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| - First things first, I love dogs, so the name of this pub has always appealed to me, and I really wanted to like it! The black dog himself is on their logo!
The Black Dog is located in a rather quaint, older neighborhood on the Pickering-Scarborough border. The first two times I was there, The Dog was extremely crowded. I enjoyed the food very much, but found the atmosphere a bit chaotic (although the service was friendly and professional both times). To be fair, one of those occasions was Mother's Day Brunch, which is generally busy and hectic everywhere, so I decided to post my review after eating at the Black Dog during less busy times.
The traditional, vintage vibe of the neighborhood is echoed by the Black Dog's decor. It has the feel of an upscale British Pub, complete with dark woodwork and vintage touches. In winter, it's very cosy! In the summer, the patio provides a nice location to enjoy the sunshine. As has been noted by many reviewers, the staff is known for being friendly and helpful, and I have not been disappointed.
I am pleased to report that, at my recent meal at Black Dog, the food was as good as I had remembered. I ordered one of the weekly pasta specials, Garlic Shrimp Linguine. I mentioned to the waitress that I love shrimp with garlic, and she asked me, "Would you like extra garlic?" Oh yes! Great service, and this is how thoughtful, confident waitstaff can really enhance a dining experience.
My dining companion, a fan and repeat customer at the Black Dog, always orders the Tropical Grilled Chicken Salad. Apparently, she orders it every time, attributing its' greatness to the combination of healthy and flavourful, and that it is a salad that is like meal. The Black Dog has several salads on their menu which appear very creative, healthy and satisfying.
On this occasion, though, I was content with my rich, creamy, garlic-filled shrimp linguine. The shrimp was cooked skillfully - plump and tender; the linguine was al dente without being too chewy.
If you want to pamper yourself on the Scarborough-Pickering border, try the Black Dog during non-peak hours. It's a bit expensive, but the quality of the food and thoughtful service that I have received justifies my choice of the Black Dog as a great place for a relaxing night out.
I just wonder - is there a story behind the eponymous Dog?
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