Armed with a Living Social voucher, we headed out to Rowland Fine Dining in the Fan last weekend.
I think when you go to restaurants in the Fan you have to keep in mind that space is limited for restaurants just as is it for houses, parking, etc in the area. Prepare to snuggle up with your neighbors. It's just part of being in the Fan.
We were served by the owner who also somehow ran the bar. The folks here work very, very hard but I think they need at least one more server, especially on the weekends. My suggestion for going here would be to visit on a weekday because it just gets too crowded and busy on Saturday night. You really don't get the attention you need. Also, apparently you can reserve certain tables....I've never heard of restaurants doing this. I would certainly be sure to reserve "a bigger table" or something along those lines or you may be disappointed by your spot.
The food, however, was perfect!
We started with a bottle of La Quercia Italian wine made from Montepulciano grapes. It was full-bodied but smooth with nice tannins. This went great with the homemade bread that is served - crusty on the outside with a warm, soft center. Yum!
I think when you go to restaurants in the Fan you have to keep in mind that space is limited for restaurants just as is it for houses, parking, etc in the area. Prepare to snuggle up with your neighbors. It's just part of being in the Fan.
We were served by the owner who also somehow ran the bar. The folks here work very, very hard but I think they need at least one more server, especially on the weekends. My suggestion for going here would be to visit on a weekday because it just gets too crowded and busy on Saturday night. You really don't get the attention you need. Also, apparently you can reserve certain tables....I've never heard of restaurants doing this. I would certainly be sure to reserve "a bigger table" or something along those lines or you may be disappointed by your spot.
The food, however, was perfect!
We started with a bottle of La Quercia Italian wine made from Montepulciano grapes. It was full-bodied but smooth with nice tannins. This went great with the homemade bread that is served - crusty on the outside with a warm, soft center. Yum!
Next, Matt had the duck for his entree. It is served with pumpkin risotto with a maple bourbon glaze. He said this was the best duck he had ever had; it was moist and tender and the pumpkin flavor was outstanding.
I had the pecan crusted pork chop which was also delicious. It was a huge portion (part of which was donated to Matt). The pecans gave it a crunchy texture and a nice sweet taste. It was served with white cheddar macaroni cheese (so creamy and rich) and a granny smith apple sauce. I loved it!
We finished everything off by splitting dessert - bananas foster! I was reeeeally hoping it would be flambed table side but I am wondering if restaurants even do that anymore because of the fire hazard. And come to think of it, this place is so small, it would probably light the sleeve of your neighbor on fire, so this is probably for the best. But no matter, this was also quite nice and was served in a crunchy caramel shell.
Overall Rowland Fine Dining gets a 10 for its food but again, it's just too busy for me and the servers are stretched too thin. Definitely go and enjoy a great a meal, but do so as a weekday treat.
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