flipstah
02-17-2010, 10:22 AM
Considering it was Alberta Family Day last Monday, the parentals wanted to go out and celebrate and since it was apparently 'my treat,' they want to try something new. After reading on Beyond and trying to decide between Ruth Chris and Caesar's, I went on a different tangent and asked around.
On the advice of a colleague, he recommended Big Fish Oyster Bar and Lounge down at Edmonton Trail. Since we all love seafood, off we went!
Big Fish
1112 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 3K4
(403) 277-3403
www.big-fish.ca
I called that Monday afternoon and was promptly booked into a 5:30PM slot; good thing I called early because when we arrived, our server mentioned that the place was fully booked.
Ambiance/Atmosphere: 9/10
Just off of Edmonton Trail, Big Fish is a quaint and cozy restaurant, suitable enough to fit a modest crowd. I don't think it's a place to have a big party. The decor is very nautical and can naively assume what Eastern Canada would look like if I go there. My parents liked it because it didn't seem busy nor prententious; it was 'home-y.'
Food: 9/10
This isn't your neighborhood Red Lobster! The food here is absolutely phenomenal! Since it was Monday, there was 2-for-1 dozen oysters ($30) and we went crazy! For what we got, it was more quality than quantity which is something my dad's not used to; the oysters were small but man, were they good. There was an East Coast/West Coast platter selection and we had both. I think either or is alright because I can't tell the difference. Oysters just rule.
My mom had the seafood chowder (~$8?) as an app and it was very creamy and fresh. It was a lot to handle but it was delightful.
For main course, my dad and my younger brother ordered the steak and crabcake ($29) while my mom and I ordered the swordfish ($29.) We family share (that's how we roll, Asian style) and I tried probably, THE best crabcake I've ever had, bar none. The swordfish was great but it couldn't beat that crabcake. The steak was run-of-the-mill and it was good but not mind-blowing.
I still can't stop thinking about that crabcake.
Since I was paying, bring on the desserts! I got the souffle while my brother got the caramel ($8 each.) The souffle had a raspberry sauce to balance out the chocolate which was heart-warming and the chocolate was dark in flavor. Very nice but I could've enjoyed Bubbles down the street for less.
The caramel was 'meh' and it was similar to having flan. Yawn.
Overall, the meal started with a bang but ended with a whimper.
Service: 8/10
Considering how small the place was, it took a while to get food out. The apps, which were fresh oysters, took longer than I expected but overall, our server was nice, courteous, and very approachable. We were checked on regularly and was always greeted with a smile. It could've been kitchen issues and the fact that the place was fully booked, but that's just me.
Pricing: 9/10
With all of that plus non-alcoholic drinks, the bill came just a tad shy of $200 which is justifiable considering the quality of food received. I've paid way more for shittier food, so this is a thumbs up for moi.
Overall: 8.75/10
It was a great dining experience and the food was just out of this world; the apps and the mains were to die for but their dessert menu was nothing to praise for so I would avoid that.
They have an adequate wine menu and offer single malt scotch as a dessert(!) but we're not an alcohol family so we have no idea about those. Alcohol belongs at the club, not at the dinner table.
There's adequate parking in the back but it's a bit tight. There's also Open Range, a dedicated steakhouse if you feel like cowing it up.
To sum it up, I would recommend this place to others and do not regret jumping into the unknown.
On the advice of a colleague, he recommended Big Fish Oyster Bar and Lounge down at Edmonton Trail. Since we all love seafood, off we went!
Big Fish
1112 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 3K4
(403) 277-3403
www.big-fish.ca
I called that Monday afternoon and was promptly booked into a 5:30PM slot; good thing I called early because when we arrived, our server mentioned that the place was fully booked.
Ambiance/Atmosphere: 9/10
Just off of Edmonton Trail, Big Fish is a quaint and cozy restaurant, suitable enough to fit a modest crowd. I don't think it's a place to have a big party. The decor is very nautical and can naively assume what Eastern Canada would look like if I go there. My parents liked it because it didn't seem busy nor prententious; it was 'home-y.'
Food: 9/10
This isn't your neighborhood Red Lobster! The food here is absolutely phenomenal! Since it was Monday, there was 2-for-1 dozen oysters ($30) and we went crazy! For what we got, it was more quality than quantity which is something my dad's not used to; the oysters were small but man, were they good. There was an East Coast/West Coast platter selection and we had both. I think either or is alright because I can't tell the difference. Oysters just rule.
My mom had the seafood chowder (~$8?) as an app and it was very creamy and fresh. It was a lot to handle but it was delightful.
For main course, my dad and my younger brother ordered the steak and crabcake ($29) while my mom and I ordered the swordfish ($29.) We family share (that's how we roll, Asian style) and I tried probably, THE best crabcake I've ever had, bar none. The swordfish was great but it couldn't beat that crabcake. The steak was run-of-the-mill and it was good but not mind-blowing.
I still can't stop thinking about that crabcake.
Since I was paying, bring on the desserts! I got the souffle while my brother got the caramel ($8 each.) The souffle had a raspberry sauce to balance out the chocolate which was heart-warming and the chocolate was dark in flavor. Very nice but I could've enjoyed Bubbles down the street for less.
The caramel was 'meh' and it was similar to having flan. Yawn.
Overall, the meal started with a bang but ended with a whimper.
Service: 8/10
Considering how small the place was, it took a while to get food out. The apps, which were fresh oysters, took longer than I expected but overall, our server was nice, courteous, and very approachable. We were checked on regularly and was always greeted with a smile. It could've been kitchen issues and the fact that the place was fully booked, but that's just me.
Pricing: 9/10
With all of that plus non-alcoholic drinks, the bill came just a tad shy of $200 which is justifiable considering the quality of food received. I've paid way more for shittier food, so this is a thumbs up for moi.
Overall: 8.75/10
It was a great dining experience and the food was just out of this world; the apps and the mains were to die for but their dessert menu was nothing to praise for so I would avoid that.
They have an adequate wine menu and offer single malt scotch as a dessert(!) but we're not an alcohol family so we have no idea about those. Alcohol belongs at the club, not at the dinner table.
There's adequate parking in the back but it's a bit tight. There's also Open Range, a dedicated steakhouse if you feel like cowing it up.
To sum it up, I would recommend this place to others and do not regret jumping into the unknown.