MyWorldReviews.com

Verses Restaurant

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Verses Restaurant is regarded as one of Kitchener's finest (and most expensive) dining establishments. The restaurant is an old church, which has since been converted into a restaurant. There are a few tables in the alter area, a dining room (for approximately 9 people) off the main entrance, a small balcony, and about 20 tables in the main church area. The walls are adorned with what may be the original stained glass windows, although many of the religious markers are no longer present. The restaurant looks modern and upscale, with very large, comfortable chairs, and large, comfortable tables. The staff is courteous, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu. Although one may think it is odd to be dining in an old church, the restaurant is decorated respectfully, and it feels quite comfortable. Our waiter mentioned that they strive for all organic, local food (although some items, such as the kangaroo, are imported).

We visited on a Tuesday early in September to celebrate two birthdays, and the restaurant was fairly empty. As a storm passed, it was a great feeling being in a quiet, open church with the rain pounding on the windows, the lightning lighting up the stained glass windows, and the thunder roaring through the room. It is worth noting that dinner at Verses Restaurant is an event - allow three hours for a typical meal.

The quality of the food, service, and atmosphere is superb. It is easily comparable to the illustrious Canoe Restaurant in Toronto - even better in some regards.

Cost

As this is one of the more expensive restaurants in town, expect to pay $50-$75 per person (without wine), and more if you choose to have wine.

Dress

Suit pants and a tie are appropriate, but a jacket is not required (although many people choose to wear jackets). Ladies have more flexibility - pants and a nice shirt are appropriate, as are skirts/dresses of a nice variety.

Service

Everyone we met at Verses was polite, courteous, and friendly. Our table was waited on by a couple people over the course of the dinner, and all were knowledgeable and courteous. There was always someone around to fill your water glass, make sure you had the appropriate cutlery, and answer any questions you had.

Parking

There is an parking lot next to Verses that provides ample free parking.

Items Ordered

Bread

The bread was provided as a free appetizer. There were a number of varieties of bread (both brown and white) - all of which were delicious. The hard crackers appeared to be filo pastries, seasoned with Italian seasonings, and baked until crisp (I could be wrong).

Kangaroo (appetizer)

Paradise seed seasoned grilled loin with wild rice cakes, mâche and orange supremes. Served with port orange reduction

The Kangaroo was served rare on a bed of wild rice. The citrus fruit provided a nice sweet addition to the kangaroo meat. The kangaroo tasted like a very flavorful and tender beef, and was complimented very nicely by the rice and orange. The quantity was appropriate for an appetizer.

Verses Greens Salad (appetizer)

Tossed in a light vinaigrette with garden vegetables

The salad was actually quite large. It consisted of a number of greens in a light vinaigrette dressing. It wasn't heavily dressed, and tasted slightly bitter.

A: Not all green are created equal.

Ontario Lamb

Grilled spiced lamb loin skewer and oven-roasted rack of lamb. Served with cardamom scented couscous, wilted collard greens, roasted roma tomato, grilled white asparagus and a rosemary lavender jus.

The lamb was ordered medium, and cooked perfectly. It was very flavorful, and exceptionally tender. The collard greens were bitter by themselves, but pleasant when complimented with the sweet tomatoes and the couscous soaked in the lavender jus. The dish was excellent.

Gorgonzola Glazed Beef

Ontario dry aged tenderloin, grilled and served with Yukon gold potato and cheese tart, baby vegetables and red wine demi-glace.

The beef was ordered medium, and cooked perfectly. It was melt-in-your-mouth goodness. It was topped with a cream sauce, and was sitting in a red wine sauce. They both complimented the meat well. The vegetables were typical. The baby squash was very good, and the mini carrots were cute and tasty. The potatoes were creamy and had a nice cheese flavor.

Summer Duo

Baked Alaska with Italian meringue and strawberry ice cream. Lemon lime crème brûlée on lemon shortbread.

Verses was kind enough to include birthday candles in the desserts for our birthday celebration. The crème brûlée was one of the best I've had - it was creamy and delicious. The lemon shortbread it was sitting on made it all the more enjoyable. The baked alaska was ice cream sitting in a meringue shell, on top of a layer of cake. Both items were delicious, and well suited to the summer.