Portage by the Lake — Restaurant in Ontario

It is very hard to rate this experience because it wasn't perfect but the good kind-a makes up for the issues. The staff were energetic and positive. They were responsive but not necessarily the best problem solving. From our room we looked at the menu online. We ordered the osso buco which came with redskin mashed and veg. And chicken marsala which our menu said was chicken parm with tortellini in a rose sauce. (We assumed the parm had a marsala sauce) The osso buco was cooked very nicely, the marrow was tender and easily came out with a knife and the meat was tender but not braised too long. The seasoning was a nice traditional style-ish (some placed do tomato based now) the sauce/gravy was very meaty and thick. It didn't have the cinnamon undertone you usually find. Even if not purely traditional, it is among the best I've ever had and the portion was enormous. Being the last serving left, it might have been more generous than usual. The price was moderate compared to entrees at chain roadhouses, so very good value for the quality we received. Marsala is usually breaded chicken breast medallions and often with mushrooms in a marsala wind reduction. Our online menu seemed like a twist, being parm. Like the osso buco, the chef is free to bring their vision. Sadly the online menu differed from the paper menu, which we never saw until the meal was not what we expected. It was skinless, boneless chicken breast with mashed and a white marsala sauce. We ordered it specifically because of the pasta, but despite their mistake they were unable to provide any pasta at all. As delivered the breasts were properly cooked and the small amount of sauce was tasty. The price was also comparable to big chains and the quality would have fit in there. I feel as though the names on the menu, take liberty. Chicken Marsala vs Chicken under marsala sauce. Oscar means crab or lobster with a hollandaise sauce (or variant) on veal (or beef). So the special, steak Oscar, one would expect steak with crab or lobster. The steak with 4 jumbo prawns is not steak Oscar, I don't know why they didn't call it surf and turf. Clearly at this restaurant you have to ask a lot of questions and know that the online menu is not kept up to date. The caesar salad was dressed appropriately, came with a creamy dressing that had no noticeable anchovy flavour. The serving size was a bit modest but had plenty of croutons that tasted fresh and were nicely seasoned. There was a mistake in the ordering and by the time it was fixed our entrees which sat on the counter were not so hot any longer. We were bringing them back to our room where we were able to microwave them briefly. The apple blossom and chocolate mousse were nice, as good as what you'd expect from something purchased from a good restaurant supply company. Except for these things I would have said 3 stars:

1. The staff, even if not precise were warm, and delightful.
2. The space was peaceful and casual, well enough lit but not bright, clean and spacious. It was nice to be there. The A/C was pleasant, not too cold and cool enough.
3. The osso buco was outstanding, at any price. Not offering a pasta of any kind to accommodate the menu mix-up and that the food was not hot by the time it was all ready to take to our room, that...

TLDR: avoid at all costs.

Let me start by saying we were the only table, and it's 4:45pm. No table bread at an Italian bistro. First place where there was no table bread. Calamari was $12 for a depressing looking plate. Portion was very small. Garlic aoli tasted like warmed mayo. Entree wise, the spaghetti was half cold and soft as if it was left in water. Michelina's frozen pasta tasted better. The chicken parmesan was tasteless. Although my coworker ordered the same thing I did, and there was no one else eating, her broccoli tasted like mush where mine was too firm. Her veggies were sweet. Mine tasted like it was in the fridge way past expiration. Should've went to the A&W by the gas station. Would've enjoyed it at 10% the cost of...

We had an amazing meal! I ordered the seafood linguine, which was loaded with fresh seafood, and my husband initially wanted the chicken parm. However, the chef explained that if it had to be microwaved or deep-fried, it wasn’t making the menu. Instead, he was treated to roasted veggies and Marcella chicken, which he would’ve happily licked the plate clean for. I was really impressed with the linguine—the sauce was creamy and didn’t overpower the seafood. The price was a great surprise, and the crème brûlée was absolutely to die for. The host and chef, who came out to check on us, really made the evening special. I highly recommend this place, especially now that Grape and Olive is gone—this is definitely the new...