Alibi Room

Friend of mine has been patiently waiting for me to finally sit my ass down and write about the Alibi Room, so many apologies to him. And his anticipation is well founded, we had a great time at this restaurant (restaurant? pub? bar? eatery? gastropub? I don't know?), and on a beautiful summer evening, with an open patio and drinks, how could you not?

When we arrived the restaurant was abuzz and filling fast. We sat at the counter for a few drinks before being seated at a table for food. No worries, we didn't mind at all.

Actually, we had initially planned to sit in their downstairs area, so that we could have a table and be served food faster. However, I do not recommend this, as they do not serve their Frat Bat -- Your choice of any 4 beers on their list ($8) in the basement area, and frankly, it looks like a very depressing cave. Once the sun has set and the daylight stops filtering ominously down through the stairs entrance, perhaps it gets a little better, but before that, not so much.

At any rate, the frat bat! My two accompanying partners in crime ordered these. I, on the other hand relating to alcohol as well as a child to choking hazards, decided to stick with the only drink I seem to be able to enjoy without a) asian flushing, b) having an allergic reaction, c) having a headache before the happy. Baileys! And really, who needs a picture of a 1/8 filled cup of Baileys, where there is more ice than alcohol, and is possible 200% overpriced (Goodbye $5).







And because the frat bats were not my drinks, no, I can't tell you what each of the beers were. However, I did take sips of all of them and can report that they were all fairly good (as far as my ill equipped standards of beers go). I specifically remember trying a chocolate porter, which held a strong chocolate aftertaste that I quite enjoyed. The cherry beer also had a clear fruity taste.
My friends report that one or two of the selection seemed quite average, but solid overall. I would think the frat bat is a good deal if you're looking to try a new variety.

As for the food, we decided to grab some tapas. Here we have the Charcuterie plate -- berkshire pork country pate, salami, smoked ham, roasted duck, warm breads & house condiments.
There were specific names for the four proteins on the plate that night, written on a board near the doorway. I believe they change them up time to time, and I forgot the names of the ones we were served.
However, this was decent. We enjoyed eating it simply because it deviated from what we usually order. The pate seemed a little dry to me personally, but what do I know. The roasted duck felt a little gelatinous.. But I ate it all in vigour, so now I'm just being picky. Liked this. 

Smoked Sablefish brandade -- with radish salad. I liked this one better than the charcuterie plate. Room temperature creamy dip, served with crispy crostini. Yum. Yum.



And along with those, a bucket a fries served with ketchup and garlic vinegar. The fries were crispy. Standard, enjoyable, etcetc. But it was the housemade ketchup, which was tangy, spicy and aromatic that made these special to me. The garlic vinegar didn't hold as much as a punch next to the ketchup, but it did its job as well.

Finally, one of my accomplices didn't find this was enough for him, and so he ordered for himself what I believe was a BBQ Pork Belly sandwich -- with beer braised onions, jalapeno 'slaw & fries. Wow. Fatty flavourful pork on a crisped bun, and lots of onion to go around. I only had a bite, so I can't say if the beer braised onions held any credibility, but the bite I had was great, and he seemed to love it.

And to wrap up the night, another serving of beer. Did you believe those small cups earlier would really be enough? This was a tall glass of what they called "The (Back?)Hand of God". Potent (at least for me). Still not what I would consider my cup of tea, but he liked it.

Overall I had a great night. I ended up paying $25 on my end (which could be considered pretty pricey, considering the amount of food.. and my 1/8 a cup of a drink), but for all you're given-- solid service, solid food, great drinks, I don't mind.