I had the pleasure of visiting The River Room for lunch during my visit to London for the 2012 Ontario Tourism Summit. I had three lunch reviews organized for that afternoon and after a quick bite at The Early Bird I found myself ready to tackle a second menu.
The River Room is located inside Museum London, Southwestern Ontario’s leading establishment for the collection and presentation of visual art and material culture. After entering the museum I took a quick right and found myself standing inside a cute little glass box of a dining room overlooking the Thames River. A plume of water shot into the sky thanks to an overzealous fountain. I stared out at the restaurants stunning panoramic view as a mist napped across the shore, creating a moody autumnal vibe which encouraged a Sauvignon Blanc comfort craving.
I was seated at a table draped in white linen and handed a simple black and white menu. I asked the server to simply send out whatever signature dishes the owner would like sampled. With three restaurants to review in four hours I thought it best to remove myself from the decision making process. I did however order a glass of sparkling water with lemon and a crisp and cool glass of Sauv Blanc. The rest of the meal would now be a mystery.
I looked around the open concept dining room and felt as though I was sitting in a contemporary NYC inspired restaurant. Crisp white linens, black wood trim accents and even the menu reads like a Chanel label. On my walk to the washroom I realized the walls were covered in portraits of The Big Apple. It wasn’t until the end of my meal that I was informed by the owner that the photos were hers and that she had lived in New York for many years. Her countless meals in Manhattan had helped her create a memory of menus which she collected and now inspire her Room With A View.
The food here is fresh and simple. Highlights included a creamy caramelized vidalia onion and mushroom quiche and hand pressed tagliatelle with lemon and parmesan. I will admit that even on a full stomach I used my fingers to fondle the inside of my bowl.
I sampled:
Duck and Andouille Sausage Pot Pie
Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Mushroom Quiche
Hand Rolled Ricotta Gnocchi in Gorgonzola Cream
Hand Pressed Taglietelle with Lemon and Parmesan
Grilled Angus Sirloin Burger with Fries
Beignets with Bacon Fudge Sauce
