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Foods from The Keg
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Jun 11
Went to The Keg - Hunt Club on a recent Sunday, we didn’t have a reservation but because it was still fairly early we thought we’d take the chance. Since it’s opening we haven’t had great luck with this location. They always are super busy, and tell us they won't take reservations on the weekend. Only later when we arrive we discover that their definition of reservations and ours are not quite the same thing… they won’t let you book in advance, but they will put your name on the wait list if you call ahead… never mind the people who are already on the premises waiting to give their name to that exact same hostess who is now on the phone putting someone who is miles away on the list ahead of you.
Anyhow, we’ve heard so much about the lovely décor that on this particular Sunday we decided to swim against the tide. (In the end, I didn't find the decor extraordinary, just somewhat different from the others in Ottawa).
When we arrived the Hostess told us there would be a 25 to 35 minute wait for a table. So we asked if we could wait in the bar… she said sure. So we put our name on the list and moved into the bar. The bartender was a nice chap. He took our drink order, and we asked him if it was possible to eat at the bar (backup plan incase 35 minutes came and went), he said sure, but he also told us we were free to sit wherever we wanted in the lounge area and be served dinner. Turns out the "lounge area" is a large expanse of a room that is centred around a large fireplace on one side and the bar on the opposite. Why the Hostess doesn't tell patrons about this option is a mystery to me... with their wierd Front Door Policy we've now nicknamed the Hunt Club location "Fort Knox"... it is like you need a secret code to get in the door!
Anyways, immediately, this great bartender pointed out to us a cozy table for two near the windows... and he transferred our drink order to our table, and got a server's attention. We were so impressed, that later when we left the restaurant we tipped the bartender a couple of bucks for being so professional (more than he would have got for a tip if we had paid our drink tab at the bar).
Our server was friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. After an explanation of the various mains, steaks and cuts of beef, we decided to go with the roast beef. While we waited for our mains, the server brought us the bread basket and ice water. "The Man" chose the Regular Cut (10 oz) while I chose the Smaller Cut (8 oz), both medium. The dinners came with a choice of potatoes (we chose baked) as well as frizzled onions and red wine herb au jus, and horseradish. We also ordered a side of steamed asparagus, which we shared. I had no complaints, the roast beef was done perfectly, and the sides were tasty! "The Man" said he should have chosen the Smaller Cut of Roast Beef (with the sides so much to eat). He loved the horseradish, very tangy!
"The Man" accompanied his meal with a Beer and I had a nice glass of California Zinfandel. We had no room left for dessert (but we did see the Apple Crumble, it looked delicious topped off with ice cream... but it was huge).
Overall a good experience, we are rarely disappointed with The Keg, consistency is what makes them great. I would consider going back again to "Fort Knox", but it is my experience that there is less hassle and a better welcome at their other other Ottawa (and Ontario) locations.
Anyhow, we’ve heard so much about the lovely décor that on this particular Sunday we decided to swim against the tide. (In the end, I didn't find the decor extraordinary, just somewhat different from the others in Ottawa).
When we arrived the Hostess told us there would be a 25 to 35 minute wait for a table. So we asked if we could wait in the bar… she said sure. So we put our name on the list and moved into the bar. The bartender was a nice chap. He took our drink order, and we asked him if it was possible to eat at the bar (backup plan incase 35 minutes came and went), he said sure, but he also told us we were free to sit wherever we wanted in the lounge area and be served dinner. Turns out the "lounge area" is a large expanse of a room that is centred around a large fireplace on one side and the bar on the opposite. Why the Hostess doesn't tell patrons about this option is a mystery to me... with their wierd Front Door Policy we've now nicknamed the Hunt Club location "Fort Knox"... it is like you need a secret code to get in the door!
Anyways, immediately, this great bartender pointed out to us a cozy table for two near the windows... and he transferred our drink order to our table, and got a server's attention. We were so impressed, that later when we left the restaurant we tipped the bartender a couple of bucks for being so professional (more than he would have got for a tip if we had paid our drink tab at the bar).
Our server was friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. After an explanation of the various mains, steaks and cuts of beef, we decided to go with the roast beef. While we waited for our mains, the server brought us the bread basket and ice water. "The Man" chose the Regular Cut (10 oz) while I chose the Smaller Cut (8 oz), both medium. The dinners came with a choice of potatoes (we chose baked) as well as frizzled onions and red wine herb au jus, and horseradish. We also ordered a side of steamed asparagus, which we shared. I had no complaints, the roast beef was done perfectly, and the sides were tasty! "The Man" said he should have chosen the Smaller Cut of Roast Beef (with the sides so much to eat). He loved the horseradish, very tangy!
"The Man" accompanied his meal with a Beer and I had a nice glass of California Zinfandel. We had no room left for dessert (but we did see the Apple Crumble, it looked delicious topped off with ice cream... but it was huge).
Overall a good experience, we are rarely disappointed with The Keg, consistency is what makes them great. I would consider going back again to "Fort Knox", but it is my experience that there is less hassle and a better welcome at their other other Ottawa (and Ontario) locations.
K & C
newbie
This place always seems to be busy, so be prepared to wait a bit for a table - we've had some luck moving out on the patio.
K isn't overly impressed with the hostesses - says they are dressed more for a night on the town and tend to not be that helpful. Servers have thusfar been great - attentive and fast.
Food is what you would expect from The Keg. I've tried a couple of the steaks and they were properly prepared. K has had the lobster (during the Summer Event) and the salmon and was satisfied overall. The spinach salad with the goat cheese is particularly good. Desserts are fine - nothing to scream about.
Overall, a comfortable stand-by when we can't decide where else to go.