Empress Dining - Thumbs Up (if you've got money)

The Fairmont Empress Homepage

It's not everyday you get the chance to make a moment to dine in luxury... unless you're ridiculously rich or something! Mr. Blue and Miss Violet decided to make a night out of it and headed to The Empress for a fine dining dinner. The Empress is a landmark hotel and restaurant in Victoria, BC and has always upheld a high standard for its high tea, fine dining, ballroom events, and hotel service. The decor is of old English or British style and the building itself is located in the heart of the harbour area. A very beautiful setting, with every detail left in place or fully restored. The furniture themselves are kept in great condition and only further enhances the effect of traveling back in time.

The menu was standard, as in not a set course dinner, so you were able to choose your whole meal. Mr. Blue had the crab bisque to start, a rack of succulent lamb as the main, and a chocolate duo dessert. Miss Violet had the seared scallops, a polenta style pasta as a main, and a dessert trio to finish. The crab bisque was amazing, so full in flavour and the texture just right for a bisque. Was simple and they gave you a good portion of soup that starts your night off in the right direction. The scallops were cooked perfectly, not too rubbery (overcooked) and not raw (icky), but to perfection. The sauce was mild but complemented the scallops very well. The rack of lamb was perhaps the most perfectly cooked lamb I have ever had. Was cooked to my preference, medium-rare, and was full of lamb flavour. Seasoning was light, only a light crusted layer with salt and pepper. Very tasty, but possibly not for those that do not like a gamier tasting meat. The polenta pasta was decent, not the best type of pasta we've ever had, however the shrimp and scallops were good.

The desserts were fantastic, each and every one of them. You can tell they were not freshly baked minutes before though as one of them was still thawing out a bit slightly. Even so, the desserts were amazing in general, as to be expected from The Empress.

Overall the meal and experience was pleasant. We enjoyed our meal together and the service was spectacular. This is not your average 'blue connoisseur' type meal where we also try to obtain the best value for the food. But sometimes, you need to try something out of the ordinary in order to maintain a level palette. We will definitely come back again, after our wallets have replenished some!

- Mr. Blue and Miss Violet -