Address: 4854 Yonge Street
Website: http://firkinpubs.com/thefrogandfirkin/
Type of Meal: Dinner
My
husband is a loyal customer of the Frog and has been trying to
convince me how good their food tasted. Admittedly, I was skeptical, as pub
food is often greasy and frozen tasting. Nonetheless, one night I succumbed to his
recommendation and visited the Frog for a proper meal. I was pleasantly
surprised with the freshness and caliber of their food, so much so that a post
seemed to be in order to share the experience. From the clean atmosphere,
friendly & attentive service and piping hot dishes the meal was a success.
Firstly,
a stuffed yorkie ($8) shared between us. It was delicious and if paired with a
side salad could make a satisfying meal. A crispy Yorkshire pudding was stuffed
with mashed potatoes and smothered with a rich gravy filled with cubes of
tender beef. The gravy was already flavourful but the horseradish sprinkled on
top added a great zip; if only there was more of it as not every bite
incorporated the great flavour.
The maple
BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($14) was one of the best I've ever had. The
pork was mostly shredded but there were also large intact pieces incorporated
into the filling. Aside from the sweet BBQ sauce there was also a smoky flavour
akin to honey glazed smoked ham. But, what made it special were two
tempura battered apple slices laid on top between the toasted ciabatta bun. As
you bite through the soft bun you're met with a juicy crunch before reaching
the meat itself. With plenty of hot fries (were okay and a bit dry) and a wedge
of fried pickle (very crunchy) this was a filling meal.
An
equally large sandwich, the turkey and avocado club ($15) also arrived with
plenty of fries and a pickle. I enjoyed the thick slice of turkey (rather than thin
deli meat slices), which was tender and smoky; but would have been even better
if it was heated slightly. Topped with thick slices of smoked bacon, creamy
avocado, shredded ice burg lettuce, tomato and parmesan mayonnaise it’s a very
hearty sandwich. The toasted multigrain bread was fresh and soft with
just a hint warmth from being toasted.
But, when you need to indulge the poutine ($8) fits the bill. Arriving in a cast iron skillet it's piping hot so all the cheese curds are completely melted. The gravy was beefy, salty and rich, what you want in a hearty poutine.
During my second visit, we entered from the back of the restaurant and this is when I discovered the great outdoor sitting area (on the top and bottom). The parking lot view aside, I'm sure it'd be a great venue during the warmer months.
In the
end, I can see why my husband and his friends enjoy the Frog so much. So, if
you're a skeptical foodie like myself, I urge you to try new things as you may
have a pleasant experience. On the other hand, if you like pubs certainly give
this place a try as it receives my stamp of approval.
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
