Whenever I travel to a new region, I make it a point to ask locals for their restaurant recommendations. And when I posed the question to a few residents and businesses in Haliburton, they unanimously pointed me to one restaurant: Rhubarb. That rarely ever happens, so I knew I had to visit the local gem to get a taste of Chef Christoph’s cooking!
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
After a long day of dogsledding, the cozy and dimly lit restaurant perched on Mirror Lake was a welcome sight. One quick glance around the room and we could tell that most of the diners were regulars; this made for a very warm and welcoming ambiance. As we settled in, I sipped a glass of 2011 Piantaferro Chianti (they have a solid selection of international and VQA wines to choose from) and began deliberating over the menu. The decision-making process was less gruelling than usual because I was with two other friends and knew I could sneak a bite from their plates too (one of the joys of group dining).
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
My hubby started his meal off with the Rhubarb Caesar ($9). It was a generous helping of crisp lettuce topped with bacon and lightly toasted bread. The thick, double smoked bacon was definitely the star of this dish.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
My photog opted for the vegetarian Panko Crusted Warm Goat Cheese with Ontario Beets and Greens ($10). Although I loved the idea behind this appetizer, I thought it was a tad under-seasoned and left something to be desired.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
Fortunately, I think I hit the appetizer jackpot with my selection! The Crab Cake with Seared Scallops, Tomato Jam and Capers ($14) was a beautifully executed dish. The crab cake was plump, the scallops were perfectly seared and the house-made tomato jam tantalized every taste bud in my mouth. It was a stellar dish that I’d highly recommend. Oh, and if you fall in love with the tomato jam like I did, you can purchase a jar on your way out!
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
Our eyes darted around the room to see what everyone else ordered before selecting our mains. My photog got the Grilled Vegetable, Goat Cheese and Fresh Tomato Pasta ($17). The pasta was al dente, the sauce was complex and the goat cheese added just the right amount of creaminess to the dish. We all really enjoyed this entrée.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
My hubby ordered the Duck Magret with Apple and Curry Chutney ($26). Although the chutney was spot on, the duck was slightly overcooked and the vegetables were under-seasoned.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
For my main, I ordered the Pan-Seared Cod with Fennel Apple Slaw ($26). This entrée was a standout; the fish was flaky and well-seasoned and the slaw added a nice crunch and acidity to the dish.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
The portions at Rhubarb are quite generous so we were about to call it a night until Terri (the chef’s wife and the co-owner of Rhubarb) came over to tell us about their desserts. We couldn’t resist the Chocolate Espresso Brownie with Vanilla Gelato and the Maple Crème Brûlée. Both were made in-house and absolutely divine. The brownie was moist and chocolatey without being overly rich and the crème brûlée had a beautifully caramelized top and a smooth, velvety centre. Lesson learned: do not skip out on the dessert at Rhubarb!
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
Photo credit: Sik Photography.
Overall, we had a great experience at Rhubarb and can now understand why the restaurant is a local fave. The service was genuine, the ambiance was inviting and the food was well-prepared. With dishes ranging from seared foie gras and escargot to roasted chicken breast and pork schnitzel, there’s something for every palate. We can’t wait to go back in the summer to try the other menu items, see the lake views from the glassed-in dining room and check out their new brewery (Boshkung Brewing Co Inc)!
Special thanks to Rhubarb for hosting us. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.
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