3.5 stars.
We went around 6:30pm on a Tuesday night and the place was busy but not overcrowded...yet. By the time we left 2 hours later the place was full and the noise level made it impossible to hear your dinner partner.
We were seated at one of the tables in the middle of the room and when I asked to move to the last window seat I was told it was reserved for a customer with a disability. When that particular customer came in I saw what the disability was; it seemed like their fat wallet was weighing them down and they were lightening the load at ES with a literal dinner feast. Glass after glass of wine...dining on extravagant dishes that weren't on the menu...OK enough about that...
Our server was helpfully friendly and took the time to tell us about the food on the menu (the available cheeses, which things were made in house, etc.). We had:
- GRANDE CHEESE PLATE: Overall it was OK. We had two hard Italian cheeses that had been aged in their cantina and Grey Owl cheese from Quebec. It was served with maple syrup, a berry compote, candied pecans, baguette toasts and apple slices. I wish it included some charcuterie.
- LAMB PAPPARDELLE, ONTARIO LAMB RAGU: Delicious! This is a really rich dish and you will feel stuffed by the time you're done. The house-made pasta was good in texture, density and thickness.
- TOMATO PEPERONATA TRECCE WITH PORK SAUSAGE: Not as rich as the pappardelle but just right for a meal. I felt full but not stuffed.
- LEMON OLIVE OIL CAKE WITH ROSEMARY ICE CREAM: This was pretty good and the large portion makes it great for sharing.
- ESPRESSO: I had to include this. The shot was literally a tablespoon's worth of espresso. It was good but not worth the $2.75.
All in all, I would go back again. I highly recommend going early before the rush so you get the full attention of your server. I'm not saying service goes downhill during the rush but your ability to hear your server speak does!