Fox & Fiddle
R3B 1E4
204-505-1511
Twitter: @Fox_On_Main
February,
2013
I normally
don’t write about chains but since Fox & Fiddle opened their doors on Main Street
Walk into
the Fox and you find the grandeur of the former Bank of Toronto building still
intact. The tall columns welcome you and
inside, the marble blended with dark wood décor provides an atmosphere that’s
both cosy and opulent at the same time.
An array of TVs throughout the room guarantees that any sports junkie
will have plenty at which to stare.
Even if you
don’t follow sports, there’s plenty for you to stare at. The Fox follows the formula of dressing their
servers in too-tight, too-short, black outfits.
As a feminist, I find this slightly offensive, until I see the
too-muscular male staff with shirts also too small. Now I feel slightly offended and inadequate
as well.
Kidding
aside, the competent server brings the menus, which feature a bit of
everything, including some Thai, some Indian and some Mexican dishes, in
addition to the expected pub grub.
The Butter
Chicken tastes rich and flavourful and comes nicely presented, with star-like
points of naan bread. I would have been
completely happy with the taste of the butter chicken; however, I
coincidentally dined at an Indian
restaurant the day after and got reminded of what a truly delicious butter
chicken tastes like. Sadly, the Fox
version falls woefully short.
Many chain
restaurants diversify their menus to provide something to everyone but very few
master the ethnic offerings. Sticking
more to the pub foods, the substantial burger comes sadly overcooked. With thin patties, it’s easy to leave it on
the grill too long, but this is a thick patty that’s been dried to
desiccation. The fresh vegetables try to
add moisture to this sandwich but the thick bun ensures that you will need
plenty of swigs to go with this meal.
Today’s special adds a fried egg to the burger. I believe that an egg makes any sandwich
better but this overcooked, over-well addition does little to enhance this
meal. The accompanying, wedge-cut fries
are nothing special and most of mine end up leaving with the plate.
Fortunately,
the steak sandwich saw a lot less heat than the burger patty. The still-pink-in-the-middle strip loin
tastes fine but it’s a little skimpy in the thickness. The thick bread ensures that you don’t leave
hungry but I would like to see a thicker cut of meat as well.
The
monstrous nachos come with a hefty cost at $17 - $18, considering that it’s
mostly a pile of chips. This is the kind
of dish that you really can’t screw up unless you throw inferior ingredients on
the plate. There’s a lot of fresh
ingredients on here and this is the kind of food that I recommend ordering from
the chain franchises—stick to the simple that don’t take a lot of talent to
create.
The Fox
offers a number of interesting wines and equally enticing beers. However, shortly after our server cleared our
table, she asked us to cash out, as she’s on the way out too. After she leaves, we sat for another 80
minutes with no one to approach us.
There was no offer for more drinks, more coffee or any water at
all. We may as well have been invisible
as no one gave a hoot as soon as we paid the tab.
Once again,
I hope the Fox & Fiddle does well, not because they have stellar food or
great customer care, but because I want downtown Main Street
** /5
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