Edmonton - Sage vs. La Ronde

[remedy451]

Hello Fellow Foodies!

I have to take a close friend to dinner to celebrate her new job. We're both carnivores and love Alberta beef. However, atmosphere and service are also VERY important. In researching suitable venues I've narrowed it down to either Sage at River Cree or La Ronde.

Any assistance in making a final selection is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[egon61]

I would have to give the edge to Sage in terms of the food. The main appeal of La Ronde really is the scenic view and the revolving restaurant. The food is good but not great, and the service is attentive, but the place couldn't survive at street level if they continued to charge the same prices. You definitely pay extra for the view.

I found the service at Sage just as good and I found the overall atmosphere to be a little more modern vs. La Ronde being very traditional and almost stuffy. The worst part of La Ronde is that they don't offer free parking.

(I don't think a restaurant necessarily has to offer free parking, but the whole hotel sits on top of a multi-storey parkade which had lots of empty spots when we were there. Just seems that it would be good business to waive the $3 parking charge when a couple spends $150 for a dinner....)

[raidar]

I hope someone can chime in with experience at both, something I don't have. But if you fancy meat, have you considered Normand's. They offer quite the selection. Any more details you care to give about what made you come down to the above two choices.

[remedy451]

Upon researching steakhouses in Edmonton with a reputation for good meat AND service I came upon my Sage selection. For strictly ambiance as well as pretty good food I came to my La Ronde selection. I want to have my steak and eat it too - so to speak! We've already been to Hardware Grill and Characters so I crossed those off my list although both are really good and meet the requirements as well.

Hope that helps...

[KayceeK]

I just posted a small review of a recent experience at SAGE. Overall we enjoyed our night and had fun losing a few bucks playing Black Jack afterwards too (if that's your thing!) For us, it is quite out of the way which is our reason for likely not returning any time soon. Good portions, reasonable prices, friendly service. We enjoyed ourselves.

[raidar]

I want to have my steak and eat it too - so to speak!

A very true sentiment, and unfortunately (or fortunately I guess) I fall into the `steak at home`category as I don`t find my self overly impressed out and about. I haven`t heard much about La Ronde lately, or how their beef is, so hopefully you pop back and let us know if you go. Congrats to your friend BTW.

[cleopatra999]

I have only been to La Ronde once. Did not enjoy much other than the view. The service, decor and food were all very typical for a 'hotel' IMO. I would opt for Sage instead. I have not been for about 2 yrs, enjoyed it very much at that time. I am interested in heading back despite the recent reviews.

have you considered Von's? they are my next choice for steak after Sage. also what about Wildwood Grill?

when were you at Character's? If it was recently, how was it? I have not been for about 5 yrs.

[remedy451]

I went to Characters this past September. It was a great experience all around. My friend and I were seated in the elevator shaft which was interesting in and of itself. The server was attentive throughout the evening and provided us with comedic interludes every so often. We had the cold seafood platter and the gnocchi with prawns as appetizers - both really good. My friend had the sea bass and I had the tenderloin. The sea bass was cook perfectly but overall was bland. The tenderloin on the other hand was amazing! For dessert we had the s'mores which I honestly think are portioned for four people because there is NO way we could finish them! It would be nice if they expanded their menu slightly and offered at least one or two more steak entrees.

Would I return - I would definitely go back to Characters if I had to take a client there. If it was for a personal outing then I'd like to try something new. Hence my current quest.