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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Molten Chocolate Cake @Joey restaurant |
A washroom trip before we left turned out to be fun as well even if it was quite far.
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| @Joey restaurant |
We will surely check out the other branches in
the ‘burbs. Hopefully, they turn out to be wonderful, too.
