The Cow Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake Cowichan

The Cow, a conundrum if ever I've seen one. The name itself in my mind lends more to a steak house or gritty essential burger joint or alternatively to an ironic vegan bistro; but not to a Sino-Canadian fusion family restaurant. Understandably, it is just the shortened name of the establishment, I get it, but the main sign is not the full name, so my first objection stands.

The staff here are quite friendly. It has the feeling that you could become a recognized regular quite quickly; whether you like this or not is up to you.

The Basic Chowder was the first dish I tried and basic describes it to an extent, but mark me, basic is not always bad. This chowder was dependable, not great, but good in its standard mediocre nature. My biggest critique regarding the chowder was the chowder menu: 4 chowders were offered, a complication most unnecessary. My opinion: keep it basic, keep it simple, when one is mediocre, multiplying it by 4 is still mediocre. The price/portion ratio is off too: give me another ladle full or at least some garlic toast for the $14 you are charging.

The next dish we had was the Red Hot bowl, and this dish I can firmly stand behind, with two minor complaints; first buffalo chicken and soft scrambled eggs are not complimentary, ditch the scramble and replace with a lovely Sunnyside up egg with runny yolk. Second, this bowl would be 5 star excellent if you replaced the cheddar cheese shreds with a nice sprinkle of cheese curd.

The last dish we chose for our expeditionary trip to this eatery is a dish that my partner and I both hold as a principle order essential of any establishment we eat at that serves it: Butter Chicken Poutine. We order this dish as a rule whenever we see it. Most often, it is mediocre, a bland melange of old curry that is devoid of any cardamom or allspice but still palatable and somewhat enjoyable. Sometimes, rarely, it is divine in scent, rich and intoxicating to taste, the butter chicken curry mixing perfectly with the fries and cheese curds; it is what is eaten in paradise.

The dish that is labeled under the name Butter Chicken Poutine at this restaurant... I can still feel the anger that swelled in me after the first bite... frankly guys, and without malice, 86 that item. I don't care if you have to put white out on your menus but your take on butter chicken poutine is a nightmare. I'm still not totally convinced that it wasn't just a handful of garbage slapped ontop of some sweet potato fries... SWEET POTATO FRIES!!! IN POUTINE!!!... I'm fatigued with disappointment thinking back to it, please take it off your menu and do everyone a favour.

Please don't misunderstand me, I did enjoy eating here. The room for improvement is there and is frantically beckoning to you, and honestly some dishes should not exist; Butter Chicken Poutine by...

The Cow is one of the longest-running restaurants in Lake Cowichan, and there's a reason for that - the current owners, Dave and Holly, are passionate about, and proud of, the food they make. There is an episode of The Simpsons where Bart becomes adept at using a lasso. As he begins to lasso everything, including food, he says, "Everything tastes better when it's lasso'd!" Its like that at The Cow - everything tastes better when it is made with a love for the craft.

The restaurant is cozy, yet there are many seats indoors, an outdoor patio, and a full bar with additional seating. Service is quick, and the dishes are always delicious. There are monthly specials like 'Ribtoberfest' with all you can eat ribs, a burger month with special creations from Dave, or a Chinese buffet throughout December. Breakfasts on the weekends, which far surpass other local options. Holly also makes award winning desserts not to missed.

The restaurant can accommodate very large groups of 20+. If you can't dine in, they also offer the majority of their menu by take-out as well. If you're visiting Lake Cowichan, your trip is not complete without...

I took the time to drive through a crazy rain storm to try this restaurant. I had heard that they have a great burger so on the advice of my friend that lives in the Lake Cowichan area I met her there. I did look at the web site before taking the trip and saw the 1 pounder burger picture and wtite up. There was a 1/2 pounder option as well. It sounded great we both chose the 1/2 pounder option with fries. When the meals arrived I was very taken back at the size of the burger. It was no where near a 1/2 pounder burger. At best before cooking maybe a 1/4 pounder or even smaller. The few fries on the plate were burnt and flavorless. The burger was no better than a fast food burger at a quarter of the price. All in all $42.00 for two burgers and a pop and one beer was a waste of money and time. It was a very clean place and the one waitress on shift was over run but did try her best. I would say change the menu to represent what you are truly serving. Just a regular cheese burger. Don't play it up to be something it is far from being. Sorry will not be back. All the best...