GOOD BEER, TASTY FOOD MAKES FOR FUN SPOT,
The Arabella Park Beer Bar is a recent addition to Kitchener’s Belmont Village. Arabella’s front windows are similar to roll-up garage doors and when fully opened, as they were when we visited, they create a very bright, airy setting.
One long rectangular room contains the bar and dining area, with extra seating available on an upstairs mezzanine. The right side wall is covered in large blue tiles. Written on the lower tiles are the names of 16 draft beer and two ciders, with the taps below at bar height.
It was a busy Wednesday, so our party of four had a short wait to order drinks. Our server was knowledgeable about all of the draft beverages and patiently answered our questions.
Along with the draft options, there is wine, bottled beer, and a variety of liquor. We all decided to order 16 oz. glasses of draft beer.
Beer in hand, we found a tall table with four stools near the back of the room. There is very little adornment on the walls, and with cement floors and stark décor the noise level was quite high.
My husband had the Left Field Laser Show, a Vermont style IPA ($7.08) and I had chosen the Great Lakes Pompous Ass, an English pale ale ($6.64). Our friends had both ordered the Sawdust Little Norway, a pale lager ($6.64).
Our beer selections came exactly as described, and we enjoyed them while we reviewed the food menu which is titled “Not Beer.”
The regularly updated menu is limited but with intriguing options. The food is sourced locally and the bread is house made. Between us we selected eight different items, with an order of the House Sourdough to share ($5).
All ordering is done at the bar so we again waited in line to be served. We received tall signs with a different letter on each to place on our table so our food would be delivered to the right customer.
Due to the timing of our ordering, my husband and I received our food a short while before our friends received theirs, which was awkward.
I had chosen the Tartine ($9) as my starter and it was delicious. The combination of grilled sourdough spread with the rich, sweet corn walnut butter topped with cherry tomatoes, black bean aioli, cucumbers and basil hit all the right notes.
My husband had ordered the Chip Truck Fries ($7) and they were among the best we have had at any restaurant. The fresh cut potatoes were served with a malt vinegar aioli, ketchup and malt salt.
As my main I chose the Meatballs ($12). The three good sized pork meatballs were covered in a smoked tomato and mushroom ragu, with a Swiss cheese tuile cracker on top, and a small herb and micro green salad. The combination of flavours was so tasty I “forgot” to share. My husband had ordered the Sichuan Pork ($11) but it was disappointing. The slice of pork was dry and flavourless, and the accompanying grilled rice cake, pickled bean sprout, red pepper, snow peas, scallions and Sichuan sauce did nothing to improve it.
Our friends ordered the Sushi Popcorn ($5) and Pickled Pickerel ($9) to start. The pickerel was the star of the show. It was well flavoured and served with bagnet vert, compressed watermelon, grilled zucchini and lardo (Italian cured pork fat). The popcorn was not very “sushi” like, but was fresh and salty.
For their mains, they had the B-B-Burger ($8) and the meatballs. They enjoyed the meatballs as well, and thought that the burger was very good. It is served with “definitely not mac sauce,” onion ring, cheddar, iceberg lettuce and pickles.
The focus for Arabella is the beer and that is likely why they only offer bar service. But a better ordering system for their unique and tasty food menu would only enhance what their chef has carefully crafted.
But we plan to return to see what fresh, new draft is on tap, and try the latest addition to the “Not Beer” menu.