Needs Some Polish and Shine!
DESCRIPTION: I'm forced to assign the Cascade Lodge a "poor" rating, based on the dinner I had there last week. Firstly, I recognize that it's been around a while, but hey ... time to entertain some notions of the 21st century in terms of decor and presentation. Secondly, though the staff were very pleasant (all except for the busgirl), they were apologizing for delayed service before the evening even began. Food quality was mediocre at best. (We had two different trout dishes - their specialty!) In addition, the novelty of 'tableside' meal preparations quickly wears out its welcome when you realize that they've trained kids to prepare the meals - not chefs - and they are not experienced or mature enough to make the presentation top notch. The lodge doesn't have any qualms about charging top notch prices, however. The waiter, recognizing that we were not completely satisfied with our meal or our experience (he got points and a nice tip for that by the way), removed our drinks from the check (about $20), and we still paid close to $90 for the two of us! It's an interesting location, and the trout stream that runs beneath the restaurant where they snatch up the fresh catch of the day is kind of cool. All other factors considered, though, it's hardly worth the drive, the wait or the money. I wish them a chef and/or manager with vision and taste in the future. Til then, two thumbs down!
DATE: 2003-02-17
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 2

A Real Retreat and a Treat to Eat At
DESCRIPTION: It takes us over an hour to get to the Cascade Lodge, but we find it a lovely, quiet place to have a special meal. It's a bit pricey, but worth it. The view to the opposite hills, with cows grazing, and the view down over the lawns with the two pools, swans, geese and ducks roaming around, are all easily seen from the huge plate glass windows; it all makes for a wonderful, peaceful ambience. In winter, the central fireplace adds to the atmosphere. The waitresses are always attentive. We've never had "kids" prepare our tableside grill - it's always been the chef, who willingly chats about the food preparation if we're inclined to make conversation, which we usually are. He's very knowledgeable about foods and food preparation, which adds to the fun of watching your food getting it's finishing touches at the tableside grill.
DATE: 2004-01-10
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : There are usually two duck recipes - any we've had are excellent. The fish dishes are also very nicely prepared.

Disaster in the kitchen
DESCRIPTION: Very disappointed with our meal. Started with salad mixed with chow (strong vinegar canned vegetables) topped with strawberries, then salmon and scallops with a vinegar sauce and a gingerbread cookie on the plate, my boyfriend ordered filet mignon that was rare and had it sent back (that too came with a gingerbread cookie on the plate). When the filet mignon was served again it was so tough he could not eat it. I have never seen a 5 star chef serve a gingerbread cookie on the plate with the meal. Bizarre. Refunded one entree $29.00
DATE: 2004-03-14
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : flaming cherry jublee (dessert) excellent

Kids making our food!
DESCRIPTION: OK, First I want to say that children should not be preparing food that is over $25 a plate! I think most of the reviews are right on, it is time for a revamp on the place. It even got rid of the piano bar and seating you downstairs to start, that at least made it worth it, for ambiance sake! I would say, nah, go somewhere else!
DATE: 2004-08-06
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 2

Do they have a problem with young couples?
DESCRIPTION: My boyfriend and I have been going to this place for about 3 years. The first couple times were wonderful. Since we visited so often they gave us a card that would give us money off of the bill and if you got this card stamped ten times, you would get a free meal. After about eight more visits the manager took our card away and said that they no longer honor that card. I was very angry by this because there was no expiration date on the card. And because we are so young when I spoke up about it they just spit in our faces. The manager was very rude. You would think that they would be a lot nicer to a younger generation since that is who is going to bring them money in the years to come. The place has gone down hill!
DATE: 2005-05-16
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : steak diane, bananas foster