Last night was the first time I have ever been to the Ivy.  And I will have to say I didn’t mind it one bit.  The service was prompt, the food was good, and the atmosphere was nice.

Appetizer – Mushroom Toasts

Main – Diefenbaker Steelhead Trout

Dessert – White Chocolate Mint Creme Brulee 

The Mushroom Toasts were delicious.  The basic idea of the appetizer was sauteed mushrooms with basil pesto on toast.  The trout had a clamato salsa across the top.  It was also very good.  Lastly I had the creme brulee.  I will say I have had better.  It wasn’t as rich tasting as your average creme brulee and the texture was almost cake like (thick).  Don’t get me wrong, it did taste good but I prefer creme brulee to have a softer texture. 

The atmosphere was more enjoyable than any of the past restaurants I have reviewed.  The restaurant was decorated well and very spacious.  You can find pictures of the interior on their website. http://www.ivydiningandlounge.com/

Prices are in the $20-$30 range for a main course.

T – 4

A – 4.5

P – 3.5

S – 4.5

TAPS 16.5

The Ivy

24th St E and Ontario Ave

Saskatoon

When I go out for dinner with my dad we both have a hard time deciding on where to go.  We ended up deciding on Calories and it proved to be an excellent choice.   

I went all out for this meal! It consisted of the following:

Beverage – Mojito Mint Iced Tea

Appetizer – Split Pea & Lamb Curry Soup

Dinner – Organic Lamb Merguez & Vegetable Couscous Marga with “Ras el Hanout”

Dessert – Peach Pie

My whole meal was amazing.  I don’t think anything could have tasted any better.  I was pleasantly surprised since I have only indulged in the amazing desserts from Calories.  

The service was also excellent.  Their menu changes often and because of this our server explained each dinner option to us.  The service was approached very professionally.  

The atmosphere was nice as well.  It isn’t the largest restaurant but you definitely don’t feel cramped into a small space.  The walls are covered with art work that is for sale similar to many restaurants in the city.  

The prices are what I would expect for such a dining experience.  The dinner menu ranges from $20-$30 a plate.  

T – 5

A – 4.5

P – 4

S – 5

TAPS 18.5

Calories Bakery & Restaurant 721 Broadway Ave

http://www.caloriesrestaurants.com/

I went to Alexander’s for lunch today.  All around, it was great.  I started off with the quesadillas and for the main I went with the chicken focaccia sandwich with split pea and ham soup.  

Let me start by saying that I am a sucker for Alexander’s quesadillas.  I think they are really good, and once again I was not disappointed.  My dad seems to think Prairie Ink has the best quesadillas around which means I guess I need to go give them a try.  Either way, if you are a quesadilla fan try out both restaurants.  

My main course was just as good.  The sandwich couldn’t have been better and as for the soup, it did have a lot of pepper in it but I don’t mind that.

About 8 years ago I used to go to Alexander’s often.  They had my favourite meal/dessert combo.  I couldn’t get enough of the BLT pizza and Kentucky pie.  Both have since been removed from their menu.  It is too bad that it had to happen but they still have plenty of great options.  

Here we go!

T – 4.5

A – 3

P – 3.5

S – 4

TAPS 15

414 Cumberland Ave N

http://alexandersrestaurant.ca/

I wouldn’t say I am a regular but I do find myself eating at Prairie Ink the odd time.  Located in the McNally Robinson Bookstore, Prairie Ink has a wide range of delicious meals as well as a great selection of deserts.

I ended up going with the Grilled Chicken Club.  It wasn’t your typical club sandwich.  It had both grilled and shaved chicken, swiss cheese, a dijon mustard and your regular veggies, all on foccacia.  It was definitely a tasty treat.  For the side I went with the Blue Cheese and Pear Salad.  I was a little hesitant but it turned out to be delicious.  It was served with a blueberry vinaigrette.  Just a party in my mouth! For desert I had the Creme Brulee.  I was slightly disappointed.  If you want a good Creme Brulee go to Souleio!

T – 4.5

A – 4

P – 3.5

S – 4

TAPS 16

3130 8th Street East

Saskatoon SK