Came today for Winterlicious lunch with my research team and was so pleasantly surprised by the Winterlicious menu (many options) and unique, homey atmosphere! The ambiance is very cozy (cute tablecloth!) and intimate and so take advantage of the indoor patio out back! It was a bit cold though sitting there today, but it is supposed to be heated.
Advice: make a reservation if you're coming as a large group because it's popular here and seats do fill up.
Food 3.5/5. Well presented, generously portioned (even for Winterlicious) comfort foods. Think French cuisine, but Italian portion sizes. Aw yes. I ordered the vegetarian pumpkin soup to start, the vegetarian (not vegan- it has cheese and probably butter) risotto as my main, and chocolate cake to finish. The soup was 3/5 - it was warm and adequately viscous (I hate watery soups), but was very bland. I almost reached for the salt shaker, but instead just stuck with adding some pepper because trying to watch my sodium intake lately. The risotto was also bland, but quite an indulgence 3.5/5. Not the best risotto I've ever had as it was also quite bland, and even though it was sticky as it should it wasn't exactly creamy if that makes sense. I wonder if they used olive oil instead of butter. The portion size was large, some of us couldn't finish. The chocolate cake was dense and contained bananas and nuts 3/5. It was between a brownie and a banana bread, interesting but perhaps too dry and bread-like for folks who might enjoy more moisture. All the food were nicely presented and I appreciate how the Winterlicious menu actually had way more than just 3 entree options!
Lost one star for a lack of vegan options. Basically don't come here if you are strictly vegan :(
Will be back for the atmosphere and to try the seafood pasta next time!