The Empress room is nothing short of impressive! Fit for a queen, indeed you do feel like royalty right from the moment you make your reservation.
The dining reservations line at The Fairmont Empress handled our reservation pleasantly and efficiently. I was asked if we wanted to reserve for the Dine Around menu, explained the dress code (no jeans), and asked if we were driving. Upon arrival in the front driveway of the hotel, the doorman welcomed us and valet parked our car – complimentary.
We were received by our hostess in a very friendly and efficient manner and seated with the $35 Dine Around menu among others. We both chose the earthy, rich mushroom velouté to start. The thick soup was rich and smooth in its preheated bowl with a beautiful mushroom quenelle on crostini in the centre. Its cool flavor was a nice compliment to the hot soup, which was poured at our table from beautiful, individual silver tureens. Even though neither of us are chardonnay fans, the suggested Quails’ Gate VQA pairing worked very well with the spectacular mushroom flavor of the local mushrooms.
Perhaps we were falling a bit behind in our wine consumption as we did sneak in an extra glass of wine on arrival. The extremely efficient servers kept an eye out, and when we seemed more interested in chatting than bottoms up, they asked if we would like to slow down our main course. The servers and hosts thought of everything throughout the night and every whim was catered to even without request. Our capable server, Brandon, appears younger than the long-time servers which you normally expect at The Empress Room. He goes against the grain of the young servers we all like to complain about at other establishments. Brandon knew how to read us and responded accordingly in a friendly, efficient, sometimes humorous, and non-obtrusive manner.
For the main course I chose the braised pork shoulder that was fork tender with a beautiful caramelized reduction. The accompanying polenta made with Salt Spring Island Beddis Blue cheese was very tasty. My dining companion had the hand peeled prawn and arugula risotto that was perfectly cooked, but perhaps a little overwhelmed by the truffle oil. The pairing for this course was a Quails’ Gate merlot which I found perfect. However, we had earlier determined it wasn’t much of a match for the prawn risotto. When we inquired about the pairing, our gracious hostess agreed it perhaps was not the best match and suggested another wine which they were happy to substitute. Our only complaint of the night would have been this pairing. I’m not sure how Dine Around restaurants determine that there is only one wine pairing with each selection of courses. Some restaurants might want to revisit their menus!
Dessert, as expected, was exceptional; smooth, crème brûlée for me and espresso chocolate cheesecake for my companion. Both were delicious garnished with a pumpkin seed brittle that was fantastic!
The attention to detail throughout our whole experience was exceptional and the cuisine and wine superb. The Empress Room is a class act.
- The Secret Diner
T: (250) 389-2727, 721 Government St.
