Thomas Tricarico
Google
What a wonderful treat my wife gave me for my birthday at Brix and Mortar last week. It was truly a fantastic evening. And so, my tale begins...
When we arrived for our reservations, the front room on Hamilton St was filled with music from a guitarist playing music and guests conversations filled the air. We were escorted upstairs to the Dining Room area and to the rear at an elevated seating area of only 2 tables at the window at the Homer St. side of the restaurant. It seemed to be our own space. Our ‘server’ Corbin M greeted us cordially, asked if we wanted water, presented us with menus and asked if we would like to start with cocktails or such. He was very polite, friendly without being over bearing. My wife said we were in no rush and would like to pace our dinner slowly as we were celebrating. Corbin wished me a Happy Birthday. We really liked him. Very professional, polite, friendly and knowledgeable. My wife asked if the bartender could make a French Martini, I went with my traditional Bombay Safire martini. Corbin assured us that the bartender was more than up to the task of preparing a ‘French Martini’. When it arrived, my wife was in heaven, saying it was the best she ever had. My martini was as expected. When Corbin returned, we conveyed our pleasure of the mixologist’s abilities and proceeded to order wine for dinner. Asked if we could share their B&M House Ceasar (no problem), my wife ordered the steak tartare for starters then the Pork T-Bone. I decided to go seafood and started with the Scallop Crudo (which I never had before) and the Lingcod for my main. Corbin asked if I had the scallop crudo before, when I said I hadn’t, he proceeded to explain it all to me as tho he was preparing it himself. Made it sound so appealing. So, all was set. The Caesar salad was wonderful, fresh, crisp gem lettuce and plenty for 2 to share. My wife’s steak tartare was delicious served a little different than usual, this time on grilled sourdough, but she said it was very very good. My Crudo was quite good as well with slivers of scallops on cucumber in a vinaigrette. Quite tasty. Once starters were finished, Corbin brought in our mains. My wife’s port T-bone was fabulous she said, so I had to taste it too..and it was. My Lingcod was excellent. Smooth, tender in cornmeal crusted with smashed olives & confit tomato on aged cheddar grits. It was excellent. Wow..!! We also had their grilled sourdough to accompany of dinner and that was really tasty. Well there was no room for any dessert that was pretty evident, so we each had a cappuccino, decaf for my Mrs and to finish things off...sort of a treat for us when desired was to see if the mixologist could make us a pair of ‘Grasshopper’cocktails. Corbin asked..and they were delivered. Excellently prepared..and really topped the whole experience off. This evening was probably one of the best dinners out we’ve had in a Long time. It was one were we just wanted to be by ourselves..and Corbin made it special for us. He was great...and a true asset to Brix & Mortar. I hope I didn’t ramble on too much, but I had to share our wonderful evening. When in Yaletown, you have to visit Brix and Mortar. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you Corbin and Brix and Mortar