The Fox

Housed in a beautifully repurposed church steps from the water, this space is genuinely jaw-dropping. Inside, bold murals of iconic women dominate the walls of the dining room, creating an energy that’s both intimate and electric. Every corner feels intentional. The gold candelabras, the rattan chairs, the cocktails (mine came garnished with a gorgeous dried citrus wheel) all signal that someone here cares deeply about craft. And then the food delivers on that promise. Every dish lived up to the atmosphere: inventive, beautifully presented, and genuinely delicious. It’s rare that a restaurant makes you feel like the meal is just one of several gifts being offered. This is definitely that kind of place.

Came here for a pre-Mother's Day Brunch with a women's group (10ppl). Reservations were easy to make. Plenty of parking. Staff was friendly. Food was good (I didn't care for the french fries or scrambled eggs), others liked their food except for the crab cake. The Good Shepherd and Hell Froze Over Cocktails were good. Didn't care for the Strawberry Resurrection (tasted like a mocktail). The restroom was clean and stocked with needed supplies such as tissue paper and hand soap. The decor throughout the restaurant was nice.

If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers exceptional food, outstanding service, and a beautiful atmosphere, The Foxtail on the Lake should be at the top of your list. From the moment we arrived, it was obvious this is one of those places everyone wants to experience. There was a constant flurry of activity, every table seemed full, and the energy throughout the restaurant was infectious. Situated on the lake, the setting is absolutely beautiful. Inside, the restaurant is thoughtfully designed with a sprawling bar, comfortable seating, and a layout that feels spacious yet intimate. Having spent more than 30 years as both an interior designer and restaurant owner, I couldn't help but admire what they've accomplished. Transforming a former church into a vibrant restaurant is no small feat. Rather than simply renovating a building, they've created a revival through hospitality, respecting the architecture while giving it an entirely new purpose. Because of how busy they were, we couldn't get a table. Fortunately, that became one of the best parts of our evening. Sitting at the bar proved to be an unexpected advantage. From the moment we sat down, Raul welcomed us with a genuine smile, contagious energy, and what I can only describe as 10 out of 10 customer service. When we asked about a couple of menu items, he didn't try to steer us toward the most expensive option or give a generic recommendation. Instead, he enthusiastically described both dishes, explaining what made each special before leaning slightly toward one based on our tastes. That's the kind of authentic guidance every guest hopes for. We started with the Pork Belly Bruschetta. I'll admit, I was hesitant. Too often pork belly can be overly fatty or chewy, but Raul assured me this wasn't the case. He was absolutely right. The pork was incredibly tender, beautifully seasoned, and served atop a lightly toasted crostini with a delicious spread that brought every bite together. It was rich without being heavy and easily one of the highlights of the evening. For my entrée, I chose the Beef Shawarma. Having lived in Toronto for over 20 years, shawarma has been one of my go-to meals for decades, so my expectations are high. I know good shawarma, and this was excellent. The beef was perfectly marinated, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. Served on a soft mini pita with fresh garnishes, every bite was outstanding. Then there were the French fries. Without exaggeration, these are among the top five best French fries I've ever eaten. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, perfectly seasoned, and completely addictive. My dining companions were equally impressed. One ordered the Moroccan dish with added chicken, which was beautifully seasoned and full of bold flavors. The chicken was juicy and perfectly prepared. The other chose the Brick Flattened Chicken, which was tender, flavorful, and accompanied by fingerling potatoes dressed in a delicious sauce that elevated the entire dish. What impressed me almost as much as the food was the service behind the bar. Restaurant bartenders are often overwhelmed making drinks, leaving bar guests waiting for attention. That couldn't have been further from our experience. Raul and the entire bartending team managed everything effortlessly. Fresh napkins appeared when needed, recommendations were thoughtful without being pushy, wine suggestions were appreciated, and they checked in at exactly the right moments. They found that perfect balance between attentive and overbearing. After a 21-day road trip through Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, I can honestly say this was the single best meal of the entire trip—and the perfect way to end our journey. If you want a table, make reservations because this place is deservedly popular. But if you're fortunate enough to grab a seat at the bar, don't hesitate. You won't be settling—you'll be experiencing some of the finest hospitality I've encountered in a long time. Five stars without hesitation.

Loved the food as well as the drinks. Lobster was the best ever I've had. The gin cocktail and draft beer were were quite refreshing. Even got a complementary brownie with ice cream as it was my birthday. This place is cool whether you are planning to go with your partner or your friends. Ideal for lunch or dinner or just hanging out.