Lovechild — Restaurant in La Crosse

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Typically I would have great things to say about this place because of the quality of the food. However, the fact that they will not accommodate a small side order to-go has dampened my otherwise positive opinion. I have come here quite frequently, and because they open at 5 p.m. I have limited time to eat before my night shift. Because I work almost every day between 3 obligations, my only true enjoyment is in the cuisine that I indulge in.

Tonight I am writing this review because of the specific comments made by the hostess. I called at exactly 5 p.m. and asked if they could make one side item to-go, but I wouldn't need it until 5:40, giving them 40 minutes to make it. They do not allow you to box up your own food either, so it is a big inconvenience to the staff that are busy already if I only eat part of it and then have to leave. I stated that if I had to I would order it in the restaurant and then ask for a to-go box, but I didn't want to cause them the trouble. She would not accommodate my request so I told her I would have to do that, so I could be to be to work on time and still have something enjoyable to eat, and said I would be there soon.

As soon as I sat down she clearly singled me out based on our phone call and likely recognizing my voice from previous requests for a single to-go side, and told the bartender no to-go orders are allowed, which was passed along to other staff. At this point we will see how long it takes for me to get one simple item and if they intentionally serve others first as they have before when I've waited over 45 minutes and witnessed others with more complex dishes, that arrived after me, being served first.

I have worked in the service industry myself for 16+ years. I tip appropriately and am not a needy guest. That is why I gave them ample time to prepare one simple item and arrived at 5:07. It has been 24 minutes since I ordered. We shall see how this plays out.

Edit: I will not simply delete my commentary, because I believe in owning up to mistakes instead of saying they never happened. After speaking with the owner, I rescind my statement regarding what appeared to be comments made regarding my order. She was very polite, and explained that it was because there was a mistakenly taken to-go order that had to be canceled, as they are not permissible on weekends. Timing was simply poor and inconvenient for my perception. My risotto was excellent and arrived 38 minutes after I ordered it, which she explained to me was because they make everything to order and risotto takes them 30 minutes. Next time I have a day off I will try to be able to enjoy the full experience instead of just the food.

P.s. The lamb is...

My wife and I were extremely surprised at the quality of service and the food at this fine establishment! We did not expect this out of the small town of La Crosse, WI but I will say it is amazing to have such a great place to escape to during the winter months. We hesitated to give this place a try but after reading the one and two star reviews we knew it was just the place for us. The lower rated reviews are customers who have lived in the Midwest too long and expected an all you can eat buffet. The portions are by no means small and if you think they are then perhaps this is not the place for you. This place has a fantastic bar and I would definitely come back even just for drinks. Good selection of well priced wines, some nice local beers on tap and specialty cocktails. We started our night with the apple cheese and chive salad and the lamb spiedini skewers and they did not disappoint!. The salad comprised a stack of julienne crisp pink apple, chives and manchego cheese lightly dressed and was a perfect fresh starter to the meal which my wife said mimicked a cheese and fruit plate. The lamb was tender, smoky with a beautiful chermoula and aioli smear. Both appetizers were of a good size and there was a perfectly timed break between the appetizers and the main course. For mains we ordered the seared sea scallops with brussel leaves and potato puree, while my wife ordered chicken thighs with jalapeño thyme and croutons. The scallops were fresh, tender and perfectly cooked, while the accompanying potato and brussel leaves, though an usual choice, worked perfectly and made it a filling and exquisite dish. My wife's main was three large thighs with perfectly seared chicken skin, perfectly cooked succulent and topped with a hand full of lightly dressed arugula. The croutons were soft and crunchy as they soaked up the juices giving them the familiar taste of thanksgiving stuffing. To end we shared a piece of their NY baked cheesecake with rum praline sauce. Along with a really great cup of coffee this was the perfect end to the meal. The pecans in the praline sauce and beautiful texture of the cheesecake was a surprise for a small WI restaurant. The service is the reflection of a well trained staff as they were always attentive and courteous, we never felt rushed but didn't have to wait long for anything from our server Nora. Dining here is an experience. You are not just eating, you are enjoying the atmosphere; from the music to the artwork, lighting and ambiance this place is a warm and cozy respite from the...

My partner and I decided to go out for dinner and drinks for Valentine’s. This was our second experience at Lovechild and we had pretty high expectations as the first visit and food was nothing short of spectacular.

We arrived at 4:30pm and there was already a line, but thankfully we were able to be seated right away when they opened at 5pm.

We ordered three appetizers, the hamachi crudo, poached pear endive salad, and the triple cooked French fries with horseradish cream. The fish was clean and beautifully sliced. There was a crunchy topping that was not mentioned on the menu, but it was delicious all the same whatever it was. The salad left something to be desired. There were hardly any walnuts to be found and that the beautiful Bohemian Blue sheep’s milk cheese was used so sparingly. Too sparingly. For the fries, if you love wedge potatoes, these were meant for you, but a slight warning on the horseradish cream. It may just completely clean out your senses.

Quick side note: the service was immaculate and the server, attentive, and very friendly.

For our entrees, we decided to get the Mezze rigatoni and the sautéed trout with warm potato salad. We had ordered the pappardelle last time, so we expected the other pasta dish to be up to par, but it was just a very ordinary dish. It needed more. More pasta, more sauce, some fresh herbs, and served with warm bread. The trout on the other hand was perfection. The capers, the lemon, the sear, and crispy skin. It was a delight to devour that plate.

Lastly, disaster, I mean dessert. We decided on the citrus crème brûlée and the Portuguese donuts served with lemon curd. The crème brûlée was and is a classic that included a couple pieces of biscotti on the side. My partner went ahead for the donuts while I enjoyed the custard and tried the lemon curd and that is when things went, well sour. I tried it myself and I completely lost my appetite. It tasted spoiled and unnatural and I was not able to finish dessert.

We asked for our server to take the curd away and even though we did not ask, she also took it off our check.

Our first experience I rated Lovechild five stars. This time, it was three, so I’m giving four stars...