 ome would argue that nectar is the nourishing juice of the gods, and upon arrival at this delicious dessert shop, it would be hard to disagree. The heavenly pastries, cakes and ice creams are concocted by adhering to a down to earth philosophy that places and emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Fantastic treats are available to celebrate special occasions, birthdays, anniversaries, or the end of a really tough work week.
|
|
 AT A GLANCE
Nectar
1216 9th Avenue SE, Calgary AB
403-263-8486
Cafe Fare
Inglewood
Venue:
Dessert Bar
Hours:
Mon. to Sat.: 10:00am-12:00am
Price Range:
$$
Payment:
Visa, Mastercard
|
 |
THE BUZZ
|
|
|
IN THE AREA
|
|
|
|
|
17 Reader Reviews | I had a similar experience at Nectar. Two of us went into the establishment where we were completely ignored upon entering. After being ignored by not only the waiters AND the owner, a woman behind the counter finally acknowledged our existance and told us that we would have to wait for a table. Since there were already two open tables, and they do not take reservations, we were confused by that but decided to wait anyways. After waiting 20 more minutes, another group of 4 entered and were immediately seated at one of the two open tables. When we asked why they were seated ahead of us (and we had been now waiting 30 min) for a table.....the answer was that we were ONLY a party of 2 and we had to wait until a table for 2 opened up!!!! I was so upset by this point, I didn't care HOW the dessert tasted, the lack of service was MORE than disappointing and we left! We were told that they found that system efficient...waiting people by number instead of by first come first serve....they may have to change their policy or they may find that their customers complaints will speak loud and clear about how INEFFICIENT that policy is!
1. Sheri's Review :: June 02, 2008 Sheri's Rating: 1 Stars |
I was excited about visiting Nectar.
On walking up the stairs I liked the atmosphere of the room and was warmly greeted. However my experience went down hill from there.
It is an interesting idea, serving desert in a dining room atmosphere, however since most diners linger over desert, standing in a que at the till for an hour waiting to be seated seemed a bit much. While we waited I asked to see the menu and was totally brushed off by the tacky waitress as if I had stumbled in drunk and aked for spare change, she didn't have any extra menus. I was curious to see the wine pairings and not just the deserts at the counter,turned out there was a whole pile of menus on the counter. $8- for a glass of plonk that one can buy a bottle at the Superstore for the same price, nice mark up. We got tired of milling around and ordered something to go. Neither myself or the server seemed to know what the unamed tart in the counter was, we made our purchase and left. The tart turned out to be a blueberry buttertart...overcooked and sub par. The gelatto was good, but for the price not as good as Confetti's product.
Bottom line..if you are a trendy monied Calgarian that needs to be seen at the newest place Nectar is nice. If you want a nice dessert there are better options in Calgary.
2. Sherri's Review :: April 26, 2008 Sherri's Rating: 2 Stars |
Dont know what your talking about! i had a great time. You must have been there for winterlicious (steak). Me and my wife loved it. People, I have said it before and I will say it again, your paying $35. There are 200 people in alomost every restaurant in the city and the service will not be the same during winterlicious. That guy who brought you your dinner, thats called a food runner! thats his job. BUT! you should get your proper order. I have been to dinner at Nectar before winterlicious and it is way diff.. We had a eight course tasting menu and got wine to match. Everything was explained from the wine maker to where the chef got the meat. You get what you pay for i guess.
3. Anonymous's Review :: February 06, 2007 |
Let me start off by saying that Nectar was my WORST ever experience at a fine dining restaurant. We had made a reservation in advance for 12 people at 8:30. A few of us arrived at 8 and was told to wait at the bar. We were early so that was fine. Then 8:30 came, and all 12 of us arrived. We continued to wait and wait (not a word from the maitre d' or anyone about the status of our table). In fact, when I went to inquire, they continued to ignore me! By this time, we were awkwardly waiting at the bar/walkway area (and if you've been to Nectar you'll know that the walkway is not very wide to begin with). At around 8:40, they finally led our group to a table in the basement (which by the way was actually 2 tables of 6 that weren't even pushed together). We were the first people to arrive in the basement, so why the 40 minute wait? I couldn't tell you. (Especially when we already made the reservation in advance!) Anyway, so our server came out and asked us about our orders--most of us got the steak. He went around and asked each of us how we wanted our steak. When the food came out, instead of our server bringing out the steaks it was another person. He had no idea who ordered what and got all of the orders mixed up. He did not even bother to specify what kind of steak he had brought out, and was content with just dropping the plates off randomly and leaving. So the result was 11 plates of steak all randomly placed; we had to switch around our plates to find the right order (even then, it was hard since you can't tell how well the steaks were cooked until you've cut into them). My boyfriend ordered medium rare, and did not get that. I ordered medium well (which our server had informed me would be pink on the inside), and got one that was clearly WELL overcooked--the meat was burnt, chewy and did not even taste like steak! The seasoning was not bad though. Then came dessert, which was brought out to 6 people first, while the rest of us sat and looked (even though we came to eat together). Then when half of our group finished, he brought out the remaining desserts for the rest of us, meanwhile billing the other 6 people. Seriously?! Finally, when we got our bill, I noticed that they conveniently put on a 20% gratuity! Unbelievable... I would not hesitate to give them 20% or more, had the service been tolerable. I could not believe the service that we got from the moment we entered the restaurant. The fact that we had to pay 20% for what seemed like VERY poor service really made me mad. When you go out to a supposedly nice restaurant like Nectar, there is a certain level of expectation. The food was only mediocre (though it was well presented). Service was so poor, I will not reiterate. The atmosphere was only ok. The only thing that saved the night was the good company. I give this restaurant 1 star overall, so please think twice before you decide to dine at Nectar!
