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| - Décor
Barberian's is a time warp back into the 1950s or 1960s. The décor is very traditional steak house, wood everywhere and very traditional; I love it. The décor is part museum of Canadiana; I'd want to come in here before dinner service started and just look around at all of the unique pieces of Canadian history that they have. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the traditional feel adds to the charm and appeal of the entire experience. The front bar area is small but very cozy and very attractive (lose the big ugly bowl of licorice and mints though!). This would make an excellent spot for after work drinks or a meet-up if dinner isn't in the cards for you on a particular evening. Be warned, the cocktails are pricey (~$15-17?).
The menu was on a beautiful piece of card stock; elegantly designed with a certain amount of Canadiana whimsical charm to it. It had a nice little piece of history of the steakhouse on the rear.
Food
Drinks - My wife ordered a Shirley temple and I ordered a sidecar. My wife said the Shirley temple was the way she likes it. My Sidecar was served ice cold and the balance of the cognac, lemon and Cointreau were perfectly balanced. The drink was of a larger than expected serving size. We did not have any wine but the wine list was very extensive and should satisfy someone with a refined taste in wine. The table next to us had a lengthy discussion with the wait staff about the wine and from what I overhead were very satisfied with the suggestion of the staff.
We received complimentary garlic bread (3 pieces for 2 people which was odd), and a ramekin of pickled vegetables. The garlic bread was typical in a positive way and the garlic dill pickles were excellent. I didn't care for the other vegetables; a matter of personal taste.
Seafood Chowder - My wife had it and enjoyed it. I had a spoonful, it was modestly flavourful but nothing remarkable; I think additional pieces of seafood rather than vegetables in the broth would improve this soup. The portion size was reasonable. 6/10
French Onion Soup - I asked for less cheese as I saw some photos of this soup in advance and it looked very heavy on the cheese. The abundance of cheese they usually put on the soup indicates that they don't skimp on the ingredient; it's simply my personal taste to go light on the cheese. They accommodated my request without problem and the soup was served as I requested. The soup was moderately flavourful but not the best French Onion I've had (I actually think the Keg's French Onion soup is better.). The bread inside with the soup absorbed most of the both so I was eating soupy, cheesy bread more than anything; I think a larger bowl size and more broth probably would have solved that. 6/10
Prime Rib (medium rare) - My wife had this dish. The serving size of the prime rib is enormous, the biggest serving I have ever seen at a restaurant and could have easily fed both my wife and I. The meat was cooked perfectly to order and was flavourful. The meal came with a Yorkshire pudding and a plain baked potato. A waiter promptly followed up with table service to ladle toppings into your potato from a carousel. Your options include sour cream with chives, feta cheese and bacon bits all at your request. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her meal and from the few bites I had of the prime rib I could understand why; it was excellent. 10/10
New York Strip (10oz) - I asked for my steak to be cooked rare-medium rare and it was done perfectly. The stead itself was learn (I dislike fat/gristle so I enjoyed this) but tender enough and flavourful. The amount of charring on the steak was just the right amount and complimented the flavour of the meat. It was an excellent steak that I thoroughly enjoyed. The baked potato received the same table service for toppings. I had the sour cream/chives and bacon bits. 10/10
My wife finished her meal with the house chocolate mousse. The mousse is placed inside a white chocolate model of the building with a dark chocolate roof. P1op open the roof, eat the mousse and the house itself. Excellent presentation and the mousse was delicious. 8/10
Service
We were promptly greeted with a warm smile as we walked into the restaurant by who I assume was the owner or manager. He quickly offered to take out coats (free) and after quick look at his reservation book we were seated at a nice table. We had 3 different waiters attend to us all with different responsibilities. The service was excellent. Everything was expedient and accurate. Plates were removed promptly, refills were quickly offered, full attention to detail was paid and special requests were accommodated accurately and without problem.
The staff at Barberian's delivered exactly what I would expect for a restaurant of this price point and without any attitude or intimidating pretension.
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