A couple weekends ago, we went to "Lillie's" in the The Carlyle Suites Hotel.  I thought this sounded tres formal and almost got uber-dressed up - THANK GOD, I didn't.  Not that it is super casual, but it's not as stuffy as it sounds.  Actually, I wondered if anyone other than guests actually goes because the restaurant is really tucked into the hotel.  Lillie's is this pseudo-courtyard that has murals of a old Europe streetscapes painted on the walls.  You feel as if you are outside in a cobblestone alley, but really, you are in the middle of a hotel, with a "Lost Highway"-esque back room and freaky glassed roof. 

The food is buffet style and I thought it was all so-so.  The hummus was more tasty than most places, but other than that the hot dishes, waffle/omelet bar and pastry selection were nothing spectacular, in my opinion.  Ann loved it because the same people have been working there for years and she decided this gave the restaurant "street-cred" and made it "fun."  I didn't know if I felt the "fun" vibe, as much, but I definitely liked the $25 price tag for all you can drink mimosas.  Yes, please!    While the mimosas were pre-mixed and poured out of a pitcher, they were basically free, so I wasn't complaining.  Oh, and I guess there was the guitar player, who certainly added another "fun" element, so I can kinda see where Ann got the "fun" thing.

The best part was Ann's take on dessert.  She thought the "cheesecake" was awfully tart.   When she couldn't finish her piece, I decided to try a bite, only to inform Ann that her cheesecake was, in fact, Key Lime Pie.  Quite funny. 

The restaurant is not huge, by any means, however, it has NO wait and there were a few larger groups, so I would recommend it for groups of 6-8 that want to booze, but on a budgie.  Careful though, the faux-atmosphere can definitely make you feel as if you are being sucked into the twilight zone.  Just my opinion! 

AND NOW....we are finally caught up!!!  (Kinda, last week was Brunch at Ann's house, but since this is not a public place, we aren't bloggin about it!  That would be weird.)