Restaurant-The Ritual Tavern

The Ritual Tavern is one of the many new restaurants in revitalized North park, especially along 30th Ave. We still almost ran over a prostitute driving home, but it is also a vibrant neighborhood with an eclectic mix of people (we also saw a drag queen nearby) (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

The restaurant is one of those that really pays attention to the source and quality of their food. It is a replica of a British pub, with a nice bar and a good beer selection, and serves hearty pub food. But it also takes care, buying organic meats, and locally produced and organic produce. And I have to say, we really try to support such efforts.

We went with our friends Bill and Yvette. As an appetizer we ordered the beer battered onion rings. One of the nice things about the Tavern is they make their own condiments, without high-fructose corn syrup. So the rings came with their ketchup that was REALLY good. The rings themselves were good, but a bit greasy.

Bill ordered the gumbo, with home-made andouillie sausage and shrimp, and he was VERY happy with his choice. Sharlynn had a burger, made with all organic beef and fries. it was good, but not outstanding. Yvette and I had the same thing in mind, the house special shepherd's pie, with lamb and beef, topped with mashed potatoes. And I gotta say, I was a little disappointed. The shepherd's pie was good, but lacked and spice, it was very bland. It is not often that I have to add salt to restaurant food, but I did here. That can be taken as a good thing, or a bad. I also added some of there home-made hot sauce, and a little of their ketchup. That starts getting into the really bland.

Now the lamb was very good, as was the beef, but they needed to add some herbs for more flavor. herbs can enhance the taste of the meats and veggies. And while I applaud the endeavour to highlight the ingredients, it just lacked some oomph. I think Yvette felt the same way.

Overall, I liked the Tavern,and I am glad we went. But I would not run back there for another meal. If someone said they wanted to go there, I would not say no, but I would not highly suggest it either.