Karl's at the Riverbend

11/17/09

Don't Bother

by Beauxdog at Citysearch

My wife and I wanted a nice dinner with out the kids and a friend suggested we try Karl’s at the Riverbend, What a MISTAKE! The wait staff was horrible, the orders were wrong and after 2 1/2 hours we were ready to get out! There was no flare or proper presentation or preparation to any of the food. The Prawn and Steak with Pepper Corn Sauce was flavorless and the Prawn had no flavor at all, and the cedar plank it was served on did not fit the plate it was presented on so every time I cut the steak the plank moved around the plate. My wife ordered the trio Steak/Prawn/Salmon…and again the Streak was very well done not Rare as she had requested, and the Salmon and Prawn simply had no flavor. Simply the most expensive worst meal we’ve ever had. We both wished we had gone with the original plan of grilled fish at Los Cucos, at least it has flavor and is presented on a plate that does not move! Would never recommend it and will never go back!

• Pros: None
• Cons: Bland Food, Poor Presentation, OverPriced, Dated Decor

08/23/09

Pleasant Surprise

by brekkie at Citysearch

Because of the negative reviews on this site, I almost made brunch reservations elsewhere. They were wrong. Since it is a buffet, we arrived at the opening time. Our group of 5 was quite happy with the selections, quality, and bottomless mimosas. I found the food above average. There was a duck / green apple salad, a bit rich for my taste, but great pairing; lamb shank roast - very yummy, marinated asparagus that was firm but bland. The definite highlight was the homemade blueberry sauce and Bavarian creme (on top of a waffle w/ fresh strawberries). We had 4 different beverages at our table which were kept "topped" throughout our 1.75 hr. enjoyable stay.

• Pros: Bavarian Creme; Drink Service
• Cons: decorated for your mother's sewing circle

05/31/09

Disappointing

by canwetalk at Citysearch

Before I get to the food, let's discuss decor. The place needs a major facelift: new carpet, paint, peel off the old wallpaper with the LARGE flowers, enlarge the waiting area, do some landscaping around the building.

Now, the food is average at best. For Sunday brunch, they had a buffet, but none of the food was on ice or set so the temperature was properly maintained, the presentation was boring, food spilled on the buffet was not removed, etc., etc. No interesting selection of breads -- I could go on and on. Been there; done that. Good-bye.

• Pros: Attentive service
• Cons: Mediocre food