Painted Turtle, Clearwater

On the Dutch Lake, with a peaceful setting, a little dining oasis in a campground setting. Arrived and then read a new chef had recently taken on the restaurant.

Painted Turtle
Dutch Lake Resort
361 Ridge Drive, Clearwater, BC

Date: July 27, 2011
Occasion: BC road trip, stopped at Wells Gray Park

Ambiance: Sitting on the covered patio is the way to go, unless the bugs are really bad. You are separated from the lake by a narrow trail. Looking over lily pads to mountains is a lovely way to wait for your food!

Service: was good, handling large groups well. *Although they do make arrangements for tour buses to stop - couldn't say then!

Drinks: St. Hubertus Fizzante rose. Slightly bubbly, sweeter dark rose.

Appies: Mr CDW really enjoyed hte Seafood Chowder. Sweet with corn and crab, a really different and good variation. Bread - foccatia was fresh and not too herby. Especially nice toasted along side soup. Mrs CDW had the Spring Greens salada with fresh crsip accents. Cucumber lime dressing wasn't noticable.

Mains: Mr CDW tried the Pork Tenderloin with a mushroom wine sauce and basmati rice. Pork was a bit overcooked, a watery sauce didn't add much. Nice bacon. Good ingredients. Mrs CDW ordered the Penne Pasta with ragu sauce and 5 homemade meatballs from local beef. Good sized portion, good seasoning. Really watery ragu, meatballs mushy.

Dessert: New chef schooled in pastry, so looked forward to trying his talents. Mr CDW had the Strawberry Cheesecake - dense with a nice Graham cracker crust. Additional raw strawberries would've been a nice touch. Mrs CDW tried the Cherry Pie a la mode. Nicely warmed, tasty filling, but the crust was disappointing.

Price: $$$.

Overall: Seemed like the chef had access to good ingredients and good ideas, but not the able to put them together yet. We wonder if the menu was inherited. Will give another go if in the area. Definitely for a latte and dessert with a peaceful view if nothing else.