Milestones — Restaurant in Ontario

Was very excited to pop out for lunch to one of my very favourite places after this most recent Covid shut down. I do frequently come out for lunch by myself after doing some shopping in the area, as I’m from outside the city. I also come very often with family and friends. I also recommend this restaurant to others, and often choose to do work meetings here. On this occasion, I walked in looking for lunch for 1 person at about 1 pm. The gentleman at the front desk hesitated and repeated my request “Lunch for 1?” when I inquired if there was any room. After a quick scan on his tablet, I was simply met with “No, sorry”, followed by an awkward pause, and no offer to see about a later time, or any effort made to reserve another possibly. Two people were walking out at the time, so I know they were not at capacity at the moment, and I of course understand that other reservations could have been made by others, however, it was very clear that a late lunch for 1 was not going to be looked as best option to make it most profitable for the restaurant during the current Code Red. My husband and I had previously encountered this same gentleman (whom I believe may be a manager)around Christmas time during the same Code Red rules, and we also felt unwelcome and were told that if we can squeeze our mid afternoon meal into an hour, then yes we can stay to have a bite and drink (I do believe this was around a 3 pm timeframe). I absolutely understand the times we are in right now, and I feel for the restaurants and the hard times and uncertainty they are faced with. Which is why I make the effort to get out and support them as much as I and my family and friends can. I also compensate the staff as best as I can and usually tip between a minimum of 25-30%, and much more when our meal is just a small bite, to make up for the lack of customers they are able to serve based on the government guidelines at any given time. I would have been more understanding would I have walked in and been told right away that there is currently no reservations available, or that the entire day has been fully booked. However, based on how the interaction went, it was clear that a meal for 1 was not looked upon as the most profitable option to the restaurant, and therefore was not of any consideration. Unfortunate, but my family and I will no longer be frequenting this establishment. EDIT: I do see there was a review left in regards to unprofessional management just about 40 minutes before me. Sounds like management seems to be an issue. Would love if that would be resolved and maybe we would be able to consider going again down the line. Hopefully reviews are...

We went here for a date night a week or two back and it did not disappoint. We ordered from the date night menu starting with the Tuscan bruschetta, then the grilled salmon upgrade for me and 7 ox sirloin upgrade for my partner. We finished this off with the ultimate cookie.

The bruschetta was extremely good served on schiacciata bread rather than a toasted baguette commonly used and I must say this was a huge improvement on one of my favourite appetizers. The downfall with the toasted baguette is that it is often overtoasted and ends up scraping your gums. The Tuscan bruschetta, however, was soft and delicious. I won't be making them the other way from now on.

My partner's sirloin was cooked perfectly as was my salmon. I'm always hesitant to order salmon in a restaurant because it is often pricey and you end up with dry flaky fish. But here, it was moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned. I was initially disappointed by the smaller serving size, but it's honestly the perfect amount and I finished feeling very satisfied without but not too stuffed.

The cookie was pretty good. It really tasted like it was made fresh in-house rather than just a reheated frozen dessert. The French vanilla ice cream was a nice light touch. It was at this point that I felt pretty stuffed, but regretted nothing.

This dinner was on the pricey side for our lifestyle, so it is definitely an occasional treat. Even still, the price was well worth the quality of the food and service provided here. I would definitely recommend this for those looking for a special night out without feeling pressured into dressing up.

The only downside to our stay was being seated in a booth in between two families with noisy/rambunctious kids, some of whom the parents allowed to visit other tables. Thankfully, these families finished up not too long after we ordered. This is not the fault of the restaurant, just something that briefly affected our enjoyment. Maybe it would be good to seat families and couples separately. Otherwise, the environment was nicely appointed and the staff were attentive without...

If I could leave a lower rating I would. It was the absolute worst dining experience I’ve ever experienced in my near 30 years on this earth. First of all my girlfriend and I were not even given cutlery, side plates, or serviettes. Not a good look right off the bat. Server didn’t know the menu and the proper deal at the time. Continued to order our starters, mine was fine but my girlfriends shrimp wasn’t deveined properly. Very unsanitary and gross to see. Moved on to main course with a 7oz steak each which we were very much looking forward to. Had to request a fork and she brings one with a speck of food on the side of it. I couldn’t even cut into mine as it was completely raw. Had it sent back to only return even worse some how and the amount of blood seeping out was revolting. Requested the whole plate be re done as the amount of blood turned the mashed potatoes red. Not very appealing as you could imagine. It returned a third time (keep in mind it was totally re done at this point) and after waiting another 20 minutes for that plate it still comes back completely RAW! I had completely lost my appetite at that point and my girlfriend had already finished her meal. I just gave up on the steak ever being cooked properly and we left. Manager didn’t charge anything after I said I wasn’t going to pay. Not at one point did he or the server offer compensation for the meal until I mentioned it. Over all worst experience I’ve had with dining at a restaurant, EVER. Will not be returning and I recommend no body go and for the love of god do not...