Fore Bistro

1 Reviews on “Fore Bistro”

• Prince Gastronome

  Prince Gastronome. Consider this a place marker. Like yogurt or hair gel, my experience at Fore Bistro was not entirely solid. At the very least, I dont believe it was representative of the restaurants true colors. Fore one (get it?), the restaurant is still clearly ironing out its wrinkles. And two, our experience was…weird. Fore is part of a class of restaurant I review infrequently. Its not a pub but a clubhouse, one like many that are welcome to the public. Clubhouses differ from pubs. Though looking similar, with natural and veneer dcor and serving the reliable expectations of steaks, pastas, and sandwiches, clubhouses elevate themselves to a higher echelon. Theyre the IHOP to pubs Dennys (yes, I do enjoy IHOP). There are lounges with couches where guests can share a drink. The tables are widely spaced to accommodate golf bags. Very often, theres a fireplace awkwardly blocking your view of the entrance, and instead of being walled in by televisions and beer advertisements, clubhouses take pride in their view of rolling golf courses and patio decks. In that, right from the inset, Im more inclined to enjoy a clubhouse more than a pub. Fore is no different, though it could stand to be a bit better. Admittedly, theres a limit of how good it could look, built on the upper floor of the local Golf & Curling Club rather than in its own building. Forget the fireplace; instead of we get a bizarre widescreen electric flame that doesnt imitate a fireplace as much as it does the surface of Venus. But this small section of the GIGANTIC Fore Bistro is the only one resembling what the restaurant may be trying to accomplish. The rest shifts from banquet room to community rental hall. A large portion of Fore is closed off where folding tables and chairs sit. The rest has more traditional restaurant tables leading to an unused stage. An impressive bar dominates the center. So when your monthly obligation to the Knights Templar or the Order of The Golden Dawn comes around, you know Fore has got your back. Freemasons or Illuminati, Im sure theyll be happy to accommodate your entire local chapter. They certainly can spare it considering my guest and I were the only ones present in a restaurant with more glass than the Skydome. We entered it empty and left with no patrons behind usI honestly had to ask if they were open. Full disclosure, the season had yet to start, forcing me to repeat my opening disclaimer. It was further reinforced by the single-member waiting staff/bartender/Matre d explaining that the only other employee in the establishment was a trainee in the kitchen. Two employees total, and when we left with the doors closing figuratively behind us, we counted two other cars in the parking lot. As for the meal itself, it had its highs and lows. While I opened with the focaccia, my comrade attempted their poutine. Mine was generous though a tad disappointing. I know its not mandatory focaccia be flavored (topped with herbs, for example), but I was saddened by the lack of any seasoning on either the bread or the dipping oil. In contrast, the poutine was impressive, topped with a liberal dollop of gravy, curds, and green onions. We concluded our meals with steaks, both worthy of praise. I found the salad surprisingly robust, not a lazy dropping of leaves and croutons with a splash of vinaigrette. It was our fault for not challenging the kitchen with something truly diabolical. I mean its steak…I might as well have ordered Mac and Cheese. Why didnt I ask for the Maple Soy Wild Salmon? Oh right, it was because we had both returned from the gym and badly needed to pound down a slab of animal protein. Im inclined to give Fore a positive review as I truly didnt believe I was seeing them at their best. As it stood, it was already good. We both felt that a return would be necessary, when the restaurant is populated and the head chef is present. One thing I did take as certainty: Fore is not a bad place, but who is going to consider it an option that isnt already nearby doing something related, like golf or curling? Youre already required to navigate a labyrinthine road to reach its doors, a path obscured at night in a parking lot with little illumination. Yet, I plan to return, perhaps later in the season and in the afternoon, where I can enjoy a meal on the patio, overlooking the greens and dodging golf balls. Food: 3.5/5Service: 4.5/5Presentation: 3/5Value: 4/5Recommendation: 3.75/5

  July 24, 2015, 9:06 am

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