Re: Madame Janette
 

They didn't ask me for a credit card in December (I went on Christmas night).

Re: Madame Janette
 

When I made reservations at MJ's for Dec. the reservation was for 8 people, maybe that is why Job (the guy that emailed me) told me a CC was required to hold the reservation and I also had to re-confirm by phone once I arrived at LaCabana. Actually, he asked me to print my confirmation and bring it with me but our printer what not working then so could not do as he requested. We have been making reservations with MJ's for 6 years and never cancelled and always showed up on time, but in the past it was for only 2 people not 8 and they did not ask for a CC to hold the reservation for just the 2 of us. He told me in an email that a lot of people were making reservations on-line and then did not show up. Of course Dec. is one of their prime seasons also.

Re: Madame Janette
 

There was a time when we used to go to MJ's and see lots of empty tables but were having a hard time getting reservations or a time slot that we wanted...they told us that so many people make reservations and never show up. Maybe people make several a night and then decided which restaurant they feel like eating in and go elsewhere...who knows. But after that they started to take credit cards to try to eliminate the no shows...they may have stopped that now because I didn't need to give one either.

And low and behold...I only could be 6:30 reservations (I called 2 days in advance) but we were there a good 2 1/2 hours and there were lots of empty tables...so I guess there still are a lot of no shows!

Re: Madame Janette
 

Re: Madame Janette
 

Madame Janett was the best restaurant I have ever been to. The atmosphere is excellent and the food was even better. My husband and I both had the grouper. The house potatoes were excellent also. We took home and extra order of them and had enough food left over for lunch the next day. As far as El Gaucho, skip it. Food was good but too expensive for what you get. Lousy atmosphere (we got stuck upstairs) and mediocre service. Too much hype. Madam Janette is a must but make sure you call in advance as they book up fast.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Had dinner there April 10. Made reservations on line and they confirmed and asked me to reconfirm when I was on the island. Did not ask for credit card.

Restaurant was full and there was a long line waiting to get in. We were seated very close to our reservation time. This was our first time at MJ's and everything was excellent. Will make sure we visit there at least once each year.

Re: Madame Janette
 

I made our reservations last month for July and they did not ask for a credit card either. They just asked that we re-confirm when we arrive on the island.

Re: Madame Janette
 

The only restaurants I have ever been to that were better (IMHO) than Madame Jeanette's were in France.


I do remember Chef Kasi complaining about the no-shows on another board several years ago.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Is MJ a dress up resteraunt or casual?

Re: Madame Janette
 

Its a really easy and awesome restaurant! I see some that want to dress nice, dress nice, and others that are just dressed relaxed. But you need to make sure you head there.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Speaking of Chef Kasi...does anyone know how he's doing? I believe he went back to Germany in the beginning of April for another back surgery! That's usually when we hear from him because he is idle for so long he gets to catch up on his BB's and such!!!

Re: Madame Janette
 

I recommend dressing casual upscale. IMO this is an Excellent restaurant, A1 service and food, Great atmosphere. I also like the Light house and enjoyed El Gaucho because of the cigar bar that is across the street.
:thumbs_up

Re: Madame Janette
 

Elisa - Chef Kasi is doing fine. He was at Que Pasa last Thurs. night (4/27) with his beautiful wife Sabine and their son.

Not sure when he said he was going back to work.

A couple of pictures of Chef Kasi at Que Pasa. www.arubalover.shutterfly.com It's a fake tatoo on his son's arm.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Liz, great pictures.

FYI, Kasi is the nickname for Karsten. His wife's name is Sabine.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Thanx Carol. All fixed.

Re: Madame Janette - why all the excitement????
 

It's tucked away from the beaten path and offers a first class experience !!!! Our waiter Omar was outstanding and the service was quick and food living up to the reviews in this forum. Also, keep in mind for those coming to Aruba during June '06.......starting tomorrow the vacation is closed for 3 weeks / vacation and some housekeeping.:thumbs_up

Re: Madame Janette
 

Re: Madame Janette
 

Our first time here and an absolute must visit. I had duck in grand marnier that was unbelieveable. Try the creamed spinach too, really!

