AGO Norma Ridley Members’ Lounge

Had ‘Dinner at The Grange, an exclusive 3 course prix fixe dinner for $ 30′.
I love it when servers pour a glass of water, and then ask if they could get us something to drink… We waited so long for food to arrive, I caved and got a glass of wine; a Chilean SB at $ 12/​glass, about $ 3 beyond reasonable and served too cold.
I choose a lobster bisque to start. It eventually arrived, dull and coolish. No seasoning on the table or any offered. Two spoonfuls, and I pushed it away. I made the server aware of the shortcomings when asked.
I was told the pickerel on offer for the main was fresh. The morsel eventually came out. I don’t think it was fresh. It was certainly overcooked, über-​dry and listless. I didn’t bother finishing it either.
Eventually the desert came out, nothing special there, but I finished it. Mostly to have enough calories in me to get to nearby Chinatown, where the food is far, far better.
No discount was offered on the bill. I did something I rarely do, there was no tip.
The experience took an hour. In addition to paying too much money, we paid too much time. My partner, who had the other items on the menu was in agreement with my assessment.
Best to stick to afternoon tea Norma Ridley.

Adequate lasagna, expectedly appropriate espresso based coffees. The lounge is calming in décor and offers a comforting view of the park. While not overstated in presence, the atmosphere is quiet enough in certain spaces to welcome artistic contemplation.

The AGO treats their members with respect, dignity and fun extras. As an Elite member of society both on and offline (wink wink, calm down…), I am all about it.
For a long while I thought the shorter no-​line-​line and getting to see new exhibits a little early at galas were the only real perks, aside from being able to say «Aaah, yes, you simply must become a member…» in public like a goddamn Rockefeller. Then I discovered the Norma Ridley lounge. A lovely break place for members and their guests, to relax for a bit between exhibits or at the end of an art-​filled afternoon.
Whoever this Norma lady is/​was, she’s pretty bad ass. Yes, ma’am. I do want a place to put up my feet and have a glass of wine after taking in an exhibit. Merci.

A savior after a day in the gallery.
Away from the general crowd but still within the gallery, the Norman Ridley lounge offers a good place to relax after a busy gallery visit. They have made some enhancements aesthetic and service wise. Servers are helpful when you need them.
This is a wine, tea, coffee or soda place — not a restaurant. Do not go in an empty stomach.
But this is a place where you can enjoy the simple things that life can offer — arts, drinks, music or plain serenity. A must visit place if you’re a member of AGO.