Rapscallion and Co. — Restaurant in Hamilton

My coworker recommended this restaurant to my husband and I when we were looking for an anniversary spot. I had called to book and the man on the phone was amazing. He heard that I wanted a table for two for our wedding anniversary and was able to get us in. I had spoken on the phone prior to coming in to explain that I have a dairy intolerance and wondered if they could accommodate me. The hostess on the phone seemed like it was no issue at all and named some food items I could have. He also mentioned the server we have that night would be more than happy to help. When we arrived at the restaurant we were taken to a busy spot and it didn't seem too special considering it was our wedding anniversary. The waiter seemed very busy which was understandable but when we got to ordering food, I mentioned that I have a dairy intolerance and he seemed quite confused with why I would come to this restaurant as everything is made with butter. I was confused by his reaction and when I mentioned that the hostess told me it would be no problem he kind of mumbled something and then said, I'll go ask the kitchen to then he came back and said why don't you just pick something and then I will ask to avoid causing chaos. I felt super awkward and almost like an inconvenience for having a dairy intolerance. I have never had a restaurant make me feel different for having a food intolerance and thought with this restaurant being more unique and fancy, that they would have no problem with accommodating. Our food was amazing and we did stay as we waited two weeks for this reservation date and didn't want to just leave and find a new spot on a Saturday. I am hesitant if we will return as I don't want to be met with another server making me feel uncomfortable for my dairy intolerance/ I also am not sure if we would get a nice table to sit at.

UPDATE: we were contacted to go back again and we took them up on their offer. We had an amazing time and the food / service was amazing. The manager and our server were very attentive and friendly. Thank you for fixing...

Now, to be honest, Rapscallion & Co. is not your every Friday/Saturday/Sunday night meal place. At least not for us. We treated it, and still very much see it as an eating experience. An opportunity to try new things, eat with all of our senses, and truly indulge. To be able to go somewhere, and have someone cook something for you that you’ve never had, never tasted, and can’t cook at home is definitely worth visiting… We also know that Rapscallion is part of The Other Bird. We had visited the Arlington Hotel during lockdown (where you could eat out but not in), and knew we were in for a treat. Our dinner experience was 5 courses long, and about 2.5 hours of the night. We started with some cocktails (one virgin and one not so). What is great is that the server offered us some ideas, but also asked us what we liked, and let the Bartender do their thing… which is what we did. And it turned out very well. Now let me say we are meat eaters. We do eat vegetables, but this was about gluttonous deliciousness and not about calorie counting or ensuring we ate all our veg, too (but we did!). We placed our order, it’s shared plates, so make sure you go with people you like, and the Chef decided the best order for it to come out. Our order was and arrived in this order: Bacon Wrapped Bacon Duck Schnitzel Braised Beef Short Rib Roast Bone Marrow Crème Brulee (we had one each!) The truth is, the food was a fine dining experience. You could tell everything was made with care, responsibly crafted and well structured plating… and yep, I am using fancy words because to us, it was fancy. Not like suit and tie fancy, but I wouldn’t wear a hoodie inside (not that some people didn’t)… it felt fancy to us. Appreciate this food and this restaurant, and the love and passion that is put into...

I understand the hype. The chicken liver brûlée was an eyecatcher that ended up being a very delicious appetizer. The savoury pâté along with the sweet and crunchy brûlée topping was an entire experience. From cracking open the top to spreading it on the bread provided, I was thoroughly impressed. I have to say-- if only the baguette was toasted I think think it would've been perfect. Along with this, beware because our server brought us extra bread to end off this dish. Although we assumed the extra few slices of baguette were complimentary, it ended up being an extra charge at the end of our bill without warning. Not a big deal, but a heads up would've been useful!

All of the entrees we ordered were up to par. The confit duck leg was the best thing I tried. The duck was fatty and rich and everything I would've wanted paired with bacon and creamy butter beans. Great portion and value. The duck and foie was also a highlight was the unique protein flavouring was tied together with a barley mix. Braise short rib was hardy and a delicious twist on a classic dish. This was a similar safe feeling to the lobster and shrimp cheese cappelletti which although delicious, was a safe option on a menu that pushed flavour boundaries. Last but not least, the miso glazed butterfish was a small portion but didn't lack in flavour. Good taste, but the butterfish was drowning in the surrounding vegetables.

The martini cocktail and New York sour were delicious drinks that were not too powerful of alcohol flavour. Great presentation and helpful server who helped clear our questions about these drinks.

Overall, Rapscallion was a great experience for a special occasion. My whole party was thoroughly impressed by everything we ordered and the variety of flavours that...