4. Anonymous's Review :: February 05, 2007 |
Dont know what your talking about! i had a great time. You must have been there for winterlicious (steak). Me and my wife loved it. People, I have said it before and I will say it again, your paying $35. There are 200 people in alomost every restaurant in the city and the service will not be the same during winterlicious. That guy who brought you your dinner, thats called a food runner! thats his job. BUT! you should get your proper order. I have been to dinner at Nectar before winterlicious and it is way diff.. We had a eight course tasting menu and got wine to match. Everything was explained from the wine maker to where the chef got the meat. You get what you pay for i guess.
5. Mitch's Review :: February 05, 2007 Mitch's Rating: 4 Stars |
Let me start off by saying that Nectar was my WORST ever experience at a fine dining restaurant. We had made a reservation in advance for 12 people at 8:30. A few of us arrived at 8 and was told to wait at the bar. We were early so that was fine. Then 8:30 came, and all 12 of us arrived. We continued to wait and wait (not a word from the maitre d' or anyone about the status of our table). In fact, when I went to inquire, they continued to ignore me! By this time, we were awkwardly waiting at the bar/walkway area (and if you've been to Nectar you'll know that the walkway is not very wide to begin with). At around 8:40, they finally led our group to a table in the basement (which by the way was actually 2 tables of 6 that weren't even pushed together). We were the first people to arrive in the basement, so why the 40 minute wait? I couldn't tell you. (Especially when we already made the reservation in advance!) Anyway, so our server came out and asked us about our orders--most of us got the steak. He went around and asked each of us how we wanted our steak. When the food came out, instead of our server bringing out the steaks it was another person. He had no idea who ordered what and got all of the orders mixed up. He did not even bother to specify what kind of steak he had brought out, and was content with just dropping the plates off randomly and leaving. So the result was 11 plates of steak all randomly placed; we had to switch around our plates to find the right order (even then, it was hard since you can't tell how well the steaks were cooked until you've cut into them). My boyfriend ordered medium rare, and did not get that. I ordered medium well (which our server had informed me would be pink on the inside), and got one that was clearly WELL overcooked--the meat was burnt, chewy and did not even taste like steak! The seasoning was not bad though. Then came dessert, which was brought out to 6 people first, while the rest of us sat and looked (even though we came to eat together). Then when half of our group finished, he brought out the remaining desserts for the rest of us, meanwhile billing the other 6 people. Seriously?! Finally, when we got our bill, I noticed that they conveniently put on a 20% gratuity! Unbelievable... I would not hesitate to give them 20% or more, had the service been tolerable. I could not believe the service that we got from the moment we entered the restaurant. The fact that we had to pay 20% for what seemed like VERY poor service really made me mad. When you go out to a supposedly nice restaurant like Nectar, there is a certain level of expectation. The food was only mediocre (though it was well presented). Service was so poor, I will not reiterate. The atmosphere was only ok. The only thing that saved the night was the good company. I give this restaurant 1 star overall, so please think twice before you decide to dine at Nectar!
6. Jenn's Review :: February 04, 2007 Jenn's Rating: 1 Stars |
hey len when did you go and can you tell us a little more about the night out, we have a party booked at nectar in December and we love the food there. We will be coming all the way from Vancouver for the second time this year.
7. Pat's Review :: November 22, 2006 Pat's Rating: 4 Stars |
First of all let me start by saying the last review sounds like an old employee who did not get his or her way or an old chef perhaps? "you dont know what real food is"give me a break.Lets say its not an angry staff member, I hate people who write reviews like that. "Food not good" "hair in my food" did you tell your server the hair was in your food? Fine dining restaurants are still restaurant with real humans working in them. It is possible to get hair in your food. Tell your waiter and you would most likely had a free meal. As for the food I have been to Paris and Italy many many times eating and drinking the whole time I am there and still have not had anything close to Nectar's veal dish, tell me that has no flavor and you should get your taste buds checked. Every time I go to Nectar I have a wonderful experience and never leave disappointed.
8. Linda's Review :: November 22, 2006 Linda's Rating: 4 Stars |
To put it short my food was not very good..it had zero flavour..my girlfriend found hair in her food..I think the owners of this restaurant need to find another industry to been in..Any one that says this restaurant is good must not know what real food is..
9. Len's Review :: November 22, 2006 Len's Rating: 1 Stars |
I agree with Jen's review. I had such an amazing time last week at Nectar. Was recommended by a friend in the industry and she told me that the new chef was creating some fantastic food. She was right, Nectar blew me away. Now one of my Favorites in Toronto.
