Oak Bay Marina Restaurant| Oak Bay | 1327 Beach Drive

[Bob Fugger]

I couldn't believe that there isn't an Oak Bay Marina Restaurant thread on here. Well, here you go, Matt: there is now. And just in time for a rather effusive review from the TC's own Pam Grant: http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Re...593/story.html.

I particularly enjoyed Pam's description of the building, "...which frankly resembles the awkward spawn of a carousel and a stylized clam..." HAHAHA! The price point is fair, rivalling the Sunday brunch buffet offering of The Fireside Grill in Royal Oak. Knowing Matt, I'm sure food at the OBMR kicks it's ass.

That reminds me, I keep meaning to go in for brunch or dinner...

[Sparky]

^ Good call Bob

This has to be my favourite restaurant. It is as good now as it was when it first opened.

When I get asked what I want for a birthday present, dinner at the OBM is always my answer.

[Mr_E_Squirrel]

We just went Sunday for the first time and it was amazing! I have never seen so many desserts

[sebberry]

Been many years since I was there. I remember it was quite good but a friend was there recently and was quite disappointed in the food, service and decor, especially for the price.

[Mr_E_Squirrel]

If you go for the Sunday brunch there is no way you can be disappointed in the food. It is mind blowing the array of freshly made scones,buns,warm entrees...etc. It is the best buffet I have seen but I am always looking for the next.

The service I found great , always there to fill up your Coffee.Juice etc.. I will go again, I don't want to go to often and spoil the richness of the experience.

The Fireside is mentioned in the article , that one I will have to try

[Matt R.]

I loved her description of the space, seems pretty fitting. It was designed in the early 90's by Sylvia and Greg of Cafe Brio and we're fortunate to have the saving grace of classic dark wood, which never really goes out of style.

Sebbery, sorry to hear about your friends experience on their last visit. People always try their best, but it just doesn't always work out. Criticism is part of the business, and I encourage people to fill out their comment cards or bring issues to my attention (direct is best - my business card is at the host stand) so we can resolve the issue, or at least improve upon things for next time. Yes, I read every single comment card.

With regards to the dance floor she mentioned, it's coming back for New Year's Eve, which will also be a buffet affair this time around. Ms. Grant should be happy to hear that.

People who've not been to the Marina in the last five or six years are likely in for a surprise, as a number of things had changed under Chef Keenliside during his tenure, and myself and the GM are continuing to push things forward.

Matt.

[yodsaker]

Cruditees????

I wish Pam Grant would stop trying to look sophisticated by using French. She needs to make more effort to learn basic stuff.

[Savannah]

My husband and I like the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant for a special dinner out. The food has always been very good. We've only done the Sunday brunch once, but it was also very good.

Plus, creme brulee. I LOVE me some good creme brulee.

I like it because given the average age of the clientele, we feel young there!

[Matt R.]

Ha, imagine how I feel!

Many evenings and especially weekends we're seeing many more 30 and 40 somethings coming in to dine, as a result of some different menu planning, upgrades to the wine list, an improved cocktail selection and some more creative marketing. We are extremely fortunate to have such a loyal, local clientele especially in these otherwise lean economic times. The demographic in Oak Bay is changing, slowly, but it's happening. Many of the retirees are selling their large houses to younger, wealthy families who are becoming our next generation of locals. No drive through Oak Bay is complete without seeing many large houses under renovation, recently purchased by young, professional families.

I've been on the receiving end of a positive Pam Grant review once or twice before and it's proof that many people still read the TC. On Thursday the phone was ringing off the hook, this weeks brunch sold out very quickly, and many people are booking into the New Year. December is usually a very busy month for us as is. We are all curious to see if there is any spin-off benefit from this review.

Matt.

[legendary]

Originally Posted by yodsaker

Cruditees????

I wish Pam Grant would stop trying to look sophisticated by using French. She needs to make more effort to learn basic stuff.

To the average person crudites may just sound like French. In the culinary world it means a veg plate w/ love. Crudites are basic.

[Pam]

Bwa ha ha!! Maybe I shouldn't use the word chef either!

[yodsaker]

Originally Posted by legendary

To the average person crudites may just sound like French. In the culinary world it means a veg plate w/ love. Crudites are basic.

cru