Walden's — Restaurant in Texas

Very pleasant dining experience…

This was our first visit to the Yacht Club and it won’t be our last. We had a very pleasant experience. The location is a lovely setting on the waterfront with expansive views of Lake Conroe and we had reservations just in time for sunset. We were seated promptly by a lovely hostess, nearest the windows as requested. We were expecting white tablecloths from the way people spoke of it but there wasn’t any. I was worried about being under dressed in a velvet suit, but there were folks there dressed much more casually. There were faux candles and flowers on the tables, but none were lit. A large, lovely stone fireplace centered in the dining room would have been lovely with a fire in it. Was graciously attended to by Laura with assistance by another wonderful gentleman. (Whose name escapes me – sorry!) He was quite helpful in choosing a wine for the evening and taking pictures for us. Although, I was a little surprised when his first suggestion was a screw top bottle of Pinot Grigio. (Here? It was better suited for the sports bar next door.) We passed on it and settled on a delicious bottle of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

Warm rolls were served with butter balls and olive oil with a splash of balsamic. Crusty, tender and hard not to devour them before dinner! We decided to share the Maryland Crab Cakes and they kindly served us with each our own plate. The cakes tasted very good and were full of crab with not too much stuffing. Small enough though, that next time I wouldn’t share. Loved the crispy fried onions and jalapenos garnish too.

The views were incredible as the sun turned the Eastern sky shades of pink and blue over the lake. Then a pianist began to play. It created a wonderful ambiance. They even took requests per table. Dinner was served and we dined on Seabass Napoleon with a Burra Blanc Crab Meat Stuffing and the Ocean Grill Brochette with two (of each): Scallops wrapped in bacon, jumbo Shrimp (mine were not wrapped in bacon per the menu and were only large), peppers & mushrooms with a Lemon Butter Sauce. It was cooked to perfection; but had they been jumbo and wrapped as stated, the portion would have been more ample. Hubby had the same butter sauce on his Seabass and we both agreed it could have used a little splash of wine or more seasoning. The sides were tasty, fluffy jasmine rice and haricots verts cooked tender crisp.

After our meal our server offered coffee and dessert. We declined the coffee but inquired about dessert. She did not bring a menu and came with a dessert tray instead. There were 5 offerings. I was a little disappointed that Crème Brulee was not among them and asked about it. She said no, so we ordered Decadent Godiva Chocolate Mousse Cake to share. When served, the gentleman also came out with a Crème Brulee compliments of the house! That was so thoughtful and I loved it. We shared that and took the cake home to devour later. (It was as decadent as described!) Although, as I write this review and re-read the menu; it had much more to offer and am now wondering if those other items were available? (Like tableside Cherries Jubilee for Two.) Next time I will know to ask.

The service was impeccable, the ambiance divine and the food delicious. I only took a star for those few imperfections that can be easily remedied. Cannot wait to return and hope there is white table linens when we do. It would better suit this...

I have to imagine that anyone posting more than 3 stars for the food here must be used to Hamburger Helper meals every other night of the week. Hell, what am I saying... I think I'd prefer a good ol' HH dinner over that excuse for "fine dining" quality food.

Had the "linguine fra diavolo". Sauce is straight from a can of Hunt's Traditional Pasta Sauce. Freeze dried pasta (not that big of a deal other than the price tag). Shrimp? Overcooked and bland. Scallop? Sizes from baby to colossal. Can't imagine those were cooked properly (they weren't). Oh and, of course, bland. Mussels were good but it's a good thing those are hard to f$%k up. Seriously though, it's called seasoning. Start with salt. Baby steps.

Also had the lobster roll. Lobster was cooked fine if a little under but, hey, it's lobster. A very... very small amount of lobster. Here's the kicker; it was served on a hot dog bun!! Granted, it did say in the description it would be, but, I'm talking a literal Mrs Baird's bun from Walmart bought by every pre-camper prepared to slap some bar-s weiners in. Buttered? Toasted? Naaahhh just some lobster meat, red colored mayo, and an out of the plastic package, cold hot dog bun. Oh and some floppy "not raw" potato slices to compliment (do I have to say underseasoned or bland at this point or can we all just assume?)

Bottom line; come for the view - gorgeous. Come for the atmosphere - business meetings a go. Come for the drinks - alcohol. Just understand that these are the reasons for your over priced bill* and CERTAINLY, I'd hope, not the middle school cafeteria food. If you're hungry then walk a few hundred feet down to Break Water Grill and get something half way decent.

*ok. The prices actually aren't THAT bad to be honest. I just didn't want to break theme... unless you want steak. But I didn't have any so maybe the $30 ribeye is their...

Love the people here! The staff is so kind and always remembers who we are. I can't say it's STRICTLY the Yatch Club though. The pool is in the middle of the Fine Dining Yatch Club and the Breakwater Grill, which is more laid back, exciting and casual. And some of the staff handle both restaurants/pool. So all in all this rating goes for everyone in the Yatch Club, Pool Staff and Breakwater Grille. I love how good the food is, how family friendly they are and just the positive atmosphere overall. Hoffie is doing a lot to keep things exciting, with quality service and it's appreciated. No matter how hard Carlos or Melissa(Bartender BWG) are working, running nonstop, they always manage to stop long enough to acknowledge we're there and ask how things are going. And that's just a few I mentioned, there are so many other great people! I like that they are always adding new ideas to the menu. I love that there's always some sort of event/entertainment going on. Halloween party, Santa pics, Crawfish Boils, Bouncy castles for the kids, Live music while you eat outside, and even sports on TV inside the Grille. I know some of these people are having a rough time in their lives some days or very exhausted and really missing their family, but need the hours, but you'd never be able to tell, bc they're smiling, attentive and making you feel welcome. Thank you to you all, ESPECIALLY during such a crazy,...