Castle Restaurant

Allow me to preface this review with the following: I write this review out of love, and because I see that this restaurant clearly used to be great. It's a place that has great attention to detail. Some of the plates were even custom made. It's a castle with a stunning lake backdrop, surrounded by an actual moat. The interior has a cozy feel, and harkens back to a time when your local eatery had a roaring fire, mutton chops galore, and ale drunk out of steins. Then it goes downhill. They have two menus, one fit for kings, and one for peasants, so to speak. I was feeling rather like a serf, so I chose to impress my date with the peasant menu. By choosing that menu, you get sat in what I guess is the low income section. It's by no means a bad place, but having full view of the King's court that wealthier patrons frequent made me feel... well, like a peasant. And I don't know if it was just me, but I felt like I was also treated accordingly. So, the food. I feel like this would be a great candidate of a restaurant to be saved on Kitchen Nightmares by Gordon Ramsay. The French onion soup tasted a bit bitter, like it was microwaved. The cheese just floated half-melted on the top. My entree was a lamb shank. It sat in a puddle of flavorless water. It was cold towards the center, indicating that it had been frozen/microwaved. The mashed potatoes tasted like instant mashed potatoes - no flavor, no butter, and gritty. The carrots were a total mush. If their intent was to feed and treat me like a peasant, then I suppose they achieved their goal. But for an $80 meal for two, I'd have to be a glutton for punishment if I ever came back. I wanted to complain, but I think the waitress already knows. I can't be alone in this opinion. The restaurant was completely deserted at 6 o'clock on a Sunday night. The restaurant's walls are lined with accolades for excellence, but most of those are anywhere from 15 to 34 years old! Somewhere along the way, somebody's vision was lost. I just hope they can turn it around.

This is not just a meal but an experience. Everything here is well done. Not just the food which is wonderful but the impeccable service as well. I had the steak au poivre which was finished at the table. If you like ceasar salad they make it from scratch tableside. The wine list is world class and has received many awards. I could continue to rave but go and try it for yourself. And save room for dessert or a flaming coffee.

I ordered the "game special" which was antelope with mixed veggies, corn and wild rice. I've NEVER had antelope and didn't know what to expect except that it might taste like venison. It was delicious and not gamey at all. Top notch meal, nicely presented and nice atmosphere. Waiter was good but a little snotty when my friend asked for salt to season her pasta dish.