The Mansion — Restaurant in Melbourne

We went here for the first time to try their new Brunch Buffet that was said to include two glasses of champagne each and an all you can eat buffet. We anticipated an upsacle venue given the description and price of $35 per person that "must" be pre purchased on line in advance. When we got there, we realized this was not an upsacle establishment. We were told to pick any table (no table cloths, some table unleveled) but to not take one that has menus and silverware on it as they were for people with reservations. My question, if you paid the $35 in advance, would that not constitute a reservation? We quickly moved to another table. The buffet was set up in a side room that had fresh homemade bagels, lox, various cream cheese and butter, some Chinese style cream cheese fried wontons, their own homemade donuts (very good), biscuits and gravy, funky tasting scrambled eggs, shrimp and grits (my wife liked), bacon, sausage, waffles, French toast, breakfast potatoes and my favorite, cheese blintzes. We waited several minutes and a waitress said she would be there. No one ever came. A gentleman behind the buffet saw us sitting there and said come and eat if here for the buffet. He proudly went over the offerings. I asked about coffee and the Champaign. He soon brought out two cups of coffee and two Mimosas. We were OK with that. We went up several times to sample the items. Nothing was over the top great, but nothing bad either. Even their home baked bagels were acceptable for Florida standards. We never once had a wait person come over and ask about beverages, nor did we ever get the 2nd glass. I later learned the person behind the buffet was Matthew and I thanked him for his service. He was the only one that ever approached us and at least got us our initial beverages. He appologized for the poor service and non follow up. I think the worst part was hearing others come to a table for menu service and then be offered the buffet option for $25. Why would it cost more to pre pay? We both thought this was unfair. We felt for $35 a person, it was not worth it. For $25 with the drinks, maybe. I am giving three stars as the food was OK. Nothing amazing, nothing bad, except the scrambled eggs that smelled off. Would I come back, not for $35. From my understanding, this was a kind of test run, so maybe they need to get the brunch buffet figured out. We just went with much higher expectations and least someone check on us at least once to get water and...

Edited 12/15/23

Service Has Gone Way Down Hill

My husband and I stopped in the downstairs bar today after Christmas shopping on our way home for a quick glass of wine. There was no one at the bar but we could see some people were having a luncheon on the patio.

We weren't even greated by the young woman bartender, just an exasperated look that we said "not more people!" and a brusk, "what can I get for you" before we were even seated. Translation: I'm too busy to be bothered by you. We quickly told her we were there for a drink only. After sitting down, we touched the bar and it was thoroughly sticky everywhere and I asked if she wouldn't mind wiping it down when she gets a chance. She replied, "I've been bartending all day and haven't had a change to clean it." Really? When would you actually clean the bar top? At the end of your shift? My thoughts, not my words...

She sprays some cleaner that I had to jump out of the way of getting in my face and I sit down, ask for a wine list and and gives me a menu, stating if I want to see more, to scan scan the QR code. I tell her I don't have my phone on me and ask her for a paper menu. I'm still OK at the point but now she says abruptly, NO, we DON'T. No other explanation or offer to narrow it down for me.

Now, I look at my husband and say, I've had enough, let's go. We get up to walk out and now she's all apologies... Sorry honey. I know it's a busy time if year but we are fairly regulars here. We spend... Or used spend a lot money here. Just last June we stocked up on liquor after lunch one day and bought a bottle of Dom to the tune of $375!! On top of the other stuff we bought. Regardless of what we spend or how often we go, bring treated so rudely is uncalled for. Maybe she didn't think it was rude? It's hard to tell with younger generations, I think it's just their annoyance for working in general. Sorry Jim, it'll be a while before we're back. Maybe a retraining session is in order.

We always have a great time when we go here. We love the upper deck with the views of the river and fantastic beer selection! We especially love the retail wine and spirits store and the great wine tastings. We recently attended the Prisoner Wine tasting. We learned so much about this unique vineyard and loved the pairings...

I recently visited this restaurant, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won't forget! The steak I ordered was so raw, I half expected it to moo at me. It was as chewy as bubble gum, but without the delightful burst of flavor. Apparently, the chef takes the term "rare" quite literally.

To add insult to injury, they were playing hide-and-seek with their ingredients. We asked for four items, and it was like a magic trick – poof, they were gone! I felt like I was ordering from the secret menu, which, in this case, is just a list of things they don't have.

And don't even get me started on the "pickle." I eagerly anticipated that tangy, briny goodness, but what I got was a cucumber masquerading as a lifeless imitation of its former self. If I wanted a salad, I would have ordered one!

But the grand finale was when the waiter decided to play a game of "drink disappearance." My glass was abducted while there was still a respectable 1/3 left. Maybe they're trying to promote hydration through mystery – who knows?

In conclusion, if you enjoy culinary surprises, raw meat adventures, and the thrill of wondering whether your order will actually materialize, this restaurant is the place for you. Bon appétit, if you dare!

Update: The surprises at this restaurant just keep coming! After my unforgettable dining experience, one of us is now experiencing a culinary encore in the form of an unexpected dance with digestive distress. It appears that the excitement didn't end with the raw steak and disappearing items; now we have an unplanned rendezvous with gastrointestinal acrobatics.

Consider this an unexpected bonus feature – a gastronomic rollercoaster that keeps on giving, long after you've left the establishment. Who knew a meal could be so adventurous, taking us on a journey through taste and texture, and culminating in a thrilling bathroom sprint?

In the spirit of fairness, I have to acknowledge the restaurant's commitment to providing an all-encompassing experience, from the plate to the porcelain throne. If you're seeking an adrenaline rush and a digestive rollercoaster, this place might just be your ticket to an unforgettable night. Strap in,...