I wouldn’t call Door FiftyFive a speakeasy as their flashy
sign and large frontage isn’t exactly discrete. Still, inside the bar, the dark
environment and caged whisky selection excites your senses to want a drink … or
two … or five. Without a host at the door, feel free to find an available table
and even though their website notes they don’t take reservations, plenty of the
larger tables were held so try calling if your party is six plus.
The boss platter ($60) was an easy decision and despite noting
it serves two, this dish featuring a selection of meats can easily satisfy
four.
The menu explains that Door FiftyFive’s offerings are
Southern comfort food incorporating Mediterranean spices and uses a combination
of cherry and maple wood chips to smoke meats for hours. Truthfully, I couldn’t
decipher the Mediterranean twist and the smoking properties were light (you
won’t experience thick barque rings). Nonetheless, the pork ribs smelled
intoxicating and were good. A thin layer of tangy North Carolina style BBQ
sauce tops them, there’s extra on the side if you need more.
While the brisket has an unappetizing looking layer of fat
in the middle, it does make for a succulent piece of meat. The rub could be
stronger as the meat itself was rather bland. Not being a huge fan of vinegar
based BBQ sauces, I used the pesto type one instead and that also didn’t quite
work with the brisket. It did however go nicely with the beef short ribs,
cutting against the greasiness; they were tender and nicely cooked.
The fried chicken was surprisingly juicy for being pieces of
boneless white meat. The breading was a tad thick, resulting in certain bites
that had no chicken and could be salty yet provided tons of crunch. Gravy
accompanied the platter but I found the fried chicken flavourful enough on its
own.
A score of other items were included in the boss: a rich
lean boar smoked sausage, nachos with a fantastic thick zesty chilli, crunchy
pickled vegetables, not overly creamy Southern coleslaw and thyme fries (a potato
and sweet potato mix). All delicious and provided crunchy, sour and bright
contrasts against the heavier meats.
There was one thing missing that we wanted … mac ‘n’ cheese!
So, a side of return of the Mack ($9) was required, chocked full of large
chunks of maple boar bacon with a Tex Mex cheese base so it had a hint of
spiciness. The dish is rather saucy and covered with a thick layer of gooey
cheddar so best for sharing.
Door FiftyFive certainly caters to drinkers; they have
everything to do with liberations that your heart desires. The selection of
cocktails can take a while to make, but all things further than a simple
cranberry vodka does. The botanical bliss ($14) sounded delicious with its gin
base flavoured with elderflower liqueur, lavender bitters, lemon, Prosecco and
syrup. Overall, I liked that it wasn’t sweet and refreshing, but found the mint
sprig overpowering (the bits of crush mint were enough) as its infusion ended
up overpowering the botanical properties, which are typically strong flavours
in their own.
If you prefer alcohol neat, the bar has a selection of
bourbon and whiskey flights and of course beer as well. And if waiting to get a
beer sounds taxing, try securing one of the tables with its own tap – simply provide
the restaurant with your credit card and keep filling to your heart’s content
(you’ll be charged based on the amount dispensed).
Whether you want to drink like a Boss or eat like one, if
you’re in the Port Credit area, Door FiftyFive is an interesting place to check
out.
Overall mark - 7 out of 10
How To Find Them
Location: Mississauga, Canada
Address: 55 Lakeshore Road East
Address: 55 Lakeshore Road East
Website: http://www.doorfiftyfive.com/
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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!
Is That It? I Want More!
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