After watching the dazzling equestrian show, Odysseo, I met up with friends to dine at The Keg on Esplanade. It’s a short, easy drive (or cab ride) from the big white tents at the Port Lands along Lake Shore Road. Parking is also easy at the large parking lot near St. Lawrence Market.

It was too cold in early April to sit on the patio for dinner but I’m definitely looking forward to the summer patio season where Esplanade and Market Street will be the centre of it all.

Indoors at The Keg on Esplanade there’s high ceilings and dark interiors with comfortably dim lighting and extra large booths setting the stage for intimate and enjoyable dining moments that you don’t want to rush through.

Of course, service was excellent and our attentive and knowledgeable waiter, Chris, helped us come to a great recommendation of a great bottle of J. Lohr Estates “Seven Oaks” Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California ($44 for the bottle at The Keg on Esplanade). After serving the glasses we had the remainder of the bottle in a decanter for aeration (but not for long because the wine was so good).

Being the upscale restaurant that it is, I was surprised at the price ranges of wine bottles including some affordable bottles in the $20 range.

Here are my favourite cocktails during the dining experience.

Pictured above is a Keg Classic Negroni (Hendrick’s gin, Aperol and sweet vermouth) because I absolutely love stiff cocktails and this one was definitely a highlight.

The Keg’s take on the “Old Fashioned” Woodford Reserve bourbon, bitters, lemon, orange, sugar and soda.
The Keg's take on the "Old Fashioned" Woodford Reserve bourbon, bitters, lemon, orange, sugar and soda.
“Cranberry Mojito” with Havana Club 3 Year Old rum, fresh lemon and lime juice, soda and muddled mint, cranberries and sugar. A Keg Size is 2oz. Very refreshing, not too tart, not too sweet.

Cranberry Mojito

Main entree was a filet mignon which I have as rare, making it succulent juicy and tender. Freshly cracked ground peppercorns are the only topping I need. You can even order a blue rare option if you’re adventurous enough.

Some surf and turf including a filet mignon (rare), lobster tail with melted butter and a loaded baked potato with steamed vegetables

Some surf and turf including a filet mignon (rare), lobster tail with melted butter and a loaded baked potato with steamed vegetables

 

We finished off the night with a giant “Billy Miner Pie” with mocha ice cream on a chocolate crust with hot fudge, caramel and almonds. I recommend sharing this one.

The atmosphere at The Keg is so great, 4 hours flew by without realizing it, so be sure to take your time and enjoy.

What a great day it was enjoying the Odysseo and The Keg. And you can have a special Odysseo and The Keg Steakhouse experience, too! Read all about Cavalia’s Odysseo including how you can win tickets to Odysseo and a $100 gift card to The Keg. Contest ends tomorrow, April 22nd at 4pm. Definitely an exciting experience. Good luck!

Check out the website for the locations, hours and menus including a Gluten Free Menu.
www.kegsteakhouse.com

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Nick Lee

Editor and Photos at BestOfToronto.net