Hidden gem in Cambridge...

My quest to find "good" food and service in the tri-cities often feels like a daunting task. But once in a while you find a hidden gem among in a sea of mediocrity. The hidden gem in Cambridge is the Bruce Restaurant on Hespeler Road attached to the Cambridge Suites Hotel. Now you may be thinking, "Ew! Who eats in a hotel restuarant around here?", and it's true, the usual hotel fare in this area is both bad AND pricey.

However, this is not the case with the Bruce. My first time visiting this restaurant was in the summer and for the first course my dinner date and I enjoyed two delicious salads, a tomato salad with cheese curds (containing mostly local ingredients) and a grilled orange and prosciutto salad. Both were fresh, flavorful, crisp and weren't drowning in dressing. Now a quick word about presentation...let's face it we eat with our eyes first, then texture, then taste. I'm a firm believer that even the simplest dish such as a salad deserves to be beautifully presented, and this is one of the Bruce's strong points. From their presentation on the plate, to the plates they choose, everything has been well thought out and adds to a delicious dining experience.

Next, our main course. A simple mushroom and leek penne in a light creamy white wine sauce, and a healthy portion of salmon with fresh salsa, grilled vegetables (that were actually grilled on a BBQ!) and roasted potatoes. Once again the Bruce scored major points for presentation. The flavours were simple but present, and the salmon was perfectly cooked, and the penne al dente.

Throughout the meal our waiteress was exceptional, one of the best I've ever experienced in this town. She was attentive, but never hovered, she was on top of drink and water refills and very friendly and helpful when we asked for recommendations. Overall, it was a very positive experience. Then the bill came. Now, for this meal at many restaurants in town would be around the $60-$75 price range, but our meal was $50.00 including tax. This good value was another pleasant surprise.

Recently, I asked to go back to the Bruce for my birthday since this initial visit. I could tell my family members were skeptical at my choice, but just like in the summer they were pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem. The food was delicious, everything gorgeously presented and our waiter was attentive without hovering. Check out the Bruce!