Ryan J.
Yelp
I take good Pleasure of taking in downtown and all the Great Food that's within the City. I never thought that I would make it here, but after my brother Nathan messaged me on Facebook asking what I was doing on a Thursday night, how could I say No (its easy sometimes though).
He needed to discuss some things with my Uncle Rick and I suggested this Restaurant downtown for us to meet up with him. After my Shift at Sister's Hospital (2 1/2 Hours) of waiting after my Shift, Nathan kindly picked me up so we could go downtown to meet with Rick.
This is like a Pub with Global Influences and most notable for serving some of the Best Gin-based Cocktails in Town. Me and Nathan walked in and was sat over in the Far corner until Rick arrived, while waiting for him I ordered myself a Drink, a tall one called The Northman. Consisting of Aquavit, Beyond Tropical Gin, Kronan Punch, Creme de Cassis, Honey, Ginger & Lime. Tall Drink that was vibrant like a Lava Lamp that had a sweetness that wasn't too overbearing topped with crisp slice of Lime.
Rick got an extravagant Appetizer of Oyster and Crab Ceviche on the Half Shell topped with a generous dollop of Caviar. Me and Nathan each got an order of Scotch Eggs, Smoked Eggs that were encased in Cumberland Sausage then breaded in Panko Breadcrumbs and then Deep Fried. It came a brown Sweet & Spicy Mustard Sauce, Crispy Outer shell, Rich Smoky egg yolk inside makes this a great dish to have for Brunch. Nathan got himself some Kofta or Hand Pies that were filled with Beef & Lamb along with Red Onions and Garam Masala. Came with some Housemade Pickles and Tzatziki Sauce, the Pastries were Golden Brown, Meat was well seasoned inside.
Next up was Rick getting a Salad of Butter Greens Pickled Fennel, Prosciutto, Parmesan, Pine Nuts, Fennel Pollen and a Blood Orange Vinaigrette. Both Sweet and Salty going on with those Fresh Greens and a Vinaigrette that was light. With how cold it was outside, I couldn't resist a bowl of Curried Squash Soup topped with Coconut Milk and Pumpkin Seeds. The Coconut Milk was in a Pattern on top of the Soup which gave it some sweetness to balance out the soup as it was rich with Spice and the Seeds afloat provided some Texture. Even better for me was the Bread on the side that I used for Dipping into the Soup.
Then I ordered my 2nd Drink of the Evening, a Yin & Yang, Dark & Light contrasting Cocktail called Light After Dark. It had Cocoa Nib Infused Alpine Summit Gin, Creme De Cacao, Genepy, Lillet Rouge, Whole Egg and Aztec Bitters. The Cocoa Powder on top represented the Dark and the Egg White represented the Light, a Decadent Drink at best.
For our Entrees, Nathan got their Chicken Tikka Masala over Saffron Rice with Coriander Crema and Naan Bread. Nate told me that it was good, not Great, while he loved the flavor of the Curry, he wasn't crazy for the Rice and the Naan Bread lacked Garlic Flavor. Rick got himself a Hearty Shepherd's Pie that came out to him in a Piping Hot Cast Iron Skillet with Guinness Stew, Lamb, Peas, Carrots, Corn and a Baked Parmesan Potato Topping.
For me I went on the more adventurous side and got their Seared Duck Breast (rubbed with Sumac & Juniper over a Apricot Mustard Sauce with Speck wrapped Asparagus and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. I've never met a Duck with such Crispy Skin, Fat rendered so Perfectly, rub blend of Lemon & Pepper, sauce lending flavor both Sweet & Mild to go with the Richness of the Duck. Potatoes that were Crispy and how could not love Asparagus wrapped in anything that's close to Bacon.
I was lucky I was able to get Dessert, but one of the few times that I've taken it to Go. Between that and waiting for the Check (since our Waitress was over talking at another Table next to us) it was 18 Minutes. But I was able to try what I considered the most unexpected Dessert in my Life. It was Parmesan Ice Cream with a Blueberry-Balsamic Drizzle, Candied Prosciutto and a Roasted Cherry. I never thought I would eat Parmesan in a way that isn't on Pasta.
To make Cheese Ice Cream, a Sauce that was Sweet and Tart, Prosciutto was Reminiscent of Crispy Bacon. Both me and Nathan got in the Car and both had one Spoonful each, it was such a beautiful interplay of Sweet and Salty.
Tim & Morgan Stevens really impressed me tonight with their take on Global Pub Food and Drinks that have such a Gin-tle Touch.