My brother Rick, out Christmas shopping in Downtown Victoria, invited me for a late lunch so I thought it appropriate to suggest Ric’s Grill. I hadn’t been to Ric’s before but had heard good things about the Island’s only reperesentative of this popular Western Canada chain.
It was a cold, rainy day so I was quite pleased to find at the top of the stairs a warm, comfortable and very spacious restaurant, with modern décor in a combination of charcoal and warm autumn colours. Rick, who dabbles with the oils, was impressed with the original abstract art. There is a holding lounge with comfortable seating and a smartly lit bar (plazma TV) with high, cushioned bar stools.
Our server, wearing a white blouse and black slacks, was welcoming and offered us a choice of a table by the windows with views of the street below or a booth. Rick and I both remarked that she was the spitting image of our lovely cousin Cindy.
We chose a booth. These are not your typical diner type booths but ultra comfortable, large booths with seating for four that could easily accommodate six. As we were dining at an odd hour the restaurant wasn’t busy but I got the feeling that even if it was full I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable or crowded because there is so much room.
We were brought water and our drink order was promptly taken. I ordered a Peller Estate Pino Gris ($7), and Rick asked for decaf coffee. The server said there wasn’t any on the go but she would make a fresh pot.
As it was a late lunch we weren’t looking for a big feed. I requested the grilled cheeseburger and Rick ordered the chicken quesadilla with side salad and Ranch dressing.
My burger came with a garnish of tomato, lettuce, raw onion and a large slice of pickle. The burger was a good, plump patty of grade A beef covered with melted cheddar cheese. It was excellent as were the crispy fries.
Rick declared his quesadilla was very good. He said he had hesitated in ordering the quesadilla because quite often there is too much cheese and not enough chicken but he said that Ric’s version had plenty of chicken and it left him little room for the salad.
We were so comfortable and warm we lingered over coffee. The bill, not including tip, was $36.14
Ric’s Grill is located at 910 Government St on the corner with Broughton. Tel: 250-381-7472 or e-mail Victoria@ricsgrill.com.
I like places that offer gift certificates as they make good gifts for those difficult to buy for. Ric’s has gift certificates of $25 and $50 and you can purchase them online or at the restaurant.