We chose to celebrate Mother's Day with a Saturday evening dinner, rather than endure the crowds on Sunday. We were anxious to try a new, higher-end restaurant just opening near us, Stone River Dining. The only other upper end, non-chain restaurant near us, The Heritage in Cumberland, disappointingly failed last year.
The grounds of Stone River Dining are very nice, grassy and still a work in progress. The panorama view of the Ottawa River, at the rear, is very pleasant. There is a nice patio with tables at the rear and I look forward to checking out this area further. There seems to be plenty of parking in various areas around a big circular driveway. We did not find any disabled parking, but that's ok. The driveway itself still needs work. They really need a big sign on both sides of the 80/90kph Highway 174 and lavish pillars at the driveway entrance, to mark the turn and set the tone of this nice restaurant.
The entrance to the restaurant is very nice. Outside there is a gradual ramp and no stairs. Inside its quite a nice, roomy, impressive entrance. Our seating was to the left.
While we had specifically asked for no steps, and the reservation taker specifically acknowledged the request, when we were shown to our table, my ailing wife had to navigate 2 steps. We did not explore the entire building because we did not want to intrude on others dining but it certainly seems upscale and quite nice. Unfortunately, like many restaurants these days, there is no carpeting or tapestry to absorb some of the sounds. The area where we sat would benefit from a curtain, or soft wall between the entrance and the eating area. Just to close off the space and quiet down sounds from the entrance and from the serving staff. The noise level was tolerable but louder than I like, with the usual children running around.
The table we sat at would have been perfect for 2, a little awkward for 3, and crowded for 4. My opinion. When paying top dollar, I like to feel like I own some real estate. I'm a big guy. The chairs are large, very nice and solid, but hard after 2 hours. Too bad they don't have some padding on them. Maybe later. My wife said that they are slippery.
While we had a reservation, and there was no earlier sitting at our table, the table was not set when we arrived 15 minutes early. The extra place setting (we had reserved for 3) never did get completely cleared, and so the table space was a bit crowded. There was no salt and pepper, nor any candle on our table, even though other tables were set with a candle and salt and pepper. One of our party eventually had to go and get salt and pepper from another table, during our meal.
We did not get served any bread and butter, although other tables did.
The menu has a very nice selection but has an awkwardness about it: The main course which includes vegetables and potatoes, can be augmented with a lobster tail ($21) or shrimp ($15). For an additional $10, it can be further augmented with a salad, coffee/tea and dessert. Can I have the $10 option without the $15 option? - No! ..... This is a huge mistake - the answer should be Yes but without a lobster tail or shrimp, the cost is $15 for the salad, coffee/tea and dessert. Add-ons to add-ons is awkward.
No domestic beer and prices shown on the menus. Not everyone wants to drink imports at $17 a bottle. The wine menu is good. We had an inexpensive Ontario Chardonnay (Greyhawk) which was perfect with the schnitzel.
What I really like about this food menu is that it is not overwhelming with choices. With the exception described above, it is very easy to understand. The other thing that I really like is that for a fixed price I can have a salad, coffee and dessert. Excellent. The menu is presented very well, nice binding, nice pages.
The prices are shown for each item, and that can work against an establishment. At first glance, the prices seem quite high, considering other factors. At second glance, they are still high, considering. At third glance, they aren't too bad when you add up the bill.
The add-on salad was very nice, light and attractive with fresh greens and veggies and a nice light dressing. Nice dishware too.
When the main course was delivered, it was piping hot. Appearance was excellent. It was delivered with an appropriate flourish.
My wife had the Basic breaded Schnitzel. It looked nice and tasted very good It could have been a little crisper. It may have been the butter or something that took the crispness off the breading. Anyway, very good and an excellent portion size.
Our son had the Schnitzel Neptune. It was absolutely delicious. Crisp breading. Nice appearance and lots of food.
I had the Schnitzel Stone Haus. It came with asparagus across the breaded schnitzel, and a very nice cheese sauce. All excellent! The potatoes were also very nice.
My son and I had the shrimp tail add-on. Considering that we paid $15 for this shrimp tail, it was terribly over-priced. It was difficult to get out of its shell and did not amount to even a small mouthful of food. Neither my son nor I would order the shrimp again. Based on the shrimp, I would not even consider the lobster tail at $21.
No buns and butter. Why?
For our add-on dessert (part of the $10 add-on, to the $15 add-on) our son chose Black Forest cake. It was excellent. Fresh and attractive and a generous portion. My strudel was likewise excellent. The coffee was hot, fresh and tasty and we were politely offered refills. Very good!
A very nice meal, in a very nice restaurant, in a very nice rural river setting. They have a few wrinkles to iron out, but these should work out ok. The prices are definitely on the high side for a new restaurant trying to build a clientele. That being said, I look forward to my return to try the beef.
Richard Bandla
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