Flame + Smith — Restaurant in Ontario

We did the $99 tasting menu for two ($198) and afterward, because we felt dissatisfied, added up the value of everything we were served using their own à la carte prices. It came to $181, before tax or tip.

Here’s what we got (served family-style): – Sourdough bread basket with 5 slices and butter, served on a “local stone” (seriously?!) $7 – Chicken liver mousse with thin crostini (well worth the $10!) – Salad with excellent grilled artichoke and egg (favourite dish of the night) – Albacore tuna crudo (interesting presentation) – Escargots (6) with 3 slices of baguette – Ember-roasted radishes with zaatar (genius level!) – Lamb rack (split and plated separately): one guest got 1 small bone, the other got 2) with potato $50 – One slice of very average "burnt cheesecake" with blueberry (to share) – Two chocolate truffles (delicious!)

That was the entire menu. No amuse-bouche, no palate cleanser, no surprise bite or sip. Not even a printed menu or a chance to know what we were getting in advance. We couldn’t make any requests or even plan a wine pairing because the kitchen decided the lineup for us.

After dinner, I wrote to the restaurant with a polite note and asked why the $99 tasting menu cost more than the value of what we were served. Sarah responded and suggested that we had received a mezze board and two full desserts, neither of which was true. I sent back a corrected list, and after two emails from me, she sent a $25 refund. The password to the e-transfer was literally: “apologies.”

Prior to the refund, she wrote:

“I’m sorry that you did not feel like you had value...” and “Perhaps a more substantial main (the dry-aged steak) would have been more appropriate...”

The irony is that we would have preferred the steak, or just more meat in general, if we’d had any say in the menu. But we didn’t. It was all decided by the kitchen, and the server was not informed.

To be fair, our server Angie was fine, and the junior staff ("Tee" and "Frances Ha") were terrific, and we still tipped in full. But the overall approach lacked true hospitality.

What WE noticed most? The unscented hand soap in the washroom. That was probably the most thoughtful and generous part of the evening. (A genius choice!)

I don’t expect a redo (we’re only in the County every few years) but this menu didn’t land, and the management response felt geared to once-in-awhile tourists. There’s some good cooking here, but this experience left us feeling taken advantage of. What happens when customers don't notice the price and menu...

Overview: Flame and Smith, nestled in the heart of the Prince Edward County, is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of cozy ambiance, exceptional food, and top-notch service. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner or a memorable night out with friends, this restaurant is sure to impress.

Quality of Food: The culinary experience at Flame and Smith is nothing short of exceptional. The menu features a wide array of dishes that cater to various tastes, from hearty steaks to fresh seafood and innovative small plates. Each dish is meticulously prepared, ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced and the presentation is visually stunning. The attention to detail is evident in every bite, making it an impressive dining experience.

Service and Friendliness of Staff: The service at Flame and Smith is exemplary. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about ensuring that every guest has an enjoyable experience. From the moment you are greeted at the door to the final farewell, the team goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and valued. Their knowledge of the menu and recommendations are spot-on, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Ambiance: The ambiance at Flame and Smith is truly special. The restaurant exudes a cozy yet trendy West Coast cottage yet super trendy vibe, with warm lighting, comfortable seating, and tasteful decor that creates a welcoming atmosphere. The space is designed to make you feel on vacation while still offering a nice level of sophistication. Whether you're sitting at the bar or in one of the dining areas, you'll find the environment to be both relaxing and inviting.

Music Playlist: One of the standout features of Flame and Smith is its music playlist. The carefully curated selection of tunes adds to the overall ambiance, creating a perfect backdrop for your dining experience. The playlist strikes a balance between genre and greatest cover alike, ensuring that there's something for everyone. The music is neither too loud nor too soft, allowing for easy conversation while enhancing the cozy and trendy feel of the restaurant.

Conclusion: Flame and Smith is a must-visit for anyone looking for a high-quality dining experience. The combination of exceptional food, friendly and attentive service, a cozy yet trendy ambiance, and an amazing music playlist makes it a standout restaurant. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you won't be...

Aside from the point that this place is very overpriced, my main disappointment was in their service. My waitress was the woman with a tattoo sleeve, no name was given.

At first encounter, we asked our waitress to perhaps explain a menu item further. Then she proceeded to look confused, and read off the menu as if we could not speak English. Gave her the benefit of the doubt. Then I asked if I could possibly have the tuna ceviche just raw without the sauce on my platter. She told me that was not possible. I asked her if she could ask. She said no. I tried to figure out why by asking if it was pre-mixed. She said no, and did not give any other explanation.

At that point, I saw her enthusiastically describing a menu item to a white couple next to us. My peri-peri chicken had a redness to it, I decided to ask another waitress if this was normal. She told me "of course" without any real explanation. Then I asked her if this chicken was fresh or frozen, she again repeated "of course it's fresh". I really just wanted to know why my chicken was red, and if it was okay to eat. Nothing was said.

At the end, our waitress accidentally charged us an extra cheeseburger to cap off our experience. This was the only moment where she wasn't talking down to us. She didn't let us know that the steak came in medium rare, she didn't pour us any water while she did so with the next table.

At first glance, these little things may seem like nothing, but as someone who has experienced this "type" of service before, I knew what her conduct amounted to. With my parents whose standards are lowered because they see what goes on in the news, I felt sorry for them and myself for spending our time and money at such an...