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Village Squire, 1978-12, Page 56SQUIRE'S TABLE The Feedlot proves steakhouse concept works in small towns BY THE HOPEWELLS Steak and seafood houses are about a dime a dozen these days (though the prices are considerably higher) but what better place for one than Kincardine and what better name than The Feedlot. Feedlots are a major part of the Bruce county economy. The county is the largest producer of beef in Ontario. That, along with Kincardine's maritime tradition due to its place along Lake Huron makes the two naturals for a combined menu in the Kincardine town. Steak houses are most popular in the cities with small town restaurants not quite so willing to risk success on such a limited fare. But there is nothing small town about The Feed Lot and by the business it was doing on the evening in late November when we visitied, it appears it's every bit as successful as similar city restaurants. Decor in the restaurant is hardly unique but it is pleasing. The walls are lined with real wood in a diagonal tongue -in -groove style. The tables are set with red table cloths. The chairs are the heavy. comfortable captain's chair style. The floors are carpeted for quiet. Each table has its own circle of light from a tiffany lamp above. A pleasant addition is that the restaurant is broken up by partitions to give an added feeling of intimacy. Looking at it. it's impossible to guess just how many people it sits altogether. Our own table sat all by itself in one quiet nook and only three other tables were in sight. The menu is split almost evenly between seafood and beef with some surf and turf combinations and some pork dishes. After some considerable consideration the lady chose the beef tenderloin tips smoothered in green peppers. onions and mushrooms. The writer had barbecued back ribs. Both began with a bowl of French onion soup which came piping hot from the kitchen. The dish was good, but the broth was perhaps a little too thin in taste to give the soup a zippy taste. The lady's meat was indeed tender and the portion was just right for her appetite. The baked potato was served with a large amount of sour cream and parsley which she enjoyed but felt some people would rather have had it served in a separate dish so they could administer according to their own tastes. The writer's serving included two large pieces of ribs as well as pan fried potatoes and a couple of pieces of lettuce with a slice of tomato. The meat was succulent and plentiful. In fact by the time the meat had been recovered from the ribs, there was no place left for dessert. This diner, however, 54 Village Squire, December 1978 would have preferred to have a good vegetable instead of the lonely looking lettuce. The lady still had room for dessert and chose blueberry cheesecake. The result was somewhat unexpected. being more cake than cheese and more filling than she had expected but it was still very good. The meal was finished off by some very good coffee (vie thought at one point we overheard the staff grinding fresh beans for the coffee). Refills were no extra charge. The evening was not cheap. The onion soup was $1.50 a bowl for instance. In all the bill xvith a half -litre of the house red eine came to more than $25.00. It was. however. all in all a pleasant evening. DINING INFORMATION The listings provided are a service to our readers. They are not paid advertisements. BAYFIELD THE LITTLE INN, Bayfield offers full course meals. It is open daily from May 13 to the Canadian Thanksgiving for lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Reservation are accepted at 565-2611. They have a liquor licence and accept Chargex and Master Charge. THE BAVARIAN TAVERN, Highway 21 south, Bayfield specializes in German food. It's open from 12 noon until 10 p.m. It's fully licenced and accepts reservations at 565-2843. Credit cards accepted: American Express and Master Charge. THE RED PUMP, Main St., Bayfield offers gourmet dining ranging from $8.95 to $15.95 a person. Open from May 1 to November 1 from 4 to 10 for dinner only. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday in the fall. Licenced. Accept reservations at 565-2576. Accept Visa and Master Charge. THE ALBION HOTEL, Main St., Bayfield specializes in ribs, steaks and seafood. The noon luncheon special from Monday to Friday is $2.65. Prices range from $5.00 to $6.00 per person for dinner. Lunch is served from 12-2 and dinner 5-7:30. They are licenced and accept Chargex-Visa, and Master Charge. Reservations are not necessary. BENMILLER BENMILLER INN, Benmiller, RR 4, Goderich Specialize in Fresh trout from their tank, Fresh ringed -neck pheasant and Fresh Benmiller rabbit. Price range: 3 -course lunches, $7.50 plus tax plus gratuity; 3 -course dinner, $11.50 plus tax plus gratuity; 3 -course dinner (Saturday), $13.50 plus tax plus gratuity. A la carte menu priced according to selection. Open for lunch from 12 noon to 2 p.m.; dinner from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Licenced. Accept reservations at 524-2191. Accept Diner's Club, American Express, Visa, Master Charge. Licenced lounges and patio now opened on Sundays. BLYTH THE VILLAGE RESTAURANT, Main St., Blyth offers a Tiffany Dining Room where you have your own individual lamp over every table to give you privacy and a cosy atmosphere. Prices start with a breakfast coffee at 25 cents and full course meals are under $6 00. Open Monday to Thursday 6-10: Friday 6-11:30: Saturday 7:30-12 p.m.: and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are accepted at 523-9566. GRAND VIEW LUNCH, Highway 4 and County Road 25, Blyth specializes in chicken and rib dinners. They also have home cooked meals with home baked pies. Take out orders are also available at 523-4471. Open weekdays 7:30 to 10:30 and Sundays 10 to 10:30. TRIPLE K RESTAURANT, County Road 25 east, Blyth specializes in home cooked meals with home baked pies. Take out orders are available. Open weekdays. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.. Fridays 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. CLINTON ELM HAVEN MOTOR HOTEL, Highway 8, Clinton offers daily specials and a complete menu. Prices range from $2.50 to $6.00. Open daily except Sunday from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Licenced. Accept Chargex and Master Charge. BARTLIFF'S RESTAURANT, 46 Albert St., Clinton serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. No reservations required. Not` licenced. No credit cards accepted. CLINTON HOTEL, 33 Victoria St., Clinton is open Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The specialty is steak dinners ranging in price from $15 to $20 for two. Reservations are accepted at 482-3421. Licenced. Accept Master Charge and Chargex. THE SANDPIPER INN, Vanastra Park, Clinton offers smorgasbord 7 days a week from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Price ranges from $9.50 to $11.75 for dinner for two. Reservations are advisable on Saturdays and Sundays at 482-3644. Licenced. Accept Chargex and Master Charge. Dancing Friday and Saturday 9-1 to name bands.