Located in the lush surroundings of the Cordova Bay Golf Course, Bill Mattick’s Restaurant is a casual, comfortable, family-friendly venue. The décor is warm and subtle complimented by wonderful service. Our waitress is very personable and more than willing to take care of our every whim. The wine list is quite limited, but definitely thoughtful. By offering only popular selections of wine, you are not going to make a mistake with anything you choose off of this list.
We begin our meal with butternut squash soup that is velvety smooth and sweet with a hint of curry, Served piping hot, this starter is the perfect way to begin the meal. My dining companion chooses the Dungeness crab cake. Yes, only one crab cake is served and that is a shame because it is awesome, it is flakey, yet moist with good consistency that doesn’t fall apart. It is served with a tangy salad of mixed greens and a cool, crisp mixed fruit and vegetable salsa. I dine on pan seared chicken breast with Italian sausage stuffing. Although the sausage stuffing offers a bold compliment to the flavour of the chicken, it is a bit dry and is supposed to be served with rice, but comes with roasted potatoes instead. And, the mushroom peppercorn sauce that is served with it, although delicious, is much better suited for the bacon wrapped NY steak that my dining companion orders. The steak is not quite cooked as ordered, but it is a succulent cut of meat and is enjoyed nonetheless. We mention to the waitress that my dish is not served as indicated on the menu and they offer to re-make my meal, but I honestly don’t have a preference of rice to potato. Regardless, the staff is quick to make good and insist on serving us complimentary wine with our dessert.
Our dinner is highlighted by dessert. We begin with baked apple with apricot brandy sauce and are quick to agree this is the delight of the evening; it is everything you want a baked apple to be. The smell of cinnamon envelops you like a warm blanket. The apple is stuffed with nuts and raisins and drenched in a sticky apricot brandy sauce. It is the authentic, perfect baked apple. The chocolate mousse here is another surprise, laced with flakes of chocolate that add an entertaining texture to the expected smoothness.
So when you are looking to take a beautiful scenic drive for a satisfying meal, Bill Mattick’s offers a pleasant experience from start to finish.
Happy Food – The Secret Diner
5333 Cordova Bay Road, Victoria, 250-658-4271
