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| - Blink - A flash of flair and freshness!
It was my birthday this week, so decided to try Blink Restaurant on 8th Avenue. And what a delightful surprise and gratifying experience! The restaurant resonates with local recognition and accolades and so it was with a certain degree of scepticism that I decided to book a table for two.
The restaurant is situated in an old and historic downtown building with its interior brickwork beautifully restored. The contemporary interior design and furniture complements the modernization of the old building elements and creates a wonderfully stylish and vibrant atmosphere. It is by no means a "quiet" restaurant and I would not suggest that this be used for a romantic liaison. Go somewhere else for that. With the hard surfaces on the walls, floors and ceilings, the place gets noisier and noisier as more people arrived. The place was alive and people were enjoying themselves at their tables in animated and pleasurable conversation. The space vibrated and reverberated with a joie de vivre, so sadly lacking in many other similar establishments around town. Some guests may not like this, but I do, for my particular kind of celebratory occasion.
The food and service was exceptional. They emphasise sourcing of local fresh produce and products and it shows in the meals placed before you. Skillful cooking, impressive presentation flair, and of course, attentive and knowledgeable service. I've bitched many times before about our younger generation of restaurant owners and chefs not knowing the difference between service and HOSPITALITY....I'm pleased to say, that these folks get it!
The twice baked aged cheddar soufflé with braised leeks, scaled cream, walnuts and frisee was my starter, and was beyond superb. Would "exquisite" be a more appropriate description? My mains comprised the roast sea scallops and crispy Berkshire pork belly, with butternut squash, rainbow chard, honey, maple, and splashes of bourbon mustard. If was a born Calgarian and not a transplanted Cowboy, I would have licked the plate as well. But fine dining insists on maintaining a decorum of etiquette.
Now interestingly enough, my wife ordered the braised lamb, which looked marvelous, and she tells me that it was wonderfully tender, however, she was disappointed by the lack of sufficient seasoning. She felt that the meat and braised sauce was tasteless. I would never argue with her when it comes to taste and seasoning! So unfortunately, the lack of sufficient seasoning by the chef (and I have no doubt that the Chef will argue that it was seasoned sufficiently - although if he is British, bland roast and meat is considered very palatable) resulted in my wife being less than impressed with the lamb.
They also have a superb collection of wines and a great selection of champagne and sparkling wine choices.
Blink is a super, sassy and superior restaurant and rates on an international scale. However, while they deserve to get a five star rating, I feel that their limited menu choices, sadly inhibit that top level of international distinction.
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