Date of Visit: August 5, 2009
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.cactusclubcafe.com
The Menu: LOTS of selection with many signature dishes by Rob Feenie. The appetizers are probably the most worthwhile feature of the menu. Mostly Western meals with Asian inspired dishes.
Service: Quick. They were kind and pleasant but Tim and I felt rushed through our meal. Biased opinions on which items to choose from, rather than explaining the expected taste of some dishes. Only a short period allotted for giving an order. The moment we sat down, the waitress came to ask if we were ready to decide. Not the best service I've experienced.
I certainly did not leave happy with the service.
Food: Appetizers - SO GOOD! I would recommend the Beef Carpaccio - a thinly sliced peppercorn-crusted tenderloin with grainy dijon aioli, pickled shallots, fried capers, paresan, and five-heab crostini on the side. Excellent dish with a combination of flavors that would be best paired with a spicy caesar (perhaps the burger or bison caesar). Tim's personal favorite thus far is the Tuna Tataki - a seared albacore tuna, green papaya slaw, orange, avocado, pine nuts, and yuza vinaigrette. Great portions for appetizers!
However, the main entree goes downhill. So far, I have tried the cedar-roasted salmon, sablefish, and pistacchio-crusted halibut. Tim has ordered the peppercorn sirloin and the chicken. I found the sablefish was unnecessarily overdone with soy sauce, which increased the sodium content. The salmon and halibut were not over cooked, but the halibut had a twist in flavor! The mashed potatoes and thai red curry sauce was infused with LOTS of ginger. The two dishes Tim has experienced were good but the chicken was deemed a little bit salty.
The best dessert hands down is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bar. It's delicious - the end.
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.cactusclubcafe.com
The Menu: LOTS of selection with many signature dishes by Rob Feenie. The appetizers are probably the most worthwhile feature of the menu. Mostly Western meals with Asian inspired dishes.
Service: Quick. They were kind and pleasant but Tim and I felt rushed through our meal. Biased opinions on which items to choose from, rather than explaining the expected taste of some dishes. Only a short period allotted for giving an order. The moment we sat down, the waitress came to ask if we were ready to decide. Not the best service I've experienced.
I certainly did not leave happy with the service.Food: Appetizers - SO GOOD! I would recommend the Beef Carpaccio - a thinly sliced peppercorn-crusted tenderloin with grainy dijon aioli, pickled shallots, fried capers, paresan, and five-heab crostini on the side. Excellent dish with a combination of flavors that would be best paired with a spicy caesar (perhaps the burger or bison caesar). Tim's personal favorite thus far is the Tuna Tataki - a seared albacore tuna, green papaya slaw, orange, avocado, pine nuts, and yuza vinaigrette. Great portions for appetizers!
However, the main entree goes downhill. So far, I have tried the cedar-roasted salmon, sablefish, and pistacchio-crusted halibut. Tim has ordered the peppercorn sirloin and the chicken. I found the sablefish was unnecessarily overdone with soy sauce, which increased the sodium content. The salmon and halibut were not over cooked, but the halibut had a twist in flavor! The mashed potatoes and thai red curry sauce was infused with LOTS of ginger. The two dishes Tim has experienced were good but the chicken was deemed a little bit salty.
The best dessert hands down is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bar. It's delicious - the end.
Beef Carpaccio with Crostini
Tuna Tataki
Pistachio-crusted Halibut
ChickenEnvironment:
-The style is similar to many restaurants, i.e. CHOP, Earl's, Joey's, etc. - the interior is posh, clean-cut, with some unique details. For instance, in the lounge, Tim and I were drawn to the centre piece of the bar - the cube television.
-Lighting is dimly lit to simulate an feeling of intimancy, romance, and warmth. I just love the lighting design! It reminds me of a modern take of a blooming lotus flower.
-Spacious lounge, dining area, and patio. The patio has a glass roof and heating lamps to protect customers from all the elements. Unfortunately, due to the weather and timing - Tim and I have yet to experience the patio setting.Tim - Patio = Sadness.
Drinks:
-Cactus Club is always trying to invent new signature drinks. One being a shot I saw being made but have not yet tried it.
-Cocktails and martinis = YUM! My favorite signature cocktails include the bellini and the brazilian. The brazilian are made with fresh kiwi, limie, and sugar cane (among with other things) - such a fresh delight! (Pictures of both are shown below)
-The only beer Tim had tried was the longboard lager, which was a pale beer with a surprisingly sweet flavor.
Overall Experience: Though the appetizers and drinks are worth while coming for, the main entrees require much needed attention and tweaking. At best, Tim and I both agree that the entrees are mediocre to good. Pricing was decent. However, the rushed service stimulated a feeling of anxiety and essentially a bitter feeling.
Photos from: Cactus Club website, Erika from urbanspoon.com, Mastermaq from flickr.com
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