The Ivy Restaurant at 61 Shipman’s Lane, Lansdowne, Ontario on the parkway adjacent the St. Lawrence River was today’s Sunday drive destination. We were anxious to scope the joint at the start of the season.  The place was open and operational though not as yet accommodating its usual crowds. In any event we were not interested in dining. Instead we contented ourselves with a visit to the Coach House for a coffee and espresso. We sat outside at a small patio table overlooking the river and the passing yachts.

In deference to Sunday liberty and a momentary retreat, we afterwards opted for a bite to eat at the golf club. We had initially considered the novelty of Vietnamese cuisine. But after quiet debate and deliberation we chose the golf club, believing it to be the least likely to surprise or disappoint. What however transpired was the opposite.

We positioned ourselves at the high table  reserved for us overlooking the clubhouse tee and fairway. The first plate to arrive was short its associated side. The second plate was completely wrong and was taken back. Meanwhile the first plate was given to the incorrect person. When the third plate and its side arrived at table they were demonstrably overloaded – as was the replacement for the missing side of the other order.

Our young student server crawled with regret and apologies. We brushed it off – including her proposal to give us a complete refund. We told her this hardly warranted such reversal. We elbowed up to the trough and looked out the windows upon the lovely green fairway and glistening water of the Mississippi River.

The trifling mismanagement was not yet over. We had planned to punctuate our modest meal by having Häagen-Dazs ice cream and maple syrup for dessert at home.

Häagen-Dazs is an American ice cream brand established by Reuben and Rose Mattus in The Bronx in 1960.