The Marina provides an elegant setting with gorgeous panoramic views. After we were seated along the window we each ordered one of the two appetizers offered from the Dine Around menus. My spot prawn bisque “cappuccino” was full of flavor topped with lemon crème fraîche. My dining companion enjoyed an earthy porcini mushroom broth which held two good sized goat cheese ravioli that were rich and creamy – a nice contrast against the appropriate strength of the broth. Hers was piping hot, mine lost temperature quickly with the cool crème fraîche atop. Heating the mugs that hold the “cappuccino” might solve this dilemma.
My seafood bouillabaisse was flavorful with a nice assortment of shellfish, salmon and halibut. It was very enjoyable with a thick slice of bread. My companion’s coq au vin tasted fabulous, but was difficult to eat with little bones and bits from the drumstick only becoming noticeable once in her mouth. This is a $25 menu, so perhaps the food budget does not allow for a more substantial piece of poultry. She would have enjoyed it much more if it was easier to eat in public! The rich brown sauce was nicely flavoured with rosemary and the vegetables and fingerling potatoes were delicious in the sauce. The chicken was fork tender and also tasty.
I was really looking forward to dessert as I love the warm ginger cake with toffee ice cream and sauce. The serving was massive – not big, not huge, but massive! It is positively divine, but would have been even better without the accompanying luke-warm decaf. We also ordered the white chocolate crème brûlée which was heavenly, but tiny in comparison to the cake. The busser did stop by to offer more decaf and I politely mentioned that the coffee was on the cold side. He apologized and walked away. That was it. No follow up. Decaf gets cold as perhaps we’re some of the few who avoid the leaded variety…the decaf tends to sit. A new cup would have been nice, though. There seems to be lots of staff, but perhaps our bussers were new. The food was really enjoyable and good value at $25 for three courses.
- The Secret Diner
T: (250) 598-8555, 1327 Beach Drive
