Step N Out

The hubby and I are going to try Step N Out for our anniversary. Has anyone been there? The reviews I have read online are mixed so I am looking for some feedback. Thanks

I'd never even heard of it until just now...

I had supper there once several years ago. Short review: kitschy, cute, and romantic setting with lots of shoe knick knacks and twinkle lights; surprisingly informal service and dress with a very chatty hostess/chef owner's wife; and good food but costs more than it looked and tasted.

Longer review:

Nic and I visited Step'n Out around 2004. He made a reservation ahead of time and asked for a romantic corner tucked out of the way, a request that they were happy to accomodate. When we arrived, we were greeted at the door by a very enthusiastic woman who turned out to be the chef's wife (husband and wife team) who sat us on the main floor in the corner by a little pond with koi. The table was tiny, but the slightly cramped seating kind of suits the place's faerie-like charm.

Before leaving, the hostess made a few cutesy comments and presented us with the menu, which is written on a blackboard and moved from table to table as people come in. (I'm assuming there are a few.) It might be a little hard to read as it is written in chalk. It's not a very extensive menu, but it is international and reflects influences from Asia, the Mediterranean, Canada, etc. There were a variety of meat-based dishes, one or two vegetarian mains, and something spicy, as well as a few appetizers.

Our server came by soon after and I was a little put off by the fact that she was wearing a fleece vest over a turtleneck. (It was a Step'n Out vest.) Sure, it was a little chilly, but it immediately brought down the formality of the evening and for a place voted most romantic restaurant for several years running, I guess I had expected something a little different.

We ordered a bowl of soup to start, two mains, and a dessert. The soup was delicious, though I can't recall what it was exactly. Nic had the duck over a bed of couscous. The duck was fantastic - moist, rendered well, and flavourful - but the couscous was a little dry and flavourless. I had the lobster ravioli in a lemon cream sauce, which at first seemed to be a small portion with for large ravioli, but I quickly found out they were stuffed full of fresh, meaty, shredded lobster (not much filler here!) and had to take some home. They were sweet enough to try to help Nic surprise me with a slice of dessert with a candle to blow out (I guess it was my birthday...?) but I ruined it by getting up to go to the washroom as they walked out of the kitchen! The cake, not made in-house at the time, was not good. Dry and lacking any richness.

Our meal came to around $100 for two people, but I only had tea to drink and Nic had water. I remember we enjoyed it enough that Nic tipped the kitchen, but we both thought it was too pricey for a more casual than expected atmosphere and good, not great food. I haven't been back, but I would go for lunch, where some of the same dishes are served for 2/3 of the price.

Unless I'm mistaken, the chef/owner is the guy who used to own the Christmas store in Osborne Village. Anyone remember that place?

http://www.stepnout.ca/

I've never been but the menu looks excellent.

I was hoping the hubby would make reservations at Beaujena's, I LOVED it there! I have been reading mixed reviews about Step N Out and I keep reading how overpriced it is.

I have never been disappointed with Step N Out's food but I have not eaten there in over two years. I have heard nothing disparaging from any colleagues.

Over-priced eh?

Yesterday the Muse and I paid $35.00 for a grilled chicken sandwich and a Reuben (both with fries) and a couple of bowls of soup (spinach/fetta) in Garson.

JTF wrote:Over-priced eh?

Yesterday the Muse and I paid $35.00 for a grilled chicken sandwich and a Reuben (both with fries) and a couple of bowls of soup (spinach/fetta) in Garson.

I don't mind spending money if the food is good. I have heard mixed reviews about both the food and service at Step N Out. I guess I will find out for myself next Saturday.

What restaurant did you and the muse dine at?

I'm guessing Harvest Moon? Then you're paying for organic, free range, sustainable farming...

Organic corned beef and sauerkraut?