Few years ago I walked by a place called “Wild Saffron” right beside the Swans pub on my way to grab a bento lunch at Kaz’s (an excellent place as well, but that’s another post). Intrigued and allured by the name of this restaurant after such a famous herb, I knew I had to take a look at the menu. I remember seeing some duck and rabbit on there, which piqued my interest. Duck – afterall, is one my most favorite meats. Rabbit, I have always wanted to try, but always had some sort of reservations for it lest they were snatched off the UVic grounds. 
Alas, I was poor and still working at Starbucks back then so this place was definitely out of my price point. Not to mention I didn’t really have anybody to go with that would appreciate it the same way I would. Fast forward several years, I have some sort of spending propensity and slowly accumulating some sort of a foodie group of friends – I decided it was time to revisit this place. Here I come, Wild Saffron.
Before I came here, I thought that this place had some sort of pretense feel, perhaps an air of snobbishness to it. Saffron after all is is one of the most expensive herbs out there on the market. I walked in, and one of my friends was already there waiting. The decor and ambiance was elegant, but casual at the same time. It felt relaxing and inviting. Soon my other two friends joined up and decided to order. Rather long ordeal between us actually, and the server was incredibly patient. He came to check us on us, oh say, 4 times before we actually got our act together to order a bottle of Gehringer Brothers Private Reserver 2008 Pinot Noir to start off the night.
I’d like to add that I’m not well versed in my wines in any sort of ways, but this bottle was surprisingly smooth and pleasing to the palette without being overwhelmingly dry. The hint of sweetness was very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed it. I digress.
After 45 mins, we finally ordered our meals. Two of us ordered the 3 course dinner valued at $29.95 – choices of halibut or salmon, and something else that I forgot. I ordered the Roast Frazer Valley Duck ($26) with a fig sauce, and my friend ordered the Rack of Lamb with a port demi-glace ($29). Oh… a cheese fondue pot for two as well ($21).
The focaccia bread served while we were waiting was pretty good, and they had a very nice olive tapenade to go with it. Our fondue pot came, and we shared it between the four of us. It was GIANT. I had my try at cheese fondue a month or two back prior to this and had some reservations about it. Turns out I really didn’t make it right. The cheese mixture was velvety smooth, fragrant and incredibly savoury. I’m seriously getting hungry by just recalling the experience to write this post! This was an awesome appetizer, but we felt a little full already after this.
The main courses came, and I cannot quite speak for the others about their meals. However, my duck was quite tender and flavourful. The fig sauce greatly accentuates the flavour of the duck and enhances the experience. I had a try of my friends rack of lamb. I love lamb, and I quite like their rendition of the classic dish. Hearty, and robust tasting, just the way I like it.
The desserts that came, I don’t remember much of it. I’m sure it was absolutely scrumptious. But by that point, we were STUFFED. I can’t remember much of it.
All in all, we spent a solid 4 hours there. When we walked out, we could’ve believe how much time we spent there. It’s a great place for a date, or for a group of friends like us wanting a bit more out of a Friday night instead of getting absolutely belligerent at a club. The service was fantastic, and oh yes… I forgot. There’s a screen that shows how your food is prepared in real time. Live Food network! How cool is that?
Highly recommended. Do yourself a favour. Check it out. =)
