Shirley's Bayside Grille

What’s better than a delicious 3 course meal?  Why…the awesome company you are about to share it with of course; the kind of company where a good dinner and conversation ends with a nightcap of tequila and some classic vinyl.

Tonight’s evening meal led our party of 4 to Shirley’s Bayside Grille, an establishment that I have not been to in over 5 years.  I hadn’t realized that until I was sitting there thinking about it; and I have no reason other than as Barrie grew so has the opportunity to dine elsewhere.  Needless to say the spot is still as classy as ever.

The first thing that caught my attention was the divine dessert case tucked so elegantly in plain sight of everyone! ; As a result I had to sit with my back to it or I would have had to begin the evening with my dessert.   Very clever up selling; nothing like starting a meal with the internal debate of what dish shall I sacrifice a bit of so I can endure an entire cake. OMG these desserts are too much.

   

My drool was politely wiped from my face and a menu was placed in my hand; now comes the painful indecision; decision.  My app choice was easy, if it’s a homemade dressing than Caesar salad all the way; an eggless Caesar at that.  I had two things going on in my mouth; I could feel and taste the vinegar which ultimately opened my taste buds to enjoy the abundance of garlic and parmesan that followed.  I was puzzled by the sprig of Rosemary that was sticking in the middle of my salad like a tree; was it a garnish? Bizarre; usually when an herb is added to a dish it’s to clear the pallet; Parsley for most dishes and mint for desserts. Needless to say, I took a wee bite and as I suspected…..wrong move…..it was a garnish.  Regardless of the rosemary this salad is definitely in my top 5 for Caesars.

My main course: A coconut, coriander panko crusted chicken breast topped with a grilled peach marnier cream sauce served with rosemary garlic potatoes and vegetables. I order all my entrees without potato and extra veg  (makes room for the dessert) and was shocked to hear that there are no modifications on Barrielicious menu; they can accommodate on their regular menu but not this one. I believe the point and purpose to Barrielicious is to promote your business including customaries.  No biggy I took it as a sign that I was to enjoy the extra carbs. The Universe stepped in and within minutes I was saved by common sense as I was informed that I could have extra veg instead of potato.

I must admit I was impressed as not too many restaurants mix fruit and meats.  One of my favorite spots to eat is South Beach Miami where Brazilian and French cuisine are blended.  The best fruit meat combo dish I ever had was a lobster tail served with a banana walnut bourbon sauce.

This chicken dish almost meets the quota.  The bread crumb era is over; it's time to let go; this dish would have been a 10 if the coconut, grilled peaches and sauce had abundantly showered a naked chicken breast.  Don’t get me wrong this dish was still delightful, but the bread crumbs got in the way of the flavors.

And for the final touches: Dessert!!! THANK GOD, there were no options to choose from. 

Ladies and Gentleman, introducing the MILKY WAY CAKE.

There are no words; only 8mins of Stairway to Heaven playing in my head!

What’s left?......The ambiance was great the service was great; the wine menu could use a freshen up’r  but all in all; I won’t wait another 5 years to go back. 

Thanks for the night Ann, Doug and Randy-always a pleasure.

Bridgit : )