Kirk Pascal
Google
Variety Jones
Arrival:
When booking this reservation I had high expectations as someone who has done fine dining experiences before. Upon arrival we were greeted and seated and introduced to our host for the night. It became apparent very quickly that this experience was going to be unique. The immediate attention to detail around the customer service experience did not go unnoticed.
Following the introduction, we got to speak with the house sommelier, who was extremely pleasant and knowledgeable. We asked a litany of questions about what wines would work best for the meal and our preferences and she did not stumble giving an apt recommendation and explaining the wines notes, region, flavor, and body.
Food:
The first course was delivered by Chef Keelan, who introduced himself and explained the dishes in detail. The attention to detail around plating and visuals was extraordinary, and the flavor profile of the dishes was excellent.
My favorite of the snacks was the Duck Larb, Baby Gem, which was pounded duck leg wrapped in baby gem lettuce, with a hint of mint and a lot of lime juice. This one bite snack had a full development of flavor that showed up in stages. The duck was seasoned well which showed up immediately with a bit of bite, followed by the acidity of the lime juice on the back of the tongue. As you finished your snack the aroma of mint and flavor cleansed your palate.
The remaining dishes were served and explained by the host, all of which were delivered well with thoughtful pairings, finished by a fantastic desert composed of rhubarb alaska, which perfectly finished the meal and acted as a fresh citrusy palate cleanser.
Environment:
The restaurant is small and quaint, which offers a nice intimate dinner and allows for service staff to be present and serve at all the right moments. The space itself wasn’t anything that felt fancy, which resulted in the ability to focus on the food - which is the point!
The kitchen is open for everyone to see and the professionalism behind the counter is something to be admired. Each dish is carefully plated by Chef Keelan, and you are able to watch as he puts the final touches on. I had noticed that the host left with a plate only to return a moment later to wipe the edge of the dish clean. A small act, but shows the care and cohesiveness of the team.
Overall:
The overall experience was something to be admired. The team's preparation, the silent art of preparing thoughtful, balanced, and flavour dishes, and the altruistic nature of the environment. It is clear why Variety Jones obtained a star.