Belvedere (The), Calgary

The appetizers were good but nothing spectacular. My Wife's lamb dish was overcooked, ordered medium rare and served medium well. The argued about it with us but in the end gave us the dish free of charge. My surf & turf was excellent. Dessert was the best course and we both enjoyed it, especially since they were on our waitress. She felt bad for making so many mistakes and forgetting things throughout the meal. She seemed very inexperienced and probably wasn't ready to be working in a place like The Belvedere. Probably won't go back unless someone else is paying.

I ordered 3 appetizers (none of the mains really excited me). The veal sweetbreads and the beef tartar were the best I've ever had, and the foie gras dish was not bad either. They seem to pay less attention to their main courses though; my dining partner also had an unimpressive lamb dish. The waiter claimed that they were known for their sticky toffee pudding. I would say to skip that and go for the creme brulee. The waiters also seemed to be a tad lacking in their wine knowledge. At any rate, it is worth the trip for the appetizers alone.

My Rack of Lamb was tough and served with veggies and Canelloni, all items were served luke warm. My partners Scallops, roasted peppers and potatoes, were also served tepid. On complaint to the waiter, he assured us that these had just come out the oven. There is a large smoking lounge open to the dining room, the smell of cigarettes does not compliment an already less than adequate meal.

The service was superior with service staff helpful and gentile. Many more lunch menu items I would like to try. Can't wait to go again.