It had been what seemed like an age since I’d met up with Jenny and Elissa for sips and nibbles. There was a wee kick in my step as I walked up John Street to meet them for dinner at The Ballroom. Toronto’s certainly undergoing a renaissance in the fun meets food department. The Ballroom for bowling and SPIN for ping pong fans, both venues offering house made eats, fancy cocktails and unique brews at the bar. Toronto’s sport meets meal time is enjoying gastronomic elevation.
After arriving I picked out my size 8 bowling shoes and immediately ran my finger down the menu to suss out what was on offer. The main floor offers up lanes for bowling fans while the second floor showcases a spacious dining room and sunny patio for those whose wrists are weak and tummies are yearning for the win. Jonathan arrived shortly after 5pm to make a party of four. None of us had bowled in ages so enjoyed laughing our way through gutter balls and elated ourselves with the odd spare and strike.
Over the course of the next two hours the four of us took turns launching balls at a set of innocent pins while nibbling and sipping through Ballroom menu classics. Beverage highlights included The Ballroom Mojito and Sangria cocktails while BC beer fans rejoice for cold bottles of Granville Island. Portions here are generous. With wide eyes and open mouths we nibbled through several plates. My favourites include their pulled pork mac n cheese and popcorn chicken poutine. Leave it to me to find a bit of whimsy at the bowling alley with the calorie cloggers. It’s the crunch and munch that’s so addictive!
The Feast:
Granville Island English Bay Pale Ale
The Ballroom Mojito
bacardi 151, bacardi gold, lime, ginger beer, mint
The Raspberry Lemonade
absolut raspberry, sour puss raspberry, lemon juice, sparkling water
The Ballroom Sangria
chambord, havana club 7 yr, misterio malbec, orange juice, 7up, fresh fruit
Sweet and Smokey Mustard Fried Chicken Wings
Piggy Flatbread
chorizo, peameal, ground sausage
Buffalo Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap
flour tortilla, caesar salad, parmesan
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
cheddar, curds, mozzarella, herb and garlic crumbs
Popcorn Chicken Poutine
crispy chicken bits, gravy, cheddar curds
Shrimp Pad Thai
cashews, bean sprouts, green onion, mint, thai basil
