Heard good things about the Monks Kettle so we thought we'd give it a try on the Monday night before Canada Day. It's a small neighborhood bar with a nice ambiance and a variety of seating options.
On the plus side they have a great independent beer selection. Eclectic and wide ranging, they even have a rotating cask. If you're not sure what be to order they have a four beer sampler that comes served on a spanking paddle!
There was only one server working that night but he was hustling so there was no problems with the service. We decided to just order some apps. I ordered the fish tacos while my better half ordered the calamari. The waiter suggested I might want to order some fries as well.
When the tacos arrived I saw what he meant - they were tiny! Three small fish tacos seen to be standard. To be fair the server did mention there was only two, silly me I thought they'd be larger in size. Well they better be some damn tasty tacos at $7.50 each. Sadly they were not. Fish was nice and crispy, but the toppings were bland, unseasoned and uninspiring. As an avocado fiend, I found myself wishing for some as well. I slathered the second one in Tabasco and nibbled on my fries. Well cooked (with jars of ketchup and mayonnaise for those that like that) they kept the hunger pangs at bay.
The calamari arrived looking fresh from the sea. Tentacles had been grilled and half sliced on a bed of spinach and tomatoes, with an olive capers vinaigrette. As she finished cutting through the squid and raised it to her lips I watched her reaction: "It tastes burnt ... and boring." It could have used some seasoning.
The only other thing on the menu that appealed to my better half was the beet and goat cheese salad so I don't know if we'll be back together, but I'd return to sample some more interesting beers. (But I'll skip the fish tacos.)