The Pheasant & Firkin: Toronto, Ontario

Back when I was in Toronto, I went to a lot of cool foodie hangouts. One of them was The Pheasant & Firkin and it was completely by accident. Michelle and I had just finished our tour of McEwan and I actually wanted to go to…

… The Lobster Trap. I have such fond memories of being taken there by my parents for my birthday when I was a kid. It was a magical place for me and still had a good reputation, at least online.

The problem? When we arrived, it was not open yet. When Michelle called to see when they were opening, let’s just say the guy on the phone was less than enthusiastic. I suddenly had this feeling that if we went, it would ruin my fond memories. I was not going to risk that happening.

The Restaurant

Basically across the street was The Pheasant & Firkin, a part of the Firkin British pub empire. Something I had no knowledge of since there are zero in Nova Scotia. It was a wet, cold and miserable day. The idea of going to a pub sounded good to me. Michelle knew the pub chain and said it was a good choice.

When I saw that you could get a giant Yorkshire pudding stuffed with a roast beef dinner smothered in Guinnes gravy for $8? I was in!

It was a stressful time and I wanted a libation which is quite rare for me. I ordered the Pineapple Rum Runner which unfortunately was very “runny” thanks to all the ice. Quite watery I am afraid. Bet the beer is good though!

The Food

Our food came. It was a buffet of comfort food like no other.

Michelle received her chicken wings and French fries.

I had my Stuffed Yorkie… wow!

But the show stopper was the Maple BBQ Pork Poutine! I had to keep reminding Michelle to have some or else I was going to eat it all. In fact I introduced my sisters to a Firkin pub by accident later on and this is what I ordered for lunch and treated them to Sticky Toffee Pudding which was divine.

Foodie Conclusion

Although it was a hard time in my life, there is nothing better than going out with a best friend for a total feast. It helped cheer me up, fill me with tons of foodie inspiration (I am totally going to learn how to make a Guinness gravy) and names like Stuffed Yorkie made me laugh.

I hope you get a chance to explore one of the Firkin pubs if there is one near you. When Michelle and I walked through the front door there were a lot of angry looking men at the bar, shocked we had come through their special spot. By the end of the meal, I understood why. This place is a treasure and I guess for some, hallowed foodie ground. I say screw that! Go, have fun and feast.

And order the Maple BBQ Pork Poutine! You will not be sorry.