We have passed by this unassuming place for years without really taking notice of it. Apparently it has recently changed hands. Someone told my wife that the food was very good but expensive. Not wanting to gamble, I asked the proprietor of my local neighbourhood diner if she had ever heard of it. Her reply was that "It serves the best lamb on the South half of Vancouver Island if you don't mind sitting on plastic chairs." That was good enough for me and last night we took two friends to dinner there. We were not disappointed.

It is a little rustic, perhaps one might call it funky. Not only is the decor 1940's cabin style but the washrooms are located outside in another building. But it does not have plastic chairs. The recently added hardwood chairs are very comfortable.

The service was very very good, bordering on excellent, Our waitress was young and not as experienced as one might expect in a top end restaurant, but she was knowledgeable about the food, very friendly without being familiar, and enthusiastic about her work. She was a compliment to the entire experience.

My wife and started with the lobster bisque while our friends each had a different salad. The lobster bisque was flavourful but a tiny bit too spicy for me to consider perfect, Our friends raved about their salads. The presentation of all the dishes was beautiful and the portions ware generous.

For the main course, my wife ordered the rack of lamb. This was a rack of 7 chops and was large enough for two moderate eaters, so she split it with one our guests. There was a $7.00 charge for this to cover the extra plate and trimmings. Reasonable, we thought. Our other guest had the shrimp curry while I tried the sesame Parmesan chicken. Everyone commented how perfectly the dishes were cooked and how the flavors of the individual ingredients came through so well.

The lamb.... oh the lamb!. My wife shared a bit with me and it was extraordinary. Without doubt the best I have tasted on three continents.

We won't go into detail about the deserts except to say that they were decadent, with large portions and beautifully presented.

In summary, our meals were as good as those we have enjoyed at good restaurants in several countries around the world. We agreed that the average cost at $50.00 per plate including a bottle of wine was worth the money. The Carden Street West is the perfect place for a quiet intimate meal and we are delighted that it is only a 15 minute drive away.