Kanu @ The Whiteface Lodge — Restaurant in Town of North Elba

We were so looking forward to our Christmas dinner at Whiteface Lodge. When we arrived, we were very much impressed with the grandeur of the Lodge and the impressive space that the Kanu restaurant sits in. It was like walking into Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge but more impressive. We selected this location for Christmas dinner based on listings of the best Christmas dinners in the area. We knew in advance that the Christmas dinner was going to be a buffet which was not a problem. We expected it to be quite nice considering the location and the cost (per person: $100.00) which was also not a problem. The festive decor was somewhat of a distraction to the reality of what we were about to experience. Once we sat down, the “server” took our drink order and then we headed off to the buffet. First stop, getting a bowl of quite good Butternut Squash soup. Then a visit to what con only be described as a sad excuse for a Charcuterie Board. It was a mess with little selection of cheeses, meats, crackers and other items one would expect in a place like this. It appeared to be ransacked by kids and, as I said, a complete mess. The staff should have paid more attention to how this first station was being kept up. I did get some cheese and a few other things that were less-than-impressive. After I finished that, I went back to the carving station where they had a choice of turkey or prime rib. I opted for the turkey, which was very dry. I asked where the gravy was and they had none. There were limited sides, so I got some mashed potatoes and broccoli gratin (both were good). I also tried the salmon which had no flavor and was extremely dry. We sat down to consume the food, saw the “server” one more time to fill up my water glass. Did not go back for more food as the only other options were rice pilaf and brussels sprouts (no thank you). No bread options either. Now for a visit to the dessert table. For $100 per person, we expected some pretty fabulous desserts. That was not the case. Everything was in bite sizes, very simple, and of the few options. Not even any cakes or pies (except for something with apples that was cut up into smaller pieces). When the check came, we were shocked to find that a 20% gratuity was added to the bill. I am sorry but for a buffet when we saw the “server” twice, we served ourselves and I even had to place my used plates on another vacant table, paying over $40.00 for “service” that you would get at a Las Vegas buffet is highly unreasonable. No wonder the service was poor since there is no motivation for the “server” to do anything above and beyond. We would certainly never go back for such a dinner and warn all who are considering Whiteface Lodge for Christmas dinner to go with low...

We where eagerly looking forward to our Saturday night dinner reservations for a party of 8 even after were informed it was going to be buffet since this place was rated to be fine dinning. The switch to a buffet last minute was brought on by a recent fire they had. Our waitress took our drink order and barely saw her for the rest the night. We went and got our food... selection very poor for it being $45/per person. You had a choice of 2 salads, short ribs that were tough and dry, mached potatoes and 2 vegetables sides, seafood pasta and very hard stale bread. And for the kids menu included chicken tenders and fries and mac n cheese. Food was bland/dry and cold. After we saw other tables had other choices of food that was not on the buffet we inquired with another server as our server was no where to be found where those options where available. We were told that we could have opted to order off an additional menu upon request only. Our waitresses never informed us of the other option! Also our bill had a 20% gratuity added even though we had barely recieced any service from our waitress besides getting us 1 drink order and asking at the end of our meal if we wanted another drink before dropping the check. Very overpriced for the selection (the buffet should have had more varity not just one type of meat and on type of pasta with seafood) and quality. Would have expected allot more from a high end restaurant especially being the only high end place that come up...

To start, the setting and service are excellent. The space is incredible, as are the servers who were nothing but kind, patient, and attentive to our mixed family group (18 months to 80 years of age).

What falls short, sadly, is the food and beverage quality. I understand how disruptive COVID has been for hospitality operators, and as such, try to keep an open mind when judging the quality of service, product, and setting in our current state.

However, In this instance, I find it hard to find any value in any of the entrees that average $55-60 in price- the osso bucco was very dry, the lamb shank was bland (at least for what would typically be a flavorful Moroccan dish), and the soup, salad, and Brie appetizer dishes were no different than what is found on the adjacent tavern menu. The cowboy ribeye was tasty and well prepared, but one shouldn’t have to pray for that at a $69 price tag.

The drink menu is also shared with the adjacent tavern, which in of itself isn’t a problem, it also leaves a lot to be desired.

All in all, our $800 tab for 5 left us all feeling a little unfulfilled. The idea of this place is fantastic- find dining in an incredible setting, with views and friendly service to match. Unfortunately, the food quality will need to catch up for that to...