We were looking forward to our dinner at The Empress Room this year, as last year it was one of the best deals going. This year, the restaurant was one of the dozen or so that opted for the $35 menu (the property's other restaurant, The Bengal Lounge, is offering a $25 menu this year).
No matter what, you can't quite top the Empress Room for dining elegance on the Island. Period chandeliers, fireplaces and silverware aside, the beverage cart is almost worth the price of admission alone. Ask for a seat by the massive fireplace and succumb to cocooning amidst in the rich tapestries and sumptuous chairs. This is romance, grand style. Though we were in the thick of the Dine Around event, almost very other couple tucked in the room that night were celebrating an anniversary popping corks abound.
While most restaurants offer a choice of menu option for Dine Around, The Empress Room had only one choice each for starter, main and dessert. This was somewhat disappointing, as part of the fun is spearing a fork around the table to sample others' plates. Regardless, once does not mess with Le Grand Dame so decisions already made for us, we tucked into our large basket of fresh bread and eagerly awaited our first course. On formal china dishes arrived a delicate shellfish consommé, pooling around a large Alaskan scallop. The tender scallop and clear consommé was light and refreshing, a well planned starter for our next course the complete opposite in weight. Shiny silver domes came to the table, revealing hefty braised short atop a large, creamy mound of mashed potatoes. Perfectly braised spring vegetables accompanied, as did a Stilton Yorkshire pud the authentically sound version of a soufflé/popover cross. The ribs were spoon tender obviously the result of a long, patient braise. We chose the recommended VQA wine pairing with our entrée Inniskillin Cabernet Sauvignon, which had enough gripping tannins to stand up to the flavourful and rich meat. Dessert was a lovely warm disc of bread pudding this one made with buttery croissant and soaked in a fireweed honey and Grand Marnier sauce. Accompanied by tart cranberries, maple glaze, and a crunchy, flower-shaped filo, this was the perfect size and sweetness to end a hearty, rich meal.
Though at times we felt somewhat sheepish for walking into the grand Empress Room for a discount meal', the service was polite and attentive throughout. An amazing Dine Around value, when most regularly priced entrees can run the price of our entire 3 course dinner.
All in all it is obvious this is the room for a sumptuous, decadent evening out perfect for romancing or celebrating that someone special.
Bon Appetit The Secret Diner
721 Government Street, Victoria, 250-389-2727
