The fears of Groupon, SocialShopper and in this case, Travelzoo. Will the portions be smaller or have less quality? Theoretically, like specials, deals are offered to lure in new clientele. Meaning, the food should be good, if not better. What about those who claim there may be bad service due to the use of a discount voucher? Well, we will see. In general, I am not a fan of vouchers because from my past experiences, usually the restaurants are not so great… hence the need to lure in new clientele. However, I have been wanting to try Bridge's upper dining room for a while, so why not? 
Walking in, we were greeted by one of the staff who works at the gelato bar and she directed us to the stairs. After walking up, the hostess was friendly as well as welcoming, and offered to grab our coats. By the way, Bridges states to be a casual restaurant, so, so far the restaurant has pretty much some basic fine dining characteristics (which were lacking last week at West Restaurant!). 
The restaurant's interior is surprisingly not too shabby and I sort of expected a rustic place… but the restaurant has an odd Titanic atmosphere, especially towards the hallway to the washroom. Also, I appreciate that the seating arrangements are quite spacious; however, during the summer there are probably a few extra tables squeezed in.
COMPLIMENTARY BREAD AND WHIPPED BUTTER.
The table bread is served warm and has a slight sea salt taste. Our server asked at least three times if we wanted more bread(!) which of course
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND LOBSTER BISQUE, TOASTED ALMONDS & BASIL ESSENCE ($12.00).
The bisque has a slightly sweet rich creamy taste and the thickened consistency from the butternut squash, holds the hint of lobster flavour well. Furthermore, since the bisque has a nice thickened consistency, the taste settles in the mouth longer. And despite no hint of cognac or sherry, the bisque is quite tasty.
SEARED JUMBO SCALLOPS, TRUFFLE & CAULIFLOWER PUREE, MICRO GREENS AND PARMESAN CRISP ($17.00).
The scallops have a nice crisp exterior which West Restaurant's lacked, and tastes rich, buttery as well as moist. As for the truffle and cauliflower puree, it did not really do much and I enjoyed the scallops with or without it. And for the parmesan crisp, properly made and tastes cheesy with that natural saltiness.
MUSSELS, OKANAGAN WILD BOAR SALAMI, POTATO & PAPRIKA, PARSLEY & BUTTER ($22.00).
Since mussels are not currently in season, they are a bit small; however, do taste plump with the broth. The mussels are not overcooked and has a light refreshing taste, quite simple. As for the boar salami and sautéed onion, we did not really care for them but the red potato was nice as a "filler". The diced potato tastes perfectly cooked, not too soft or hard.
GRILLED LAMB RACK, FRESH HERB CRUSTED, MUSTARD JUS ($34.00).
The rack of lamb is medium rare as requested, has a nice crisp exterior, and although the seasoning tastes slightly too salty, it is fine. The meat tastes tender and has a heavier gamey flavour which is also fine, and the au jus tastes heavy but not overwhelming.
PAELLA, SHELLFISH, CHORIZO, SAFFRON RICE ($30.00).
Unfortunately the mussels are slightly overcooked and tastes dry. However, the tiger prawns are meaty with a slight crunch. As for the rice, there is a pasta seafood sauce flavour and tastes slightly more tomatoey.
BRIDGES BAKED CHEESECAKE, SOUR CHERRY SAUCE ($12.00).
The cheesecake tastes creamy as well as soft and not overly sweet. Also, the cherry sauce does not taste too sour or syrupy, and the only issue would be the crust. The crust tastes a bit too moist.
TOTAL: $87.50 + TIP $17.50 = $105.00.
The Travelzoo voucher is $55.00 for one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert. In the end we saved $43.00 and the original price would have been $130.50 before taxes along with tip. Overall, although the service was above average and better than some fine dining restaurants that I have been to, the food was only average aside from the scallops. All in all, tipped 20% because our server Jason, was very friendly.
POSITIVES
- Fine dining service (attentive, friendly and genuine staff)
- Scallops were the highlight of dinner
NEGATIVES
- Some items are fine dining prices
- I would probably enjoy the selection offered at the bistro more (especially the chowder!)
LITTLE THINGS
- Our server was extremely approachable as well as friendly. He took literally thirty photos for another table and made sure to get their best angles!
Food: 2.5/5 (scallops 3.5/5)
Service: 3.5/5
… the food was only average aside from the scallops
ReplyDeleteif the service was only "average" what would you think?
I would think… I wouldn't come back for the gelato bar in the summer, wouldn't come back for the scallops, steak or lobster, and wouldn't try the bistro, LOL I am big on service especially since Vancouver has so many restaurants to offer
Delete