Kalvas the Log House — Restaurant in Parksville

It was my wife's and my wedding anniversary and we wanted to leave Victoria and spend the weekend in Parksville. I also wanted to take my wife out for a nice dinner while there, so I Googled dining establishments in Parksville and saw Kalvas: The Log House. I made my reservation on line and the following morning it was confirmed. When we showed, we were greeted by a lovely young lady who wished us a Happy Anniversary and said they had a special table prepared for us. It was very special, beside a window and with two glasses of bubbly with which to toast each other. Then Veronica came along. What a wonderful young lady to have as your server. She Chatted us up for a couple minutes and made us feel like she was interested in us and our 17th anniversary and that we were indeed honoured guests. Then she went over the menu giving us knowledgeable information about the food selections, and making sure we'd order something we'd really enjoy. She made appropriate suggestions for an appetizer and stayed in touch with us several times as the dinner progressed. When the food came, it was marvellously presented and very delicious---obviously the right choice. After the meal we were presented with a piece of complementary cheesecake to celebrate. They even had a candle on it. An absolutely outstanding evening, due in no small part to Veronica, the chef, and everyone else who contribute to the running of the restaurant. The entire evening deserves a 10/10. Thank you Kalvas for making our 17th wedding anniversary extra special. Vic...

I would have loved to rate this restaurant 5 stars but unfortunately, I can’t. We (my partner and 2.5 year old son) came in with reservations (on time) and were met with a gentleman-who I initially thought was the front of the house. A sign posted asked to have our ID and vaccine card ready for prompt seating but the air that we were met with and that continued was anything but friendly or welcoming. We quickly showed our relevant ID’s and in that time our son had a 5 second squawk-he wanted to take his jacket off himself. At once, this man had the audacity to scan the restaurant and whip his head and ask me “Is he going to be like that all night?”. I was dumbfounded. We learned later that this was the owner of Kalvas, himself. Now, I am not one to keep a screaming child in any restaurant and thankfully, our son was not out of control and disruptive but our night was absolutely ruined. He did try to save face and bring crayons and paper but the damage was done. Our server was wonderful, as was the food and he tried to keep us happy but it wasn’t his fault. I will not be patronizing your restaurant with any of my family or friends nor will I recommend it. You made us feel unwelcome and shamed for bringing a member of our family. Our family has frequented many fine dining establishments and never have we had...

We have been going to Kalvas for years on visits to the area. Seems that there has been an owner change since the last visit. Everything seems to have remained the same, the menu etc. I noticed that they are no longer using white tablecloths (maybe due to COVID?) The server was very pleasant and attentive. Hubby ordered rack of lamb, which came at the right doneness medium rare. The vegetables were cooked properly. Spaetzle was good. He said it was not quite as tender as he likes. When my chicken arrived it looked a little dry, it was done with prosciutto stuffed with brie. I returned it. The manager came out and cut it open saying that there was nothing wrong with it, juicy on the inside. He asked if that was what I wanted. I told him yes, just not left to get dry on the outside. He said that was the way it was, it had to be cooked and now I would have to wait 25 minutes again. I told him no problem. I waited, when it came out, it was not dry on the outside and was hot. I enjoyed the meal after that. I think it was cooked and left to sit until my husband's meal was ready. They did make it right, no apology and no deduction for the trouble. I don't like to be rebuked, especially by the owner for making a complaint about the food if I have a concern. Remember the golden rule, the customer is...