Michi Mclean

Review of Rideau Carleton Raceway

I've only ever gone for the seafood and prime rib ...

I've only ever gone for the seafood and prime rib buffet on Saturday evenings. I go 3 to 4 times a year for just over a decade and have only left once dissatisfied and that was very early in the transition to the Hardrock ownership. It offers good quality food with a small but varied selection of dishes. The seafood and prime rib are of good quality. The size of the shrimp is somewhere near the 20 to 25 shrimp per pound range which is nice. Significantly better than the so called "jumbo shrimp" red lobster uses.
My only criticisms this most recent time the cooking station where the crab is boiled wasn't doing the grilled scallops that I really enjoy. I hope that comes back. And second the buffet would benefit with another hot carb option. This most recent time the hot options were rice (the yellow color suggested perhaps a turmeric seasoning I didn't try it) or a seafood alfredo pasta (which was incredibly bland) with available breads, potatoe salad and a pasta salad. A hot potatoe dish of some kind, I suggest scallop potatoes, would balance the buffets protein to carb better.
It is a strange setting that makes for perfect people watching. The first time i went I wasn't prepared for the cafeteria like setting and it was a temporary turn off that went away as soon as I saw the buffet itself. The renovations have dramatically improved the ambiance however the shape of the restaurant still feels strange. If you have never been before I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes as the restaurant space is very long and narrow with multiple landings with stairs. The actually buffet is towards the one side so if you are seated at the other end it could make for a walk one wouldn't normally expect at a buffet. If you are in the Ottawa area the raceway buffet is a must try!!