The Espanade Keg Steakhouse & Bar
26 The Esplanade
We had worked yet another long day and we needed food. Steph & I headed down town. I didn't really know where we were going but I had an idea. Years and years ago I used to frequent a little strip of bars and restaurants down by Front street. I just couldn't remember where it was. Esplanade was the street, where it was?, was the mystery.
I distinctly remembering that there was a keg on it or around it. We got out by Front street and wandered around for awhile, then Stef. got her phone out and goggled the address. Technology eh? Just amazing! We were actually quite close, we were just headed in the wrong direction! (so don't ask me for directions!)
We arrived at the restaurant about 5 pm, it was a Thursday, it really wasn't busy yet.(magic starting now)
From the moment we walked in, it didn't feel like a "keg". It seems more luxuriousness!!
We were seated at a nice little table, it wasn't too small(you know those ones, that are just barely big enough to hold your plate) or too big, it was just right!
Our server appeared and introduced herself as Jill. What came out of her mouth next was really quite remarkable! It actually left us speechless for a second, sitting there with our mouths open. "What brings you here today?" she asked us. We looked at each other (with mouths open) and we both just laughed.
"Well", I gave her the whole "50" restaurant speech & she was genuinely interested in what we had to say. She inquired as to where we had been, even suggested some places for us to go. (we went to one, review coming soon.)
I ordered a bottle of wine, (wine list was good) Steph ordered one of her "girlie drinks" and she left us.
Upon her return, she informed us that she had been telling the other staff about our adventure, and they thought that it was just the coolest thing. She left us to look over our menu's, it was nice having the choice to just relax and look at the menu. Not to be forced into ordering food.....(sorry bad experience coming back.)
As we sat there we began to notice other staff walking by looking at us and smiling. I leaned in to Steph and said "Hey Steph, we're celebrities!" We both looked at each other and cracked up laughing!! (we are both so NOT celebrities!)
We were having trouble deciding what appetizers to order, we had narrowed it down to 3, and were still debating what to get. We chose two, and Jill left to place our order.
We were feeling really great about our chose of restaurants today. We just felt so comfortable here.
When she returned with our appetizers, she had brought the 3rd one as well, the one that had not made our cut. We were very surprised, and very appreciative. She smiled and said maybe this would sway a few "happy faces" their way.
I wanted to say here, (but I didn't) that there was no need to bribe us with food. They already were well on their way to quite a few "happy faces".
I was having the scallops with bacon, Steph had the crab cakes, and we shared the Mushroom Neptune. We actually shared all of it, it was really, really good.
We hadn't chosen our mains yet, there was just so much selection. We eventually did. I mean how can you come to the KEG and not order steak?
We both had steaks with something. I had the Top sirloin combo with grilled tiger shrimp. Steph had a steak with crab legs. Today when I asked her if she remembered what she had, I said to her I just remember her having a bowl of butter....
The steaks were to die for!! We both were in heaven. We just sat in silence for a few moments as we ate!
OMG! We were taking doggie bags home for sure tonight!
A manager at some point in our meal came over to talk with us. He had heard the "buzz" in the kitchen about us and wanted to talk to us ourselves. He was checking on our experience and the amount of " happy faces" I felt they deserved today. I told him that it was looking good, and not to worry.
Again the two of us, just laughed to ourselves (celebrities we are not!)
I can't say enough about this place. The atmosphere was just amazing. The decor was soothing and comfortable, not stuffy! Also the place looked really clean. That's a big thing for me, if the place isn't clean, how am I to enjoy my meal?
Jill just seemed to be there to serve "us" and only "us", because she was there "just the right amount of times". She didn't hound us, and she didn't ignore us either. We knew she had other tables, because as we sat, we noticed the place filling up. She made it seem effortless.
She came to tell us that they (the staff) had decided because of us that they were going to start going to a different restaurant every month. Hey, you know really that's what people have to start doing. If this blog does anything, that's what I want it to do. Get people to go out exploring the cities they live in. Don't just eat at the same old place you always do, go and explore, maybe you will find your "new favorite place"!
Back to the food!
Desert was next......................
There was this wonderful chocolate cake that I just had to have. This is the description, you tell me!
"Layer upon layer of dark moist chocolate cake with a silky chocolate filling......."
Ah hello!! 1 please!
Steph had the creme brule, which she usually always has. She was smiling and very quiet, which is a good sign!
Reflecting back, on past places we had been, this was probably one of the better places. I could only think of one other, that I felt this good about.
The prices were in line with other places we had been going to. I still had money left over to pay rent & buy groceries.
I urge any of you wanting a great meal with great service to explore the Esplanade. There you will find a great little spot called "THE KEG".
3 smiley faces today folks(tied as best score)
Number 40 of 50 restaurants
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