|
|
|
Review
Update:
November 13/05
Massive improvement! With new faces in the kitchen, the menu
has improved dramatically and culinary execution is in tow.
Tonight we ordered the ribs ($18) and the full rack of lamb
($25), both of which exceeded our expectation and were very
reasonably priced. We had a very nice dinner that we certainly
would have paid more for in a downtown restaurant.
Value
of Food: 8/10
Quality of Food: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 5/10 (
Funny lighting off the bar still kinda hurts my eyes.
Wine List: 6/10
|
Review: August 7, 2005
A new pub is always a fundamentally good thing.
However, sometimes certain elements of restaurant performance suffer in
pubs and in new pubs they can be at their worst.
Point in mention, the menu at the Ross Bay Pub. The
Ross Bay Pub menu started out more comprehensive than it appears now.
However, rumour has it, that the first approach was a disaster on
opening day. Good for them, for changing the menu that didn't work, but
I'm still a little hesitant about the bare bones menu they've installed
since then. I don't think it is possible to come up with a simpler pub
menu. What do I mean? Well, first off, they have three starters, nachos,
wings and crab cakes. That's pretty weak for a pub where snacks have to
be the most important part of the menu. Granted, we tried two of the
three starters and they weren't bad. The wings ($8) came presented
nicely with some ranch dip, however I could have used a finger bowl. The
wings could have been spicier (but I always think that). They were a bit
skinny on the meat, but I'll blame the distributor for that. We also had
the crab cakes ($10). Indeed, they had quite a bit of crab in them and
were better than many I've sampled. Also, the accompanying salad was
very nice with dried cranberries, walnuts, cashews and bacon (however,
it was served undressed).
The bar menu was satisfactory, with your standard
array of local and import draft, including Strongbow (which means
something to me.) The wine list was a bit of a snoozer, but better than
many of the pubs in town.
The service was good. We were quickly attended to
and our food and drinks were served quickly.
The atmosphere, while vaguely reminiscent of an
airport lounge is comfortable and generally well designed. We sat on the
patio today, which is attractive with two fireplaces and a good amount
of sun and shade in the afternoon. Most impressive is the exterior
facade - lots of dark wood and pillars gives its genuinely pub-like
appearance; and if you close your eyes, you may even forget that you're
in Fairfield Plaza.
Value
of Food: 5/10
Quality of Food: 5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambiance: 6/10
Wine List: 5/10
(My partner in crime, Patty, has reserved comment on
the Ross Bay because he knows quite a few of the staff and doesn't want
to a) appear biased in his praise, or b) be hated for his criticisms.)
|
