The Good, the bad and the ugly
Four experiences, Four ratings. Bistro Le Roux in Lake George, NY had a great atmosphere. It felt cozy and very much like a great hideout in the winter months. We arrived right when the restaurant opened, and were seated promptly. Chelsea, our server, seemed to be a tad disinterested in her role as server, but for the most part was attentive.
One thing I really liked about the menu was the option of a half or a full order of every entree and salad. Chris started with a delicious salad of greens with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. My tomato bisque was so good I wanted to lick the bowl. Chris’ surf and turf was a perfectly cooked filet mignon with 2 jumbo prawns wrapped in prosciutto, served atop cream cheese mashed potatoes. My entree was Bourbon beef tips with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes, blue cheese and pork belly. Here’s the thing.
The chef was trying too hard. The beef tips were delicious. The potatoes and gravy sublime. The pork belly was superfluous and frankly over cooked. The blue cheese, I will allow that some people would enjoy, but for me the flavor did not go with the entree.
The wine selection was excellent and well priced.
I would have enjoyed dessert but the people who sat next to us at the end of our meal were wearing overwhelming perfume (no fault of the restaurant) so we just left.
If I were in the area again , I would enjoy dining here. But, I would want some options that were not overly complex. Trout does not need a short rib hash, as that just hides its flavor. Chef, you are awesome. Just relax.
I am not much of a dessert person, but give me ice cream or give me death...Okay,maybe the Live free or die VT slogan got to me! The Mountainside Creamery in Woodstock, VT was on the Main Street down a short flight of stairs. I loved my pumpkin ice cream. Chris enjoyed his maple walnut ice cream, but was disappointed in the waffle cone. Not quite cooked enough. But hey, in the 70s in October, sitting on a bench watching the world go by while eating delicious ice cream? Happy,happy day!
The Galley Restaurant and Pub, Naples ME
After a long day of driving...if you can call a beautiful drive along the Kancamagus highway (Vermont 112) long, we stopped into the Galley restaurant and Pub for an early dinner. First, you need to know that signage is terrible. You won’t see the place from the street, and it is tucked behind the gas station. Once you find it, you will be happy to have clean restrooms, comfortable surroundings and good food. We were newly arrived In Maine, so lobster rolls were definitely on the menu. Chris had a clam chowder which was delicious. No flour rue to distract from the clams and vegetables. The lobster rolls were jam packed with fresh lobster, and the bun was fresh and perfectly toasted.
I want to go back for another one now....
So what restaurant deserves the ugly rating? Sadly, it was the Copper Grouse in Manchester, VT. Your trip advisor and yelp will say that this is one of the top rated restaurants in Manchester. Save your money. Go elsewhere. The atmosphere is lovely, the servers are pleasant. They smile. They are kind. They are completely useless. We ordered a salad and a burger and fries to share. We sat there for what felt like a very, very long time. We asked the waitress, eventually, to check on our order. We were finally served and our food was cold. Hm, perhaps it sat there forever waiting to be picked up? We sent it back, and it was better although not good.
With their prices, if service and food is not perfect, why waste your time?
