Bistro Bar Tomek — Review by KSIĄŻULO
Poland, Poland — Polish
The reviewer visited Bistro Bar Tomek, a restaurant apparently featured on Magda Gessler's cooking show. They ordered veal rolls with caramelized carrots and fried romaine lettuce for 69 PLN, but were disappointed by the meager portion of dumplings and overall insufficient quantity of food for the price.
What was great: The meat rolls had an acceptable taste and texture reminiscent of Silesian roulade for those who enjoy ground meat dishes
What could improve: Very small portion of dumplings (only 5-6 pieces), dry meat texture, insufficient amount of food for the 69 PLN price, lack of satisfying side dishes
The Dishes
The main dish ordered was veal rolls served with caramelized carrots, fried romaine lettuce, and demi-glace sauce, accompanied by dumplings. The meat rolls themselves had a dry, compact texture more reminiscent of a Silesian roulade than traditional meatballs, which the reviewer found acceptable for those who enjoy ground meat preparations. However, the presentation was problematic.
The Experience
The reviewer visited the restaurant shortly after Magda Gessler had filmed an episode there for her cooking show program. The episode had not yet been broadcast, and Gessler had apparently not yet returned for her verification visit, which is her standard practice. The atmosphere and service details were not extensively discussed in the review.
Value & Pricing
The dish was priced at 69 PLN. The reviewer found this price unjustifiable given the portion size. The most significant complaint was the laughably small number of dumplings - only approximately 5 to 6 pieces were served, which the reviewer noted was barely enough for one or two bites. This minimal dumpling portion, combined with the overall quantity, left the reviewer unsatisfied and still hungry after finishing the meal.
Notable Moments
You can see Magda Gessler's hand here, because when I ate a steak at her place once, I remember it also came with dumplings and literally there were, I don't know, very few dumplings.
You ate half a steak and already had nothing to go with it. I wouldn't fill myself up with this.
The Verdict
The reviewer did not recommend the restaurant based on this experience. While the meat rolls themselves were not terrible in taste, the meager portions, particularly of the dumplings, and the high price point made for poor value. The reviewer suspected Magda Gessler's influence on the minimalist plating style, noting it as a pattern from her previous dining establishments as well.