Le Riverain

Terry

3.0

This was our second time eating at Le Riverain. Our first time, almost one year ago, was wonderful 5 stars for Food, Service & Atmosphere. When I pay $500 CAD on dinner for two people I expect impeccable. The location/atmosphere was impeccable both times. The service was darn near impeccable.

My only complaint, when I ask for an old fashioned with bourbon, the waiter told me because of tariffs there is no bourbon. When I mentioned in your a list there is 15-20 bourbons he said where. I showed him in their spirts/cocktails book he quickly said let me check. They had both Canadian & US bourbons so I ordered one with a single barrel Jack Daniels. When the waiter brought it he couldn't resist telling me they just opened the last bottle of Jack Daniels. This won't get better until you elect someone new in two years. I'm here to enjoy a wonderful night out with my wife on her birthday - so I refused to engage him. Entertainers & restauranteurs should understand, by now, that people come to escape the woes of the world & have fun, not debate politics. My drink was impeccable.

The food was the biggest disappointment. It was no where near our first experience. The bread,'3 bites' tasting was good. We had two different appetizers my wife's foie gras was great my tomato with halloumi was edible - not bad but not good. The entrees were the downfall my wife's black cod tasted old & my fillet mignon was extremely crusty & cut in half but the Madeira sauce was lovely.

Our desserts of strawberry/rhubarb tart were very tart, the rhubarb fence was tough & stringy but the sorbet on top was delicious.

We're unsure if the problems are due to a different chef, mid week, fall versus summer or something more endemic. We'll probably not return.