I cannot say enough about Cafe Monarch! First, the atmosphere is very unique to anything I have experienced in the United States. Cafe Monarch brings me straight back to the best summer of my life, jaunting around Europe. Dining both inside and outside are rich sensory experiences--the hanging garden and generally the vast lushness of the outside seating feels like a private corner of paradise. Inside I love the artwork, the scents, the music... everything feels intimate and special.
The service, I think, is unparalleled in terms of restaurants in the area. I generally am a big fan of the FRC restaurants, but they don't even hold a candle to Cafe Monarch. I can't tell you how many waiters I saw doubling as photographers, without a hint of mockery (more common than one might think.) Other than food, what I like about Cafe Monarch is the way they treat me. I feel good, I feel respected, even a little bit special. I wish that feeling came standard with every upscale dining experience, but I often leave nice restaurants feeling self conscious and inferior. Not here.
Ok the food. I love the rotating menu. Everything tastes fresh, flavorful, and creative. You can never go wrong with a soup or a steak. On my birthday I ordered an appetizer but was jealous of my best friend's soup. I found myself stealing spoonfuls until the waiter came over with my very own soup "a birthday present."
If you have a special occasion, or just want to feel special, come here. You won't regret it.
UPDATE: I am removing one star because of everything Cafe Monarch has removed from their once very reasonably priced prix fixe menu. I think they raised the price, too, which is more understandable.