Guys? I apologize in advance. This is going to be an essay but I can't help myself. I just have a lot to say about the Grill at Cut after underestimating them for a very long time. Honestly? Some of the reviews were keeping me away...but in this case I'm very glad to have checked it out for myself.
We went in on a whim last night with admittedly controlled expectations and I was nothing short of blown away by one of my favourite dinners I've had in this city. That's right - this vegetarian had one of his most wonderful meals out at a place known for steaks and burgers. Believe it.
**Ambiance:**
When people talk about Cut versus The Grill, they always say the Grill is downstairs which makes me think of a dark, closed-in basement. So imagine how surprised I was when this main level restaurant on Lower Water was bright and absolutely gorgeous! The full wall of windows makes for great people watching while the various seating options can suit any occasion.
We were put in one of the beautiful curved booths set for two with our own modern chandelier overhead. But I equally loved the funky chairs at the tables throughout the small space. It felt deliciously 'big city bistro' and I loved every bit of it.
The soundtrack was diverse but strangely carved out of my dreams: mellower Kanye West tracks, the occasional Adele, and then some of the less obnoxious nineties throwbacks that I live for. Weird - but perfect for my personal tastes.
**Service:**
The perfect balance between casual and professional. Our server easily could have been plopped into a $70/plate resto and held her own but managed to keep the relaxed, friendly vibe that we were looking for. She was happy to make recommendations, able to recite specific details on the spot, and took even the complicated main course orders without a pen or pad.
Better yet, they had the pacing down. I find it's hard to find a spot that doesn't rush you through dinner in the city without a $300 bill at the end of it all. There was great breathing room in between courses but not so much that we felt forgotten. Just perfect.
**Appetizers:**
Let's just say that I wanted to order just about all of them. They range in price from $6-7 up to $11-12 depending on what you order, but that means that it's not too expensive to tack on a cheaper app to your main. Definitely a nice contrast to the spots where ordering an appetizer instantly doubles your bill.
I talked Jason out of ordering the Lobster Poutine (covered in Hollandaise and Halloumi cheese - $10) on the hunch that he wouldn't be able to stomach more food after that so he settled on the coconut rum curried Digby scallops ($12). There were only four of them, I think, but he said they were totally worth it. As if I cared - I was already on a different plane of existence thanks to a salad of golden and red beets and mixed greens covered in a honey truffle goat cheese sauce and brown sugarcane ($7!!).
Honey. Truffle. Goat cheese. Sauce. You guys. It was all of my favourite things in one. I will now be visiting every day until the end of time for this salad.
**Mains:**
The main courses don't come with much else on the plate but that's why there's a list of sides available. Some folks won't like having to pay for each piece of the meal, but I actually loved getting to handpick everything without looking like a pig. They have everything from cheese toppings ($3) for the burgers to onion rings ($4) and mac 'n cheese ($5) available.
Jason went with the Steak Frites. These are available in different sizes but his 8oz one was $25 and included fries and their absolutely glorious tomato basil ketchup. I ordered the veggie burger of the very yummy ground lentily, bean, and mushroom variety ($11) and slapped some aged cheddar ($3) on top. It came with a wee shredded carrot salad.
Then, given my undying need to eat everything with truffle attached to it, I ordered a surprisingly huge side of deliciously crispy brown fries that included the fancy, delicious basil ketchup ($4 - easily shareable for two people) and added the truffle mayo ($4). Oh - and I also made Jason order the grilled asparagus ($6) so that I could try those too. I was hungry, okay? Leave me alone.
The full order was worth it: I died a little with every bite. The burger was delicious and hearty, the asparagus was a-okay (okay fine, it was good but just didn't measure up to the rest of the dishes), but stealing Jason's line that had the server laughing: "I'd dip garbage in the truffle mayo if it meant getting to eat more truffle mayo."
**Cost:**
Our bill for the full feast including three mixed drinks and one glass of wine came to a completely reasonable $110 before tip. So probably in the $80-85 range without the drinks and worth every single penny given how much we had to eat.
It's been a long time since I left this happy with a meal out on the town in Halifax and we were admittedly planning our return before the bill even arrived. Can't wait! read more