Re: Madame Janette
 

last night we had an excellent meal there. it was 8 people and i don't know everything everyone had although andrea took pictures and will
describe it all when she gets home. i do know that marty had almond grouper and murray and joanne had grouper delight. i had the potato encrusted red snapper.

one word of caution though. check your bills very carefully. ours was off by an extremely large amount. it happens anywhere and everywhere but it just reminded me how easy errors are.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Sherry,

I sent you a pm.

Mary L.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Another terrific meal at Madame Janette!!

We started with chorizo appetizer. Then, I had the surf and turf and Brett had the potato-crusted red snapper. I ate all of my creamed spinach and I have never eaten cooked spinach in my life. I even called my mother to report that fact to her!!

The boys had more kid-friendly foods, chicken nuggets and pasta, but they both had elegant presentation so they weren't left out of the dining elegance.

Thanks to the reservations staff as well...I had to postpone our reservation not once, but twice due to not feeling well. They were very understanding and accommodating.

Re: Madame Janette
 

So glad you enjoyed it and sounds like the kids did too. When a restaurant goes out of its way to please everyone it leaves a good impression and will have your return visit for sure. Going out for dinner is usually a little tough on the kids having to sit still for so long.
We are planning to visit MJ's at least 3 times for our two weeks we spend this October
Not to sound stupid but never had chorizo appetizer..what is it??

Re: Madame Janette
 

Had dinner at MJ's with ArubaBob and his family last week. The three men all had the surf and turf (filet and lobster, with a bonus of 3 or 4 huge shrimp), the 2 ladies both had the almond grouper entree. Not a lot of food left on the plates when we were done - mine could have gone right back on the shelf it was so clean. Even with a couple of drinks, the bill for 5 of us was about $140, VERY reasonable for such good food.

I was very pleased that ArubaBob invited me to join them for dinner, since I was by myself this trip - MJ's is my favorite restaurant, but it didn't seem like the kind of place I'd be comfortable eating alone (very couply, romantic). Thanks again Bob!!

Joyce - I haven't had the chorizo app at MJ's, but chorizo is a spicy sausage. Sounds yummy!

Re: Madame Janette
 

Been Going About 4 Times A Year And The Food And The Service Is Always Excellent! Best Restaurant On The Island!!!!!!

Re: Madame Janette
 

Here, Here!!! Aruba 777!!!

Re: Madame Janette
 

We love MJ and go twice on every trip to Aruba. We especially like the Lite meals...comes in handy after pigging out at all the other restaurants all week. The Lite meals are usually a fish meal with a HUGE salad...go hungry. We also make our reservations online and never have a problem and never have to give a credit card. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Hey Darryl, it seems that our dining tastes are similar in our likes and dislikes, huh? :wink_smil

Re: Madame Janette
 

Sunshine: Like we've always said...personal tastes are just that...personal tastes!! We LOVE Madam J's...we DON'T LOVE: El Gaucho; Flying Fishbone and La Trattoria el Faro Blanco. We LOVE Chalet Suiss; we DON'T LOVE Le Dome!! So...although we LOVE Aruba...personal tastes play a lot in our decisions! Enjoy!!

:) :) :) :)

Re: Madame Janette
 

Have been going to MJ for 4 years now. Always reserve on the internet before trip--often the rest. isn't full, but when it is, you NEED a reservation. The food and service is excellent. Would never miss going there. Kinda hard to find the 1st time, but well worth the trip. Can't wait to get to Aruba again--4.5 months :)
CINDY

Re: Madame Janette
 

It had been raining all day so we had to sit under the covered deck, which was fine.As usual, the ambiance and music were perfect. I had the grouper as usual. Just didn't seem as good this time. everyone else thought their meal was perfect. MJs is always a dinning pleasure! Service was outstanding!!

Re: Madame Janette
 

On our recent trip to Aruba we ate twice at Madame Janette's. We LOVE this restaurant. They have added more tables. Our meals were simply put, DEVINE!!!!! We were lucky enough to be seated outside both dinners and both times had Rudolph as our waiter.
I introduced myself to Job, he was very busy so our conversation was very short.

