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| - Before this evening, the last time I dined at Barberian's was 25 years ago. Decided to give it a shot for my partner's birthday as he craved steak. We had made reservations a few days ahead and we were 15 minutes late due to the Green P down the street rejecting my credit card. Not a problem, we were warmly greeted and shown to a cozy table in the corner. The coat check lady is lovely and funny. Promptly shown to our table.
Service is insanely quick . Ordered two dry martinis and before we could turn around they were on the table. Not your standard little martini glasses may I add, but very large, 3/4 full and perfectly mixed. *Clink Clink*
The Caesar salad was so, so. Close to a REAL Caesar although lacking lemon and anchovies but enjoyable...I am a ruthless Caesar critic.The escargot was wonderful according to my partner. My 16 oz rib steak charred on the outside with a gorgeous layer of fat and medium rare...beautiful! (I ate less than 1/2 but the dog will love his breakfast in the morning) My partner had the filet mignon...god knows why he always orders this as I think it's the most tasteless piece of beef going but he loved it and that's all that matters. We both had a baked potato the size of a baby's head, fresh and mealy with shameless amounts of sour cream and chives as requested. My stomach has not forgiven me!
The wine...well you've read the other reviews and it's true. The staff know their wine very well.
The place was packed on a Thursday night with locals, business people and visitors. Great vibe and cozy old school setting which the younger set may not appreciate but we..ahem...the middle aged and older crowd crave vs. cavernous, lofty and loud. Much of the staff have been here for years and years and kudos to them for their wonderful knowledge and friendly banter. The mark of a great employer indeed!
Those that have commented that The Keg is equivalent or better are just purely strange. Barberian's is up there with Michael's on Simcoe and Harbour 60. I haven't been to Jacob's nor do I want to as we had a fabulous meal with cocktails, apps, mains, wine, coffee and dessert for $300 all in with tip.
25 years was far too long and my next visit will be quite soon.
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