s Tavern 9. Rack Shack BBQ 10. [...]
December 23rd, 2010 at 11:49 am
Hi Bill! Alyson here, your server at the Chateau a couple of weeks ago. Thank you so much for joining us in our special spot. You made it just in time before closing Chateau’s doors. I am so proud of the service we extended the south metro community these past 5 1/2 years. We have made the greatest friends from having so many regular diners here at our cozy place, we have been so blessed. Now we are excited to go on to great things in St. Paul. We will be running Fun Foods & Chateau Lamothe Catering, as we manage the kitchen out of the Neighborhood House at the Wellstone Center, a huge non-profit facility. This is a fantastic opportunity for us, and are excited to run with it!
Here is our info about what is happening to us, you can also see on Facebook about what is going on…You will also find articles in the local newspapers in the next week!
http://www.facebook.com/ahoel1#!/pages/Chateau-Lamothe-WineDineEvents/50102404103
http://campaigns.ratepoint.com/campaigns/528000c6f88c60b589af6dd676d60721?pm=1&r=1e6a9f1aa908ccba4c24c31d0f72a85c
http://www.cateringisgood.com
Merry Christmas!
December 23rd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Alyson,
The one thing I’m missing in all of this: What’s happening to the space in Burnsville?
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Blada, I work for the mob, and let me tell you….it was frustrating how many times I had to turn around and go home when the place was closed rather than do the money drop and body disposal I had intended to do there.
Seriously though, if you peered in the windows you should have seen the sign that said they were closed Mondays and Tuesdays….their hours were no great mystery.
My wife and I were married at the Chateau on Halloween night two years ago, and if the place was pretentious it’s hard to imagine them being comfortable with me dressed as Frankenstein, my bride to be dressed as the Bride of Frankenstein, and the service done by someone dressed as a level 21 Dungeon Master from Dungeons and Dragons…..with 150 guests in goofy costumes as well. It was a fantastic night, and they did a great job with the food and decorations….we can’t count how many times people told us it was the best wedding they ever attended. If this location reverts back to a Fuddruckers or something similar, it will be a bit sad to try and picture where we stood for our vows amongst the condiment bar and nacho cheese dispenser.
Larry the piano player and singer on weekends was always a nice touch….and if that seemed pretentious you probably weren’t paying attention when I walked in and he would instantly perform the theme to the Greatest American Hero TV show (Believe it or not, I’m walking air….), a song I jokingly told him he needed to learn. My wife and I also played cribbage at the bar while people were eating nearby dozens of times….nobody freaked out about the sound of cards shuffling or Dave the owner excitedly asking who was winning and jumping on the bandwagon of whomever was ahead.
There’s nothing pretentious about good service and a friendly atmosphere…. This place is something that Burnsville and the south metro sorely needed and it leaves a gaping hole in its closing. The food was great, and if you weren’t in love with one dish you’d easily find something else on the menu that is to your liking. The wine selection was outstanding, I never had a bad bottle there……and they had a great selection of Scotch as well. They hosted hundreds of private events, wine tastings, scotch tastings, Santa breakfasts…..all stuff you’re not going to find at Porter Creek, as good as that place seems to be.
And please…..a website called Lazy Lightning did not cause a restaurant to close. This ain’t Hooters, where they sneak out on their staff in the middle of the night the day before paychecks are due. You can be rest assured this transition has been in the works for quite a while.
We can’t thank enough Dave, Doris, Chris, Alyson and the Chateau’s entire staff past and present for providing us their friendship, food, drink, and the opportunity to meet other customers and start new friendships with them. We’ll meet you all at Sbarro in the very near future.
Steve Rood
Prior Lake
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Steve, the thing about my review closing the place was an inside joke.
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Beats me! We do not own this building, we will be out of here…whos coming in…time will tell. But it will never be the same for a lot of people.
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Hi Bill….totally got that part…I just don’t think everyone else necessarily did.
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays rather. I really should proofread.
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Rood Dog,
Very nice post. Well said.
December 23rd, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Thanks Alyson. With all the work you guys did in there pre-opening, I thought maybe it was your building.
I didn’t mean to gloss this over: Best of luck to your family in this new thing. I remember first meeting Dave and Doris — my wife and I were checking out the “new place” that was going in by the hotels and they invited us in to see the space while it was still under construction. We got the whole to-do…explanation about the name, the murals, etc. I’ve always enjoyed having a unique place to go and chill so close by. Sorry to see you go.
September 14th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
Chateau Lamothe’s former owners have filed for bankruptcy: http://www.thisweeklive.com/2011/09/14/former-chateau-lamothe-owner-declares-bankruptcy/
September 24th, 2011 at 9:29 am
Just to clarify, the article did NOT attempt to contact Doris in every way possible. They did not try her new business email by Fun Foods, just a quick google and they would have found her. Also to clarify, Fun Food Catering is NOT closed, never was and is still in business and is protected as LLC. We had a beautiful function the day after the article was published at the Lakeville Art Center for just under 200 guests. Its a shame the truth was not published.
September 24th, 2011 at 9:33 am
alyson, thanks for the clarification and good luck.
September 24th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Does Thisweeklive publish articles for every bankruptcy? That’s a low blow.
September 24th, 2011 at 5:59 pm
http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Athisweeklive.com+bankrupt
September 24th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
So where are the detailed articles about non business related bankruptcies? I have no issue if it makes the paper, but a long article that may or may not be accurate is more humiliating than it already probably is, in my opinion.
In this situation, it could have absolutely no relationship to the business this person runs. It could be medical bills, legal bills or any multitude of things not related to the income side of the balance sheet. Not that I have any knowledge of this specific situation, mind you.
September 26th, 2011 at 9:08 am
I would disagree with Lefty, it was an ongoing business in Burnsville for quite a while , and Chateau attracted plenty of both good and bad reviews I think over several years in media publications and on blogs. Much of the press was positive and the article notes that. I would say the bankruptcy is a typical follow up story especially in light of the restaurant closing.
The article states Fun Foods Catering is closed, apparently that is not true accdg to Alyson. it is likely operating under bankruptcy protection. Operating income from an LLC flows thru to the owners as personal income, the legal protection isnt very much and i would assume if the business has a chance to survive it is in everybody’s interest to protect it so any unpaid creditors can be served and the bankruptees kept alive financially.
If Fun Foods is not closed, This is an error and the paper should retract that statement if it untrue.
I suppose as Lefty says the bankruptcy could be caused by other matters, but the closing of a cash flow intensive business (the restaurant), with the simultaneous continuance of another supposedly successful business would seem to argue it was more a case of another victim of the recession, and a bad location (the restaurant). And the report of assets to liabilities seems innocuous enough… sounds like they are making the right business decision in the situation.
October 5th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Looks like someone’s gong to try again…
http://www.thisweeklive.com/2011/10/05/american-pub-to-replace-chateau-lamothe/
October 28th, 2011 at 8:23 am
[...] visit at Ernie’s Pub & Grille, the location which previously housed the now defunct Chateau Lamothe. Being that we had a lackluster experience at the Chateau, we were looking forward to seeing what [...]