Duckworth's Bistrot

I was staying at the Colonial Inn just a short distance from the Bistro during the weekend, and driving past the place, kept noticing there were always people at tables near the windows. So Saturday evening about 5:30 PM, as I did not want to drive anywhere for dinner, I walked over to the restaurant, and asked if there was room for 1 person.Upon looking around, I was not surprised when I was told they were full up with reservations, but they checked, and could squeeze me in at the end of the bar by the kitchen, as the next reservation for there was at 7 PM. I was delighted at how friendly the staff were, and I chose the bistro salad and the grilled leg of lamb. When the salad was placed in front of me, I thought I was looking at a Van Gogh painting. It was gorgeous, loved the texture and the contrast with the egg and the bacon bits. I had a hard time coming to grips with needing to damage it in order to cut the greens up to fit into my mouth. Delicious!!And then came the lamb, beautiful presentation, grilled perfectly - medium rare, wonderful aroma, and the flavor, as I described it to the bar person, MMMmmmm! Delightful with a glass of cabernet.Having ordered half portions, I even had room for the banana cake. When I saw the size, I really wondered how I could eat that, but when I cut into it, and had the first morsel, I knew I was not going to leave a crumb.I grew up in hotel dining rooms in Atlantic City during the '50s, so it was really interesting to chat with the staff for the few moments they got to hang around. What a wonderful evening!! As I described the experience to the folks I was with during the weekend, I had a hard time finding enough stars to give it. I hope for continued success with the Bistro, and if I ever get a chance to be in the area again, it will be my first choice to dine there. Only that time, I'll make a reservation!

After many meals there, I can say that the cuisine and service have always been extraordinary. As someone else said, Duckworth is the best restaurant on the North Shore.

I sat at the bar with a friend for dinner. The bartender who was also the owner, and the hostess, and the service bartender for the waitstaff had too many jobs too do so none of them were done very well. She took more than 10 mins to get us a drink. The salad while a warm endive was sauteed and had the texture of overcooked asparagus. The meal took too long to arrive and my friend who had asked for no mushrooms on her dinner got mushrooms. My dish was bland with nothing standing out, and the shrimp were overcooked. I feel that the bartender needed to stick to one job and be a bit more attentive to her customers. I was disappointed in the meal, and the service.