10. David's Review :: November 01, 2006 David's Rating: 4 Stars |
I don’t know why there have been bad reviews about Nectar? I eat out about three times a week and Nectar is one of my favourites. I understand the negative reviews from when David adjey was the chef because the restaurant was completely different. Now with the new chef it has turned the restaurant into a foodie destination that is well worth the trip south to Wellington Street. I would recommend Nectar to every person who could appreciate the amazing food and service, not to mention the value With an 8-10 course tasting menu @ $120. Try your best to get a reservation at the chefs table its amazing to watch the kitchen prepare edible art. That’s all from me not one bad thing to say about Nectar.
11. Jen Pencioti's Review :: October 24, 2006 Jen Pencioti's Rating: 4 Stars |
I was extremely excited to finally go to Nectar for a special occasion. Armed with a budget of $400, I headed there with three others looking to be wined and dined until I dropped!
Unfortunately, we were all incredibly disappointed with our experience at Nectar. The waiter was a klutz who continuously spilt red wine on our table when pouring, dropped a used fork on one of our guests, and did not present everyone's food at the same time.
The food was also below par. Granted, the presentation was indeed impressive, but two of our party ended up feeling ill by the time we left.
I will not be going to this restaurant ever again - although, thankfully, my interest in gastronomy has not been fazed!
12. Not Worth It's Review :: October 02, 2006 Not Worth It's Rating: 1 Stars |
I have been going to Nectar consistently for about two years and I have found that the experience just gets better and better with each visit. It's too bad that a couple of the reviewers had bad experiences as I still find that Nectar is the warmest, sexiest dining experience in the city....it truly is a feast for the senses....the service is at the highest level and the food is high quality and consistent....the only restaurant I know of in Toronto that you can go with your girl, your buddies or with business associates and have an enjoyable experience....it truly is that versatile....the private dining room downstairs is also very unique and inviting....give it another try...you won't be sorry
13. Bob's Review :: May 23, 2006 Bob's Rating: 4 Stars |
The Chef's Table is where it's at!!
Nectar exudes sexy, rock & roll elegance and their Chef David Adjey is just as sexy. I dined with two other girlfriends at the famous chef's table and haven't stopped talking about it. At the end of the day, who wants to make another decision for dinner items? The interaction with the Chef was so much fun and the wait staff, just as friendly. Not just friendly mind you... but edgy, daring and fun! From perfectly cooked lobster with a gentle hint of arugala oil, butter and something else we couldn't quite figure out... to the tastiest ribs I've ever had with sticky sweet beans.... my mouth is watering for me to go back. And after dining at many highscale establishments in Toronto, Nectar gives huge value - $ to portion size. No pretentious nature here - just a good party and delicious food! Excellent date location - want to impress her? A lot of success with out of town clients here - still the secret of Toronto.
14. Carmen Correia's Review :: April 17, 2006 Carmen Correia's Rating: 4 Stars |
My recent experience at Nectar was also disappointing. I was with a large group for dinner and I thought the food was not up to par with a 5-star restaurant and the portions and prices were completely disappointing. I think this restaurant needs a new chef and better wait staff. Lots of better choices to spend your money in the area.
15. Marc's Review :: February 26, 2006 Marc's Rating: 2 Stars |
Sadly I found this restaurant grossly over rated. Half the menu was unavailable (we had reservations for 8pm), one of my friends had to settle on her third choice on the menu, I had my second choice and so did two of my other friends. I think David Adjay should spend more time in his own restaurant than running around Toronto telling others how to run their kitchen - he is in no position to be passing judgement! The food that we did get was bland and unexciting. Not to mention not what we would have chosen had the menu been accurate. When we brought this to the attention of the waiter, he informed us that since David had left for the night, there really wasn't anything he could do to rectify our bad experience. Meh - spend your money elsewhere, this isn't the place to go anymore (if it ever was).
16. Allie's Review :: February 20, 2006 Allie's Rating: 2 Stars |
This restaurant was a major disappoinment. I went their with a bunch of my girlfriends to celebrate my birthday and we all were looking forward to a fantastic meal. The ambiance is fantastic, great lighting and great seating. However, that is where it ends. The menu was about 60% available. One of my girlfriends got her 3rd choice as an entree, the rest of us got our 2nd choices. The food was simply below average, tasteless and over intellectualized. The chef did come and sit with us (before we were served dinner which is a good thing) and chatted to us which would have been a nice touch if we actually liked his food. I think he spends too much time on his tv show telling other people how to cook. He has clearly taken the eye of the ball with his restaurant. Even after we told the waiter that we were not happy with our meals (all EIGHT of us) he wouldn't offer us even a tea biscuit as compensation. No complementary cocktail, dessert - NADA. Just "Well, the chef has left for the night so there is nothing I can do". After forking out 100 dollars each for an awful meal - that is not acceptable. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
17. Lesley's Review :: February 02, 2006 Lesley's Rating: 2 Stars |
|
|
1216 9th Avenue SE, Calgary AB |
|
|
|
|
MBO Calgary :: Calgary Restaurants & Dining Guide
