Pre-show dining at Joey’s

Joey restaurant, Eaton Centre

There is always some hesitation whenever we dine at a chain. On one hand, it connotes some sense of mass production. On the other hand, if food and service weren’t good, it won’t have been a chain, right?  Anyway, for our pre-show dining, we decided to try Joey at Eaton Centre as it was close to the Ed Mirvish theatre. This Vancouver-based chain did not disappoint. The fam liked the food so much, the girls were already asking when we can come back even before they took last bite.

A cool, trendy vibe greeted us as we entered this lounge/restaurant where there was exposed brick, funky chandeliers, and ultra-comfy seating. In the middle of the dining hall was the bar with TVs all around showing sports channels. Our server was there soon after we were seated. While service was not lightning fast, it did not take too long and was friendly. We had about a couple of hours before the show so it turned out ok. If you don’t have much time before a show, this may not be the place for you. Our total dining time was about an hour and a half.

Of course, I have to thank the fam for letting me try all their meals. DD#2 and Grandma shared a Hand-pressed burger, upgraded with cheddar-bacon and Caesar salad.  The patty was thick, juicy and flavourful. 

Hand-pressed burger @Joey restaurant

Hubby got Baja Fish Tacos with breaded shrimp and fish on white soft tortillas. The breading was light and well-seasoned. 

Baja fish tacos @Joey restaurant

It was quite good but the family’s clear winners, however, were the Ahi Tuna Club which I ordered and the Pan-roasted mushroom pasta which DD#1 got.

The buttery Ahi Tuna was grilled rare and as I bit into it, the crunch from the bacon and the breaded onion rings burst in my mouth along with the sweet pepper relish. Sooo delish.

Ahi Tuna Club @Joey restaurant

The Pan-roasted Mushroom Pasta was also a great choice made by DD#1. The pasta was nicely done, and hand-made if I am not mistaken. There was a hefty serving of mushrooms and smoked bacon tossed in a beautiful garlic cream sauce. It was something I would not have picked myself as I always have to have some considerable, heavier protein in my pasta. However, having tasted this, I will order this dish in a heartbeat. It was a definite winner in our books.

Pan-roasted mushroom pasta @Joey restaurant

It was a good thing we had some space left for dessert. It would have been an absolute horror if we hadn’t tried the Molten Chocolate Cake. Lightly dusted with icing sugar, it was actually more soufflé than cake, served with fresh raspberries and an oh-so-creamy vanilla ice cream. Hot, dark chocolate flowed through as we pierced the soufflé. DD#1 was the first to try it and her reaction was priceless—a slight sigh and flutter in her eyes. It was indeed to die for.

Molten Chocolate Cake @Joey restaurant

A washroom trip before we left turned out to be fun as well even if it was quite far.

@Joey restaurant

We will surely check out the other branches in the ‘burbs. Hopefully, they turn out to be wonderful, too.