FIRST POST ON KEG STEAKHOUSE & BAR IN COQUITLAM [HERE]
Some people are happy with what they have and there are always others who try to find something better. Perfect example, even though Hy's and The Keg are my regular steakhouses, I have always subconsciously felt like there may be better ones. After trying Joe Fortes, Little Billy's Steakhouse and Onyx Steakhouse & Lounge however, where do I want to revisit the most? Hy's and The Keg.
We made the trip from Cambie just to visit Coquitlam's location for the usual above average service and in case the busier Burnaby location was sold out of prime rib. Unfortunately though, walking in on a late weekend evening around 9:00pm, the restaurant was sold out of prime rib! Sigh, the only steaks I like at The Keg are their filets and prime rib, favouring prime rib more. Did I mention we were craving for prime rib too?!
Walking to our seats, the booths were dirty and could have been properly wiped. The restaurant was also fairly empty and had loud music playing in the background, which gave the feeling like I was at Cactus Club. Although there is nothing wrong with the loud music, I was just a bit surprised since the music is generally at a controlled volume.
Since our server was not very approachable or friendly, I passed on asking the usual "is it possible to wait for us to finish the appetizers before bringing out the entrees?". Another reason for not asking is because most of the servers say "of course" like it is proper protocol or even worse, "I'll bring them out when the kitchen is done"... but from all my experiences without asking, the entrees follow within ten minutes! Which is also what happened this time too.
COMPLIMENTARY BREAD.
SHRIMP COCKTAIL, CHILLED BLACK TIGER SHRIMP AND A ZESTY MARTINI COCKTAIL SAUCE (11.95).
The butterflied prawns are big, meaty and tasty with the slightly tangy cocktail sauce. Compared to many restaurants, the shrimp cocktail is very reasonably priced.
FRENCH ONION SOUP, HEARTY BEEF BROTH, SPANISH ONIONS, SWISS AND PARMESAN CHEESE ($7.95).
The french onion soup has a rich flavourful onion beef stock and a good amount of cheese. Also, the soup does not taste salty, oily or too heavy.
BAKED GOAT CHEESE, WARM GOAT CHEESE COATED IN CRUSHED ALMONDS WITH TOMATO BASIL SALSA ($8.95).
The crostini are nicely toasted, slightly crunchy and pairs well with the creamy goat cheese topped with almonds. For the side of tomato basil salsa, the salsa has a light tasty vinaigrette and the portion is noticeably larger than usual. This is a must order for me at The Keg and it is funny that occasionally, the appetizer can be better or worse. Example, the crostini can be under or over toasted and the salsa can be heavily dressed or overly diced. All of the above has happened.
20oz RIB STEAK, A HEARTY BONE-IN STEAK SERVED WITH SAUTEED MUSHROOMS ($34.95).
The rib steak has a nice char flavour and tastes slightly juicy along with fatty. However, the steak could have tasted more juicy and it was tough to cut despite being perfectly cooked to a medium rare as requested. In addition, the steak is also fairly chewy.
As for the accompaniments, the steak includes sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. If I wanted to be super picky, usually the vegetables have nice grill marks and the portion is slightly larger, like including an extra asparagus or zucchini.10oz FILET MIGNON TENDERLOIN WRAPPED IN APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON. THE ULTIMATE IN TENDERNESS ($35.95).
The filet is tastefully seasoned and the seasoning is heavier than usual (like double the usual amount, which is fine since The Keg's seasoning is quite flavourful). Furthermore, the steak is cooked to a perfect medium rare as requested and tastes tender like always. To compare, of course Gotham's filet is a better quality but the seasoning tastes more flavourful at The Keg. As for the sides, the baked potato with sour cream and bacon tastes perfectly cooked, not too soft or hard and comes with a side of red pepper and green beans.
POSITIVES- Service is usually above average
NEGATIVES
- Rib steak could have been more juicy and flavourful
- Our server could have been friendlier
- Stick to the filet or prime rib
- First post on The Keg at Coquitlam [here]
- Posts on The Keg an Burnaby, Dunsmuir and Alberni
- Yeah… not going to make the unnecessary drive to this location anymore. Our server was unenthusiastic and never bothered to grab new drinks until he walked past the table at least five times. He was friendly to a table of five however, which is understandable since their bill will be higher. But come on.. there were only two tables in his section including us!
Food: 2.5/5 (Filet 3/5)
Service: 2/5
No comments:
Post a Comment