La Toque

"We left La Toque wondering what the bloom just happened. This was supposed to be our anniversary dinner and the perfect way to end an otherwise amazing trip. Unfortunately, it was not what we expected. We opted for the tasting menu and found it to be overpriced for what was served to us. Course after course arrived looking very similar, mostly shades of brown and green, and lacked the flavour and creativity we were expecting. Nothing really stood out. To be fair, the wine list was impressive and the sommelier was knowledgeable and helpful. The water lady was good. The ice cream was also enjoyable, but not enough to elevate the overall experience. The ambiance missed the mark for us. We were expecting something elegant, romantic, and memorable. Instead, the dining room felt more like a buffet than a Michelin-starred restaurant. The rock and roll music was so loud that it made conversation difficult. We asked if it could be turned down and it was, but once most of the guests had left, the volume was turned right back up. What disappointed us most was the service. No one ever asked how we were enjoying our meal throughout the evening. Our waiter showed very little warmth or personality and made us feel more like an inconvenience than high paying guests. The evening ended on a particularly strange note. When the bill arrived, we asked for a pen so we could sign it. Instead of simply providing one, the waiter became visibly upset and asked how he was supposed to know we were not staying at the hotel before storming away from the table. We were genuinely shocked by the interaction. my husband told him how disappointed we were and he stormed off again. The manager came by and we asked if the owner was available, hoping to share our concerns, but were told he was attending a staff member’s wedding. She apologized and offered $50 off our bill. Every restaurant can have an off night, but for a Michelin-starred restaurant, this experience fell far below expectations. What should have been a special dinner ended up being the most disappointing meal of our trip."