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We had high hopes for dinner at the Shandaken Inn, especially considering all the positive reviews, but unfortunately, our experience fell short. When we arrived for our 7:00 PM reservation, we noticed that a couple with a 7:30 reservation was seated ahead of us. We ended up waiting about 20 minutes to be seated, which set a frustrating tone for the evening.
We started with the Cheese Raclette as an appetizer, which was delicious. However, when we asked the wait staff about the pearls on the cheese (which looked like caviar), no one seemed to know what they were. After some confusion, we found out they were mustard seeds. Despite the lack of knowledge from the staff, the dish itself was very good.
For our main courses, we ordered the Pork Shoulder Ragu and the Chicken Milanese. The pasta was extremely spicy and completely inedible—no one at the table could eat it. The Chicken Milanese was equally disappointing. It was overly seasoned, overcooked, and extremely dry, making it just as inedible as the pasta.
When our waiter noticed we hadn’t eaten the food, we politely mentioned that the ragu was too spicy. He graciously took it off the bill, which we appreciated, but it didn’t make up for a ruined meal. I really wanted to love this place, but we left hungry and...
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Had the arancini, the chicken milanese, and the brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious and so creative!!
One of my companions had the lamb ragout, which was phenomenal!
Service was well paced and attentive without being intrusive.
The only detracting points were when we asked to see the wine menu so I could choose a glass of wine instead of a 2nd cocktail; and later on, to see the dessert menu.
On the first occasion, the server recited options, and then, seeing I wasn'tsatisfied, brought the menu. On the other occasion, she just recited the dessert options instead of bringing the menu. Which meant we didn't see the full descriptions of the desserts. We chose the panna cotta, which we might not have if we'd been able to see the details. It was tasty (albeit less firm than others I've had), but it came topped with a granola-like mix of candied sunflower seeds and other ingredients that detracted from the silkiness that panna cotta is known for.
The dining room only had 2-3 other parties, and the menus were close by, so it wasn’t an issue of her not having the time to bring the requested menus. It felt like a weird misstep in an otherwise...
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This place is the best.
The food is outstandingly good with a frequently changing seasonal menu (their burger remains through all menu changes and is always a winner) and a wine and beer list which is long, varied and well chosen.
Kicking the evening off with one of Chloe’s legendary cocktails is the way to go - all the classics are turned out perfectly and there’s also always something new to try on the list - all are excellent.
The Clubhouse sets the benchmark for getting the relaxed vibe just right. This place really does make us feel at home - from the roaring fireplace in the winter to the patio for the sunsets in summer.
Above all though, it is the staff and service with which The Clubhouse nails the vibe: Friendly, relaxed and efficient service throughout dinner with helpful menu suggestions and beer or wine recommendations is preceded by the warmest of welcomes from Rafael, Katie, Miranda, Chloe, Beth - everyone - as you come through the door (and again at the bar and then at your table) which immediately makes us feel like family and sets the tone for a great night out.
I cannot rate it highly enough and we will be back -...
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