We went to the Lodge Steakhouse for the first time after several wonderful meals at the Cantina…read more The setting was absolutely breathtaking. We felt like we were walking through a fairytale-like winter wonderland in Idaho or Jackson Hole. It had just snowed and truly looked magical. Perfect landscape design and and lighting. The dining room itself is equally elegant, decor is on point, upscale and super-tasteful, and atmosphere is fantastic.
We were SO excited about the drinks, wine and food menus. Ordered liberally to try a lot of different things, and... womp womp.
While the plating and presentation of all we ordered was perfect, the taste did not rise to the level of the presentation.
The martini had a strange undertone, The Pinot was thin and underwhelming. The oysters all had pieces of shell in them from how they were shucked that then had to be fished out from one's palate (and there's no way to do that that's not awkward at a full table). The octopus was overcooked. They serve garlic biscuits, which were tasty but we didn't finish them bc no one was blown away. The duck - skin was scored properly but not given enough time time crisp or pan not hot enough, so served soggy, tho the meat was done correctly. All dishes sat upon a turnip puree, with the duck having additional (also soggy veggies), and the steak having additional shredded cabbage.
French fries came out nearly cold but in a nice metal basket lined with parchment. They looked perfect and then the bite was, well, not hot.
Mashed potatoes were good. Presented well. Perhaps the highlight of the evening?
The service was very good, by the way. Staff was fantastic. It's just that something was a near miss on the food... very heavy handed, the unique tastes and freshness of the ingredients cooked out of many... a very different experience than had in the cantina, where the food has been perfect each time.
2 Coffees, 2 sodas, 1 martini and one glass of wine, 2 apps, 3 entrees, and one dessert with standard tip came out to just under $500. It's a lot for an underwhelming meal.
Food wise, if I were to recommend a fine dining establishment where the food is superlative for the same price, I'd say Hudson House in Nyack, hands down. While they don't have the same ethereal setting, the culinary aspect cannot be beat. They do have oysters that are shucked correctly and a killer steak au poivre with pomme frites that's incredible.
Perhaps we'll try this place again in the future. Not sure if it's new? Only just learned about the Lodge Steakhouse part, so who knows.
Summary: Overall, gorgeous setting, food presentation. Staff service: lovely, actual taste of each dish: meh.