Gardens of Malmaison

User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Several years ago, my then-boyfriend and I had one of the most amazing meals ever at Malmaison for Valentines Day. Now married, we returned to celebrate my birthday. We couldn't have been more disapointed to find that the place has been sold and is under new (or at least new to us) ownership. the first clue was that we were one of two couples there on a Saturday night. Our server appeard to be about 16, and she was wearing a cropped t-shirt with sparkles - a huge difference from the distinguished server wearing a coat and tie at our first visit. The meal would have been poor by any standard. I've had better mediocre wedding food. Our "elegant cheese course" was comprised of a few slices of cheddar and swiss, plain bread, a few dried apricots, and some partly-brown week-old grapes. Our main courses were horrible. My stuffed chicken breast was obviously highly processed and was something you could pick up in the freezer section at Shop-n-Save. Our first experience at Malmaison was such a great one - truly one of the best meals with the best service we've ever had. This meal just could not have been worse. What a shame the place has gone so far downhill!

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User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

My wife and I had called several weeks in advance to make reservations for a romantic Friday evening in early August. After driving close to thirty miles, we arrived to find a paper note taped to the front gate stating they were closed for a private party although there was only one vehicle in the lot. We looked thru the gate to check it out. We managed to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a female version of Buddy Hackett. Upon eye contact, she scurried off like a scared mouse so we left in disgust. Last week, a business associate from St. Albans invited us to dine at the Country Club at St. Albans with he and his wife. I relayed my experience to them. They were able to shed so light on our experience and upon hearing our description of the "Buddy Hackett-like creature" burst into laughter. Apparently, that was the owner who's antics constantly amuse the other residents. Anyway, the food at the Club was quite delicious along with a great view of the golf course. The service staff was attentive and professional. Thumbs up St. Albans! I would revisit the Club again but my experience at Malmaison left a bitter taste in my mouth and doubt I'll return.

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User Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

It started off to be a lovely night out. The drive to St. Albans was wonderful. I was looking forward to a relaxing meal, good wine, and company. If it only could have stayed that way. The service was slow and the employees looks very unhappy. In the back ground was soft jazz and the owner, Datra, yelling at the employees. ( I asked our server who was yelling and they said Datra) I guess we solved the mystery of the unhappy employee. Our food took awhile to come even though it wasn't very crowed. The presentation was good but now amazing. The taste was bland. For the price I wanted to be somewhat amazed by the taste. (I eat enough hospital food to know what bland is) I will not make an effort to return any time soon. Even though the veiw and venue were outstanding, food fair, the yelling in the back ground made it impossible to relax. From what people have said they go through managers about 1 every 2 months which makes for a very inconsisant venue. (But if I got yelled at like Datra was yelling I would be gone also)I hope for the sake of the resturant it gets a new manager because it would be a shame to see such a neat place go belly up due to lack of management. Overall don't put at the top of your must eat at list.

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