Oh, thank the Lord. After being quality deprived for months of living in Maple Ridge I have finally found a place to meet my foodie needs.

Robert Klaus is doing it properly: quality food, beautiful AND practical presentation, polished atmosphere, competent efficient service, considered wine selection, clean stocked restrooms (ladies), reasonable prices.

Lava Dining and Lounge, while a bit deceiving from the outside, is the best dining experience you will have in Maple Ridge. Apparently it has been around the block with styles, management, and consistency in the last few years, but it is officially time to give this place another try - without prejudice.

After a detailed patient conversation about the wine list - complete with the tastings of my choice, I was brought a succulent crab cake appetizer (complimentary) with three kinds of ocean-wise white fish and salmon. Mild, smooth, delicious.

Of course I ordered the prime rib with roasted beet/carrot/asparagus, mashed potatoes, and yorkshire pudding, being that is was Sunday night. Medium well means medium well - a perfect balance of pink and done. Succulent. Bold, but not overwhelming flavours.

Robert topped up my wine once when I implied that while I would like more but wouldn't indulge in another glass.

Oh, and the salad! Greens: layered butter lettuce sprinkled with blue cheese, roasted almonds, and green apple throughout. Tossed in a light vinaigrette and a balsamic reduction on the plate. Perfect size. Quality ingredients.

What a relief.

Robert said:
"Every drink is special here. If you don't like it, I'll drink it." No drink specials, but top quality selection.

If you are lucky you might be able to sample "the home brew" - a chocolate port fortified with cognac. Usually offered as a special thank you since it is a specially liqueur locally brewed in very limited quantities.

I saw a cheese plate go by and wished I still had room.

This place under new professional management has an eye on the future. They are staying the course while Maple Ridge forgets the past and begins to accept Lava as the new fine dining location in town.

Go there.
(No cappuccino machine yet, but the drip coffee is fine)