#threeboars

Last night's Three Boars adventure. Restaurant type: Complex, many flavours per dish, locally harvested food, small plates, short menu Honest flavour: 7/10 - Brussel sprouts were rich and buttery without feeling too heavy, and the Panzanella salad was big, bright, and fresh. The Quail was lightly breaded, juicy, and flavourful, and I appreciated the concord grape paste that accompanied it. The cabbage salad that was underneath was over vinegared, and too sour for my liking. Ingenuity of flavour: 7/10 - The brussel sprouts being slightly bitter, but having a buttery texture were partially charred, and the flavour and texture balanced nicely with the cinnamon glaze they came served in. I appreciated that they came cut so that the glaze could work it's way into the sprouts for a more intense flavour. Overall I feel it was the star of the table. The Panzanella salad was properly drssed without feeling too soggy- the bread was oil-infused and crunchy, but not tooth-breaking. I appreciated the small amount of cucumber I received- it added freshness to a very vibrant dressing. The Quail was probably my least favorite dish we received only because of the imbalance of flavours. As I said- the quail was prepared well, and the concord grape jam acted as a nice contrast to the salty meat. The dish seemed to focus on the cabbage salad, which occupied 70% of the plate. As I said- it was overly sour, and didn't compliment the quail as nicely as I'd hoped. there were golden raisins and fresh nectarines on top to help sweeten it, but the dish seemed to really be about the salad, and not about highlighing the bird as you might think. Restaurant Vibe: 8/10 - I like wood, I like old houses, I like old lights, and I don't like people turning their nose down at me. Three Boars was fun and upbeat despite the dark, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of the Local 510 pub in Calgary or MRKT here in Edmonton. It was busy, and though the group of women beside us were loud and , I appreciated that whoever was running the house music didn't feel the need to match their volume. Friendly staff, and prompt service, and no attitude. Sweet. Overall Value: 7/10 - If you read any review of Three boars, I'm sure you've read that the portions are small. I went in expecting this, and with $55.00 (tax+tip included, no drinks) spent for two appies and one main between two of us, we were both full. The salad was the real winner value-wise in my books. The brussel sprouts were the most flavourful, but the smallest portion, and the quail seemed to take the backseat for this adventure as far as value goes. Overall- for a locally produced meal with thought put into the menu and and interesting combination of flavours, I'm happy with my $55.00 spent.

Final Thoughts: I could see myself spending over $100 for drinks and a meal with my date, but even at that price I'd be satisfied. Three Boars has a specific goal in mind and they execute it well. To anyone who was unsatisfied with the portion size- if you want sliders, yam fries, and calamari, go to original joes, and I'm sure you can get all the uninspired food you want for under $25.00