Ottawa Foodies

We arrived at the Priest’s Mill after spending the afternoon at the Vankleek Hill Festival of Flavours. As we were in a casual mood, we headed downstairs to the Waterfall Pub. This was “The Man’s” first visit to Alexandria, and he was quite impressed with the Mill and it’s setup. We started outside on the patio beside the Mill Pond and Waterfall, but it being late September, and the sun lower in the sky meant most of the patio was in the shade, so we decided to move inside. Our server was great at relocating us to another table, infact everyone we encountered at the Pub was great… the friendly service here was outstanding.

While we perused the menu, “The Man” ordered a Beau’s. As I stated in my previous Review, the menu here is very extensive, and the Wine List remarkable for a small town (this visit "The Man" pointed both of these facts out to me). We were just about to order the Prime Rib Roast Beef, when our server came by to inform us that on Sunday Evenings there is a Prime Rib Buffet which is a better deal. That was it we were sold.

For starters, there was Soup (which we both passed), Salad Fixings as well as a Pasta Salad, and an assortment of dressings. The Buffet featured Prime Rib Roast Beef which was carved before you to your liking, and the accompaniments of Au Jus and Horseradish. There were also Parissien Potatoes, Rice, BBQ Chicken, Mixed Veggies, Seafood Pasta and Lasagna. There was plenty to eat and at $ 20 vs $ 17 for the regular Prime Rib Roast Beef plate a much better deal indeed. I had a glass of Jackson Triggs Merlot with my meal, which is the house wine, at under $ 5 a glass (for a large pour) an incredible bargain that one can only find in the country!

The meal included tea or coffee, but dessert was extra. And although the dessert tray that our server brought looked truly delicious there was no room for any of the cheesecakes, specialty cakes or chocolate concoctions. We had a great visit, and “The Man” was blown-away by how everyone of the staff we encountered (host, server, bus-person, buffet captain, etc) were so friendly and helpful... so much so that he tracked down the Manager to tell him that his staff was exceptional and it was refreshing to find this having come from the city.

On the way back to town, “The Man” said he’d indeed like to go back, and looks forward to a hot day next summer when we can enjoy the patio.

In the mood for a country drive?

The Priest’s Mill is found on Main Street in Alexandria, and can be reached by either the Eastbound 417 (take the Alexandria exit, the town is 15 Km south of the Highway), or for someone looking to make a larger loop, via Highway 43 (east from Kemptville). Either drive will take you thru beautiful countryside and farmland that has been settled since the days when The Priest’s Mill was a working gristmill.

This old rustic building with its mill pond and waterfall has a charming personality as a Restaurant and Pub. The main floor dining room features large leather back wing chairs (and banquettes) that are cozied up in front of the fireplace. The room is comfortable, although in a “country” kind of way. The night that I visited the clientele looked like they were enjoying their casual evening “in town” (there were an abundance of farmers’ tans, golf shirts and dockers in the mix).

After being greeted at the door I was promptly seated by my friendly server. The menu here is surprisingly quite extensive, and it points out that they specialize in steak and seafood (including roast beef and fish options). Upon my server’s return I ordered the Roast Beef Dinner, and in my opinion it was a good value at under $ 20. I also asked to see the wine list… the list includes a lot of the “old world” standards including a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and Pisse-Dru among others. They also have a “Vintages” listing and a selection of Sparkling Wines. All wines are sold by the bottle (or half-bottle). The House Wines are by Jackson-Triggs. I ordered a glass of the JT Merlot, I was surprised by the large pour for $ 4.95

The Roast Beef came came Medium-Rare as requested, and with a side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes (also as selected) and assorted veggies. The veggies included a large hunk of carrot, some red and green pepper, and the third of a cob of corn. The veggies were tasty, and the potatoes very garlicy, and all-in-all there was too much to eat. In addition to my meal, the waitress brought me a basket of French baguette slices, and some butter pats. Water was not brought nor offered. I found the cutlery not very substantial (ok, I know picky comment)… and although the roast beef was very tender, I did request a steak knife.

After clearing the table, the server brought by a Dessert Tray with an assortment of the Day’s Sweets… there was an assortment of Cheesecakes, Rolo Cake and Carrot Cake. On the recommendation of the waitress I chose the Rolo Cake. The cake was delicious and was presented in a drizzle of chocolate and caramel sauce with a dallop of whip cream. I also requested a cup of tea. The tea came in cute china teapot that easily accommodated over two full cups. I noticed that the teapot, teacup and dessert plate all matched in design, a nice touch. Total bill for one, before tax and tip came to $ 32.

Before leaving I checked out the Waterfall Pub and the Patio on the lower level, these two areas have a more intimate relationship with the Mill's waterfall. Both areas looked inviting. Overall I had a good time, and am curious about the Sunday Brunch… I will make a point of stopping by again.

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The Priest’s Mill makes a nice stop on an outing to Beau’s Brewery. Alexandria is located about 15 Kms off of Highway 417, and only 25 Kms south of the town of Vankleek Hill on Highway 34.