The Kenwood ****4.5/5 stars

The Kenwood is like that kind of perfect, adorable, well-behaved, over-achieving person that you want to punch in the face, but you don't, you can't, because you just have to admit, they are the best.

Let me explain. The only thing I don't like about the Kenwood is that the atmosphere is too wholesome! It's great for kids; it's great for parents; it's great for grandparents. And, it's even great for me and my alcoholic, foul-mouthed friends, but only when we're on our best behavior. Like Helen Hunt, The Kenwood makes me want to "be a better man." And I hate that. But I can't deny it.

I think that might be the girl from Ringu...water keeps dripping out of my camera...

The atmosphere is what most would consider warm and charming. The decor: English countryside. Plaids and woods and framed photos and rustic chandeliers. Not my bag, but again, I'm not proper like that. The chef and his team are all up front. You can get up close and personal at the bar...

For drinks, beer and wine will have to do. I mean, it's a tad unfortunate that they can't do a bloody mary, but for once, I have to say, the food here is the most important thing. It's so important. Chef Don Saunders (of In Season) is a golden god. Let's get to it...

So I've always hated, I mean, I do not care for biscuits and gravy. It's always some kind of vomity pile of chunky, beige, flavorless mess. This gravy is full of deliciously firm but tender mushrooms, sausage and herbs, paired with charred kale and two perfectly cooked over-easy eggs. Heaven. Any time a chef makes me change my mind about something, I am in awe.

Look at this gorgeous salmon benedict with dill hollandaise. Incredibly delicious, but almost more beautiful in presentation.

Huevos Rancheros. Again, beautiful presentation.

And the piste de resistance - steak and eggs. I mean, come on. You've got to be kidding me. I never in my life thought I would order steak and eggs again after a horrible experience at the CC club in my mid twenties. Again, my mind is blown. So tender and flavorful with carrots and potatoes in a red wine reduction... I died.

All in all, The Kenwood is a true inspiration. If you can manage to pull yourself together and look somewhat presentable, and navigate around Lake of the Isles without getting stuck on a one-way loop to nowhere (I highly recommend biking.) Your life will be changed for the better. Being good and eating good never felt so right.