New to the Haymarket: Krem Le Bistro

By: Mr. Wilson on November 7, 2005
8 comments
The Missus and I dropped by Krem Le Bistro this past weekend. It's a new restaurant located on the second floor of the Creamery Building, home of Ivanna Cone, Paint Yourself Silly, and a few other local shops. The Missus and I didn't eat at Krem, having just cleaned our plates at Lazlo's across the street. Instead, we just took a glance at the menu. We almost stopped in just for dessert -- the options were very tempting! -- but we were much too full. Krem offers a variety of sandwiches and a few heftier entrees. Prices ranged from about $6.00 to $15.00 or so; the sandwiches were especially affordable. Some quick impressions of Krem Le Bistro:
  • I worry about the name. My first impression of the name was "Hmph, sounds like a snooty place with tiny portions and high prices." Not having eaten there yet I can't speak to the portion size, but the prices looked pretty reasonable. Will the name keep people from ever making it up the stairs to their front door to give them a fair shot?
  • My first impression of the restaurant itself was much more positive. It looked cozy and warm inside, with a pianist performing some very nice pieces. It looked like a place I wouldn't mind spending some time in.
  • The off-the-street location is a risk, but I think it can work out for them. Word of mouth will be key, which makes excellence in service and food quality throughout this first month especially critical.
  • Krem can only increase Ivanna Cone's visibility and, by extension, their business. The same will be true for the other small businesses in the building.
  • A quick glance at the menu seemed to offer options for most any diner. Carnivores, vegetarians, and, if I recall correctly, even vegans have some good options. (Don't trust me on the vegan thing; I may be remembering incorrectly.) The menu is not large, but it still seemed to offer some good choices.
nThe Missus and I may give Krem Le Bistro a try on this week's date night (Wednesday). We're going out with another couple, though, so we'll have to see what they're in the mood for.

Comments

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Mr. T
November 8, 2005 at 2:32AM

Come on, don’t leave us hanging. What was on the menu? I take it the place offers French cuisine of some sort? I am quite a fan of French cuisine actually. One of the best meals I have ever had was at a French place in Vientiane, Laos of all places (ex-French colony) - pan-fried rabbit in tarragon sauce. And as you know, a small French menu is considered a good thing.

Mr. Wilson
November 8, 2005 at 4:04AM

I left out the details because, erm, I don’t really remember what was on the menu. No frog legs, though.

leslie
November 8, 2005 at 5:27PM

Laura and I almost went yesterday afternoon, but got sidetracked at the ice cream shop instead. Mmmmm….. ice cream.

I’m curious about the vegetarian options. It would be nice to have something quick and affordable as an alternative to Maggies (which is excellent, but Lincoln certainly has room for more veggie friendly places).

Steve
November 8, 2005 at 7:51PM

Mr. T:  Do you ever go to New Saigon?  I havent’ been for a few years but I remember them having a small assortment of French-Indochina influenced dishes.

Mr. T
November 9, 2005 at 2:53AM

Steve-O, I’ve been to the grocery store there but never the restaurant, although I would be interested in checking it out. To be honest I prefer “pure” French gourmet cuisine. I have never been a huge “fusion” fan at least as it is called in the modern North American sense (i.e. some “Japanese-Mexican” restaurant in California or whatever).

But of course, what is called “pure” Vietnamese really is a “fusion” as is Thai, Malay, etc. of Chinese, Indian, indigenous flavors and so on. Personally, I think of all the highly-touted Southeast Asian cuisines that have gained popularity in the US in recent years, Malaysian/Singaporean is by far the best, and the least appreciated.

Steve
November 9, 2005 at 3:39AM

Mista T, I responded to your comment on Malay/Singapore grub over at Eatin’ in Lincoln.  Never had it, but as I said over there, I’m pro-peninsular cuisine. 

The stuff at New Saigon, IIRC, was more just from the influence of French colonialism on Vietnam.  I’m pretty solid with the French cooking myself but lately I’ve preferred to dump a container of Wendy’s chili over a pile of spaghetti.

Steve
November 14, 2005 at 1:30AM

I’ve heard nothing but good things about KREM this week.  Several friends of mine have given it rave reviews.

Nathan Kelly
April 17, 2006 at 5:33AM

I’m a server at Krem Le Bistro.  For those that have not yet been we offer continental and armenian style bistro cooking with a wine list that is difficult to compare to most in Lincoln. 

You can eat lunch there for under ten dollars, the sandwiches are delicious.  Dinners cost more mainly because they involve steak and/or fresh seafood.

We offer live easy listening music (mainly piano, harp, or flute) thursday through saturday.

Any other questions feel free to e-mail me, or just come in and enjoy some fine wine and good music for a bit.

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