This new restaurant in Baldwinsville is at the location of the former Fireside Inn, but make no mistake, this is not the same tired old restaurant. As soon as we walked in the front entrance we noticed an elegance and sleek, modern look that was both inviting and relaxing. The owners have done a stellar job with the renovations and it now approaches a Michelin star rating dining establishment.
It was our anniversary (which I mentioned when I made my reservation online) and we were greeted by the host with a "happy anniversary!". We were led to a table for two near one of the fireplaces in the main dining room, which was the exact spot my wife had been hoping for. There were several other tables of diners, ranging from retirees to 30 somethings to a family with a toddler. More about that later.
Our server was terrific and took our drink orders. I opted for the Butter Bourbon Old Fashioned and my wife had the Tea's Knees, a riff on a G&T. Both were excellent. When the drinks arrived, we ordered the Crispy Pork Belly Bites for our appetizer, and the Crab Stuffed Haddock and the Scallop entrees. While we waited, we were delivered a small fresh baked loaf of bread with honey butter. Service was slower than we expected, but as we were in no hurry, it was not an issue for us.
The app arrived after about 20 minutes, and the entrees after about 40, at which time we ordered a few more drinks. I tried the Kicking Mule (Moscow Mule made with jalpeno infused vodka) and my wife had a glass of the Chardonnay. The Mule was ok, but I suggested to the GM that perhaps trying a hot pepper vodka might work better. The Chardonnay was a perfect pairing for the flaky and buttery Stuffed Haddock.
Speaking of the GM (General Manager), he came to each table a few times during the evening to check in on guests and see what they thought. He even brought me a sample of a new bourbon which he personally recommended. Getting back to the other diners. The husband and wife who had a relatively quiet toddler, became our focus for awhile, as the husband complained about the cut of steak, the prices, the lack of a children's menu, etc... We thought for awhile that he might just storm out without paying the bill. It was embarrasing. Another table with an older couple next to us proved to be even more embarrasing. They both criticized the food when the GM came over, and demanded that he comp their meal, of which they had already eaten half. They then got up and left without another word.
We on the other hand were effusive with our compliments about the food, the service and especially the surprise anniversary dessert that was brought to our table in a quiet manner. A lovely chocolate ganache cake slice with "Happy Anniversary" written in chocolate sauce on the plate. A perfect end to a wonderful meal. read more