Restaurant Review: The City Grill

What seems like ages ago, it was warm outside. I was sitting in a new chic restaurant in Windsor's downtown, having lunch with my family. The large windows were open and a sweet breeze blew in. I had steak and frites...mmm those frites...bless them. 

borrowed from the website www.thecitygrillwindsor.com

The City Grill is one of the newer restaurants to grace our city centre. It used to be the home of Peppers Bar and Grill. Back in the hey day of our downtown, it was a Birks Jewelry store, and they even have the original door handles to prove it. Its a perfect place for a business lunch, a romantic date night or for a meal out with friends. 


The decor is something to speak of; its crisp, contemporary and refined. Service is quick and thoughtful, and you can tell that they care about the little details. There are fresh flowers on the table, crisp linens, flavored water, beautiful plating...all the things that I notice and love. 


LUNCH
A few weeks ago, the restaurant was running a promotion for their new business lunch menu: 50% off the menu with a reservation. My husband and I set it up; it was fun to meet during the busy work week for a little lunch date. This is what we had:

My husband chose the NY Strip Sandwich. See the fries? They are lightly seasoned and deliciously crispy! 

At the end of the summer, the restaurant was asking for suggestions for a fall menu. My husband suggested a Shepherd's Pie, and they did it. Here it is, this was my lunch, and it was served hot. I loved the presentation, and the flavors were good and hearty.

For dessert (come on, for 50% off, why not?) we had their freshly baked cookies. Since we had it last, in the summer, they updated it to include a milk chocolate chip cookie, peanut butter cookie and white chocolate cookie with vanilla bean ice cream. Need I say how amazing this was?


The business lunch was done in just under an hour, which is good for those looking to pop in for a nice meal on a work-day.


DINNER
Groupon had a deal for The City Grill a few months ago, and we purchased one with the intent to try their dinner menu. Only a few short days after our lunch, we were back for dinner with friends. 


Now since this was a review, I am going to be honest. In the summer, the water was flavored with berries, which was good. At lunch, the water was flavored with lemon, and that was good. For dinner, the water was flavored with cucumber. One person from our group of four liked it. The cucumber flavor was a bit strong, and with the meal, it didn't seem to compliment. 


This is what we ordered: 

Harvest Salad, as the restaurant describes it: arugula, grilled apple, squash, fennel, white balsamic and pear coulis. I was really excited to try this salad, and was a bit surprised. The idea of the different ingredients sounded intriguing, but they didn't blend in the way I hoped they would. Its a cold and refreshing salad, but the flavors are a bit muted.

 I may have expensive taste, but I can't help ordering a steak when its on the menu. This is the 12oz NY Striploin: Its served with a triple baked potato, a bourbon glaze, seasonal vegetables and baby onions. I ordered it medium-well, and it came cooked to order, still tender and hot- just how I like to have my steak! It was so much for me though, so I took half of the meal home!

My husband had the Seared Pork Medallions, in a puff pastry with julienne vegetables, roasted garlic whip potatoes, glazed pearl onions and drizzled with a calvados reduction. I didn't have any of it because my hubby ate it all and proclaimed it as delicious!


So overall, this restaurant makes me excited about the growing Windsor restaurant scene. We needed a new place for fine but modern dining, and The City Grill fits the bill. With its friendly staff, excellent service, attention to detail and classy atmosphere; its a place I will return to again and again, and recommend you do too. 


Follow them on Twitter (@TCGWindsor) and Facebook. Be sure check out their website www.thecitygrillwindsor.com for information on reservations, menu and special events!