Monica wanted to go out and get dinner this evening. She was dressed for the lab and as such wanted to go somewhere with a lack of dress code. She suggested that we go to Barleys. As we had just gone to the downtown location a few days ago I suggested we go to the Smoke House instead. I realize now that I set myself up for failure. I found the menu lacking in real option. Unless one wants something made of pork or beef, and either smoked or covered in barbeque sauce, one is fresh out of luck.
I know, I know, "Smoke house." Its right there in the name, but even the theme-iest of theme joints makes a nod to the person who just isn't in to the cuisine. I like Barley's beer, so I was happy to be there, but I wanted a dish that didn't throw down the gauntlet and challenge my gastrointestinal tract to a pitched battle. I opted for the smoked salmon burger. True, its smoked, but a good salmon patty is both flavorful and satisfying without being heavy. It sounded like just the thing.
What was delivered to our table was an insipid glutinous mass smashed into a patty and slathered with a spicy mayo. I'm sure it contained fish of some kind, I could see the flakes, but it tasted like lightly fried wet flour. The consistency of the "burger" was equally inviting.
If you are keen to give your intestines a bye, get a growler to go and pass on the menu.
