Jmoney Rambles

Last week I got a message from Christine asking if I wanted to join her, Casey and Chris for an evening out at The Martini House. I’d never been before and I knew I couldn’t go wrong with the company so it was a no brainer decision. The restaurant is currently engaged in The Taste Of Burlington so we went that route, covering just about everything they had to offer. The dinner menu is priced at $35

Please note that all photos are credited, with permission,  to CaseyPalmer.com

Lobster Cappucino

Casey started with this. You know how you place a safe order (which I did) and then you see one of your friends have something placed in front of them that you immediately wish you’d ordered? Yeah… that’s what this was. I could smell it across the table. This was a Lobster Bisque with seasoned foam. I’m not a big fan of foam but Casey didn’t seem to have any complaints. He said it tasted great. The croissant was a nice touch.

Cheeseburger Spring Rolls

While I think the idea of Cheeseburger Spring Rolls is cool, it made no sense to me in a cozy restaurant. This is the kind of appetizer I’d order at a sports bar. This was Wonton stuffed with Ontario grain fed Beef & a Pickle Spear. Chris and Christine both ordered this dish and were pleased with it. Chris noted the condiments were a great touch and took it up a notch.

Cajun Calamari

Calamari is starting to remind me that I got away from “run of the mill” for a good reason. It’s always an option and a safe choice short of the cook being a complete dimwit. The calamari was seasoned with Cajun Spice and laced with Jalapeno Slivers but I got absolutely no heat. Most folks know I love a lot of spice. The Chipotle Aioli was great though and a welcome addition to an otherwise pedestrian appetizer.

Smokey Beef Short Rib

Christine ordered this and seemed to really enjoy it. She offered me a piece and I’ve got to agree that the beef was cooked perfectly. It was seasoned well and extraordinarily tender. It was covered in a Dr. Pepper Glaze (that is not a typo). The glaze was sweet but hardly overpowering, working well. The Short Rib typically comes with Cream Corn but Christine subbed in Smashed Potatoes.

Amarula Chicken

Chris ordered this. Much like Casey‘s appetizer, this was a dish I think I should have ordered. I know I know, CHICKEN AGAIN?! You’ve got to go with what you love. In any case, this was another great entree. The chicken was thick and juicy. I wouldn’t typically want a sweeter drizzle like Amarula for Chicken but Chris enjoyed it. It came with an order of Smashed Potatoes and Vegetables.

Fusilli Carbonara

Casey and I ordered this. I can’t speak for his impression because I didn’t ask. I didn’t ask because I was too busy eating up every last bit of it. This was FANTASTIC! I’m a little confused as to why there was no actual Fusilli but I could honestly care less. The sliced chicken was seasoned well and plentiful. There was copious amounts of Double Smoked Bacon. The sauce was thick and creamy. I couldn’t have been happier with this entree.

Vanilla Creme Brulee

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

All 3 friends ordered the Creme Brulee. I’ve never been a fan and took a pass in favour of Chocolate Cheesecake. Unfortunately they were sold out so I was offered anything else from the dessert menu. SCORE! If I see Peanut Butter it’s essentially an auto pick. The cake was very light. The frosting was a little thick and a bit too rich for my liking though. However, I was a big fan of the sweetened Peanut Butter in every bite. Folks with a sweeter tooth than I will likely enjoy it.

All in all we had an enjoyable night at The Martini House. While the appetizers were just OK, the entrees were phenomenal. I was very pleased to see, unlike many other restaurants on the price fixe menu, the portions and quality of food was up to great standards. Our server (whose name sadly escapes me) was very attentive and provided a lot of insights and options for our many questions. I’ll be back in the summer. Their main menu caught my eye with Curry Mussels and Osso Bucco. There’s only 4 days left in The Taste Of Burlington so give The Martini House a shot.