Saturday, May 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pm

The Pickle Barrel is located in the Yorkdale Mall. My colleagues and I decided to go eat there after shopping and to discuss some work. I would not recommend this restaurant unless a friend was shopping in the Yorkdale Mall. The atmosphere was comfortable and the restaurant was neat and nicely decorated. The service was knowledgeable and friendly, although not nearly attentive enough. The food was reasonably tasty and well presented.

We were greeted promptly by a hostess, who placed our name on the waitlist. Our hostess was dressed in an all black, business casual uniform with a red sash across her waist, reminiscent of an Asian ensemble. The restaurant is not ornamented with Oriental décor, so this seemed mismatched. We waited approximately 10 minutes and then we were shown to our table. Unfortunately, it was located next to the escalators leading into the mall, making it uncomfortable as two members of our group had to climb over our chairs to get into their corners. This was particularly a hassle when someone had to go to the bathroom. Our menus were put down, and she left. I did not hear her mention our waiter’s name.

The restaurant is nicely decorated with an open kitchen concept at the back of the restaurant on the right and a bar to the left. There are televisions all over, specifically the lounge area. The bathrooms were clean and elegant; everything was automatic making it convenient for the customers. The restaurant had a mixed clientele, ranging from families to business, middle-aged men and women. There were even a few large groups of about 10. The restaurant is nicely tucked away from the mall, which may be why it can host everyone from families to large groups of about ten or more.

Our server was very nice, however, he took awhile to come to our table. He introduced himself, and told us the specials. He was very knowledgeable and friendly, and answered all of our questions promptly. He took our drink order. He returned to take our entrée orders, but did not suggest an appetizer. We got one anyway, but chose our own.

As an appetizer, we ordered Mozzarella sticks. It was six mozzarella sticks, and they were tasty. Our appetizer plate and side plates were not cleared away until our meals came, which was an awkward transfer. I ordered a diet Pepsi, and the Kung Pao shrimp stir-fry. It has diced Asian vegetables, noodles and a homemade sesame and ginger sauce. I got the lunch portion, which is smaller and less pricey. The condiments necessary for my colleagues’ food were already on the table, and the server offered pepper to us just shortly after the food came, which was nice.

The food was agreeably presented and tasted pretty good, although I would not say exceptional. My sauce was watery and most of it had settled underneath the food. Our waiter did not come back to offer more drinks. After we had finished eating, our plates sat in front of us for a long time, approximately fifteen minutes. Even when he did come to clear away our plates, he only partially cleared away the table and did not come back to finish it. We waited a long time for the bill, but luckily once we gave him our credit card, he returned quickly with our slip to sign.

Overall, the atmosphere was decent. I did not feel like it was a haven from the mall, but it is definitely more classy than the food court. The restaurant was clean and comfortable. The service was knowledgeable and friendly, although not attentive enough considering he barely came back to check on us. The food was mediocre. For $10.99, it was a large portion that I did not finish. I would not recommend this restaurant to friends unless they are shopping in the mall and would like an alternative to the food court.

There is a lot of competition in the area for the Pickle Barrel. There’s Casey’s Grill & Bar, Milestone’s Grill & Bar and Moxie’s Classic Grill. I have been to Milestone’s and Moxie’s in other locations, and I enjoy both atmospheres and the food. I actually prefer either to the Pickle Barrel. They are both classier, trendier and a much more enjoyable experience.

For additional information go to: www.picklebarrel.ca


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