Re: Madame Janette
 

any one know the website for madame jeanette restaurant? Need to make a reservation there, Thanks, Donna

Re: Madame Janette
 

http://madamejanette.arubahost.com/

This should help you:thumbs_up

Re: Madame Janette
 

This is a wonderful restaurant but a little hard to find. We look forward to this special dining experience every time we're in Aruba.

Re: Madame Janette
 

DFW---look at reply dated Oct. 27, 2006 !!!! LOL

Re: Madame Janette
 

This was our second try, it was nice but not outstanding, with all the wonderful reviews it has gotten perhaps our expectations were too high. Would we go back, yes will we make a point of it no

Re: Madame Janette
 

This place is the best!!! We make sure we come here every year now. It is a long leisurely dinner so be prepared, if you don't want to linger and hang out - this might not be the place for you. Always get reservations at least a few days out as well.

Re: Madame Janette
 

I guess my opinion certainly falls into the minority, but here goes...

We wanted to eat at MJ's last new years, but couldn't get a reservation. Went to the FFB instead. Anyway, we made sure to get a reservation for our trip that just concluded. I was totally disappointed. The ambiance was marginal at best. The wait staff was also marginal. For what is regarded as such a good place to dine, I would think the waiter would at least introduce himself. Not to mention a decent description of the menu offerings when asked. To be fair though, I think the wait staff was simply taking care of too many tables, and could not offer the service they (waiters) might have wanted to. Shame on someone though. As to the food, I had a fillet, and I can say without a doubt it was one of the toughest fillets I have ever had. When I order a fillet, I expect tenderness. Good flavor, but not anywhere near tender. To be fair, my wife had the Sea Bass (I think that's what it was), and she said it was fabulous.

Summary: MJ's is not on my must visit list when in Aruba. Not even close. Certainly not anywhere near 4 stars.

Re: Madame Janette
 

It is my sincere wish that MJ's hasn't 'sloughed off' on its service and food quality. In view of the many recent negative reviews, I hope that steps are taken immediately to remedy the situation....IF.. one exists! As we've said throughout....one man's meat is another man's poison. We each have our likes and dislikes...to each his/her own, etc. As for us, until proven otherwise, MJ's will remain our number one choice for a wonderful, relaxing, quality, well serviced dining experience.

:) :) :) :)

Re: Madame Janette
 

We ate here March 8th and March 23rd, 2007.

On March 8th, we were a party of 4, with 7:30 reservations. We arrived at 7:15 and we were seated immediately. Service was very attentive. I order the Lobster Thermidor which is no longer on the menu and Chef Kasi lived up to his promise, as it was made for me (as he said on this BB it would be). The others had pork tenderloin dishes and we were all extremely happy with our meals.

On March 23rd, we were a party of 6 with 7:30 reservations. We arrived again at 7:15 and were seated immediately. Service was a tad bit slower this time, but still very good. I ordered the shrimp casserole and although it was good, it was not the best I have had, and the lobster thermidor was much better. The others had the surf and turf and all loved it. The amount of bread they served us that evening was enough to feed an army of people.

This still continues to be our favorite restaurant on the island.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Ate here on April 8, 2007. As usual food was excellent, but service was a little slow, but then I am an impatient ex New Yorker. It was my wife's birthday and she enjoyed the night.

Re: Madame Janette
 

We go to this restaurant at least twice on our twice yearly trips to Aruba and have always had a wonderful meal, along with le Dome and Que Pasa it's is our favorite. BUT....service the last two times has left a margin for correction. I hope they work on this and it's not the beginning of a downward spiral. The food at any restaurant can be great but it's the service that will make or break it.

Re: Madame Janette
 

We ate there last week and were disappointed too. I usually love it and go several times a visit, but the service was slow this time and they weren't even very busy.

We went at seven and were disappointed that the music didn't start until after 7:30. I don't understand why the earlier diners don't get to hear the music. It seems like the music should start whenever they open for dinner.

I had tournadoes wrapped in bacon and ordered it medium well. It came all pink inside with no sign of any bacon. I ate around the edges that were more well done, and the waiter apologized when he saw how much I left on the plate. I know I could've sent it back and asked where the bacon was, but I hate to do that.

I'll think twice before I go back. It just didn't seem the same.

