After an extremely busy day, I decided to indulge in one of my city’s most well-known and respected restaurants.  The last time I had been to this restaurant was over 10 years ago, so I think I was more than due.  I arrived just after a little rain drizzle and the outdoor patio tables were so inviting.  There are two entrances to this restaurant; there is the Chaucer’s Pub side (which serves the same menu) and there is the Marienbad Restaurant side both have an old world European ambiance.  The restaurant and pub is located in the heart of downtown and is known to get very busy during the evenings and weekends before and during bar hours.

I chose the Marienbad Restaurant side for some peace and quiet after an extremely busy day.  I was relieved to be welcomed with some 5 star service that is so rare and seems to be fading away these days.  My server was pleasant, helpful and courteous; he didn’t bother me with so many questions throughout my meal, which seems to be the norm with most of the newer restaurants I’ve been to lately.  Clearing plates and bringing drinks on a timely basis… my kind of service!

Above is some of the beautiful decor I adore so much…

Above is the calm before the dinner rush and shows the doorway to the enclosed atrium dining room.

I started with an Irish coffee which was elegantly served with a raw sugar stick… it was so yum! For appetizers I went with the Calamari and the Antipasto Di Casa…and WOW!  The calamari was crisp and I could taste the quality of its preparation, the antipasto contained fresh fruit, high grade goat cheese, as well as excellent cuts of meat and alfalfa sprouts.

It took me a while to decide on what to order as every plate description made my mouth water.  I decided on the Chicken Paprikash…

The Chicken Paprikash contained boneless chicken served on top of a portion of haluska or small noodle dumplings and covered with a lovely paprika sauce.  It is nothing I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating and I’m glad I picked this hearty dish.  The chicken melted in my mouth and the dumpling noodles tasted light, yet filling.  I thought it was a perfect summer dish for an early evening dinner.

Now, on to the dessert…

With an order of a steaming hot cappuccino made from their classic looking machine…

I decided to try the Strawberry Palatschinka…

YES!  This tasted just as good as it looks!  It contains vanilla ice cream wrapped in a perfectly made crepe with strawberries and whipped cream on the sides.  My tastebuds were definitely jumping with joy for this dessert!  The strawberries had just enough tang to cut through the delicious sweetness.  The presentation alone made me smile from ear to ear.

Now the great thing was, my friend wanted a dessert with mint and they accommodated the request by adding peppermint schnapps and chocolate ice cream.  The server in turn asked me to name the new dessert, so if you ever decide to go, try the “Fresh Mint Creme Palatschinka” 😉

Overall, this is indeed the classic restaurant it always was.  The service superb and the food was breathtaking.

This restaurant also is a hub for many special events as well as Murder Mystery Dinner Theatres.  I hope you all have the pleasure of visiting this treasure of my city.  You won’t be disappointed!

For their various menus and further information visit their website:  www.marienbad.ca

Happy 5 star nomming! 🙂

SS