I remember watching an episode of Kitchen Nightmares where Gordon Ramsey asked the owner to make an omelet for him. When the owner couldn’t fulfil that request Gordon mentioned it is one of the first things you are taught to make at most chef schools.
Since then, I’ve sort of developed a list of “go to” items when I first go to any restaurant or bar I have never been to before.
Unless the restaurant or bar has a specific ethnic theme I usually go for one of three things.
Honey Garlic Wings, the staple of bars everywhere.
Are they sauced enough? Wings are inherently messy, that being said there is a fine line between drowning in sauce and being way too dry.
How well are they cooked? Does the meat fall off the bone etc.
The classic Canadian Cesar
While the classic cesar is typically tequila, lime juice, Clamato Juice worcestershire sauce and hot sauce it’s really the garnishes that make or break it for me. They show creativity and usually help contribute to a happy, full stomach!
I once went to a place that salted maybe 1/10th of the rim… MAN that one haunts me to this day!
And of course, last but not least
The Poutine
Self explanatory here, how real are the cheese curds, what’s the gravy to fry ratio?
Usually, if I like one of these 3 I’ll be back for more later!