Re: Madame Janette
 

As someone who performs at coffeehouses, you need to consider that the musicians may have full time jobs that precludes them from appearing @ 5PM or so. Additionally, MJ's may want them to play until 10PM or so - 3 forty-five minute sets with 15-20 minute breaks in between dictates that they start @ 7:30PM - that is a full night's work!

Re: Madame Janette
 

I agree. It's very rare that you go out to eat anywhere and the entertainment starts before 7. Some may have a prelim act start earlier, but prime time for dining and for music doesn't really start until 7.

Re: Madame Janette
 

I was most excited for this b/c of all the reviews I have heard in the past and we couldn't make it last year. We had 7pm reservations and were seated right away. We sat under the roof but across from the musician. We all liked the atmosphere there and it was really pretty but the service was not so great. It took them forever for everything,i.e.,to take our order, to bring drinks, to refill water, to bring our dinners and to bring us our change(this took 30 minutes!). Our food was good, I had the Shrimp Casserole “Du Chef”, and Mike had the Lasagna with Chicken dish. Our friend had the lamb and his wife had a salad. The food for me was not the best we had on the island and I personally liked LG smith's better and Flying Fishbone better when we went the year before. Maybe if I didn't go with such high expectations than I wouldn't have been as disappointed but like I said, for me, it wasn't my favorite and I'm sure it had something to do with the not so good service!

Re: Madame Janette
 

I hope this is not a bad sign ( poor service )....There takes so many elements to make a great place to eat...I feel that they might have lost some key service people.
When we go in Feb. 08 we will go for sure.

Re: Madame Janette
 

Re: Madame Janette
 

I will try MJ's again but I hope next time around the service will be better. I am a person that definately doesn't demand fast service b/c I love relaxing but when it takes 30 min just to get change that gets a bit over the top. So maybe next time I can report something better for us!

Re: Madame Janette
 

We have dined at MJ's many times over the years. I must say that we have never been disappointed with the service! Every restaurant has a 'bad night'...don't consider your one bad experience as 'the rule'.

:):):):)

Re: Madame Janette
 

Let me backtrack a year. Last year I wrote a very complimentary report on madame j’s. I made note of one problem we had with our bill but didn’t go into it at all since I figured it was an accident. I only mentioned that errors can be made and please check your bills. Well, now I need to explain the details and you will understand why after I tell the story.

Last year it was a group of 8 people. When we got our bill it sounded rather high at 800 or so florins and $500 if converted. I knew the approximate price of our meals and it seemed rather high so something made me total it. That isn’t a practice I make in restaurants and to be honest I was embarrassed doing it. However, the total came to $398 no matter how many times I tried to prove myself wrong. I just couldn’t believe they could overcharge us by $102. $100 may have been logical since you can always accidentally write one number wrong but $102 was really odd.

They sort of corrected the bill by reducing it by $100 which make me feel uncomfortable because it meant it was totally intentional since if they totaled again it the correction should have been minus $102. even at that point since this is one of our favorites, we all agreed that we would give them the benefit of the doubt and just mention the problem in passing.

That was then and this is now. Tonight there were 5 of us for dinner. The other three had never met me in person since we were internet buddies. I did mention to them what had happened last year and when the bill came for us it was $363. again it seemed a bit high and I, at this point feeling totally foolish and really figuring they would think I was cheap, started calculating it. The figures were hard to read but my total was no where near their total. Two other people at the table checked the bill and it came out to under $300 but we again were not sure of a few of the numbers so we couldn’t give an exact total. We called the waiter over and he asked if we would like separate bills. We figured that would be an easier way to read it. It came back that our bill was $94 and the bill for the other 3 was $192. that is a difference of $77 from the total on the combined bill. So this is no longer a single incident. I keep wondering how many people have had errors on their bills that were this great or how many people even bother to check their bills since the food is good and the service is good. You sort of suffer a brain lethargy with that combination.

Btw, the food was very good but not as good as other visits. Usually they put several bowls of side dishes on the table. Not this time. One single side per entrée and they were nice portions but certainly not the size they used to be. If anyone is interested, I will try to remember what we all had. We were so angry that I actually forgot half the food choices.