Foodie Swellness: 3 reasons to celebrate the holidays at The Keg (+ GIVEAWAY!)

December 5, 2017

The Keg cheers

The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family, right? Even though we have all year to get together, somehow we’re all compelled to make the extra effort to reunite this month. I guess we all feel a little more festive this time of year.

If you’re anything like me, you have high standards about where to get together. Throw in just about everyone having some sort of diet restriction, and this can make choosing a place to eat and drink that pleases everyone stressful. And extra stress is not what any of us have on our holiday wish list. Which is why The Keg is a great spot to to celebrate the holiday season–there is something for everyone there.

The Keg bar

I’ve got three reasons The Keg is an ideal spot to get together for your holiday merriment–I even went there for dinner this week with friends to research this (I am thorough, people!):

The Keg crispy cauliflower

1. The menu has so many choices. Yes, the Keg is known for steaks, but there are plenty of other choices, too, such as the pistachio-crusted salmon a few of my friends considered. A few of us wanted escargots to start, but we compromised and got the lobster au gratin special instead, along with the crispy cauliflower, calamari and baked brie (yes, my friends and I have healthy appetites!).

The Keg lobster tails with filet mignon

When it came time to decide, for our mains, we did all end up going with steak (the New York strip loin I ordered was heavenly and cooked perfectly medium-rare). And because two of us were indecisive between beef or seafood, we each added some surf to our steak entrees: I went with king crab (so meaty and delectable) while my friend got the Atlantic lobster tails, which I wanted to grab from her plate, they looked so incredible. You know it’s a good dinner when the conversation lulls because you’re all devouring your food.

The Keg striploin with crab

People with restricted diets can easily find dishes to enjoy, too. The items that are gluten-free are clearly marked (the heirloom tomato and burrata sounds like heaven on a plate); so you don’t have to grill the server about what gluten-free options you have (although they, of course, will gladly answer your questions — we had many about the different cuts of steak and sauce choices). For vegetarians, you’ve got some options, too, but I think the one that sounds most delicious is the cauliflower “steak'; with chickpea and sundried tomato relish and asparagus.

And by the way, if you’re counting calories, those, too, are clearly indicated on the menu.

We also ordered several dessert to share. I was very into the Billy Miner pie (I love mocha ice cream!) whereas my friends really liked the creme brulee, which was incredibly smooth and creamy and which had a slightest hint of salt to balance the flavours.

The Keg desserts

2. Let’s talk about the affordable wine and cocktails at the Keg. No word of a lie, the cost of the wine and cocktails at The Keg had all four of us (1) very surprised, and (2) planning on making it a regular place to meet for drinks. In fact, we ordered a bottle of prosecco to start (which I believe was $26), and then a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy with our meal. I usually only order a bottle if I’m feeling like splashing out but with the prices being so reasonable, it just made sense to order bottles.

The Keg dining room

3. The cozy atmosphere. While I’ve been to other locations of The Keg, this was my first visit to the location on King St. West in Toronto. It’s modern and dimly lit and it just feels cozy inside. There’s the sleek bar closer to the entrance; we sat in the dining room in a comfortable booth. The design aesthetic manages to be both refined and comfortable. I’d also say it’s a touch more masculine in design (the dark wood tones, for example), but it’s definitely a place a group of girlfriends would feel at home in as well. It’s a spot that is entirely appropriate for a client dinner and yet also somewhere you can go with a date or out for a fun evening catching up with friends.

Sold on The Keg yet? Guess I’ll see you there. You’ll find me trying the escargots dish we didn’t end up ordering and sipping on some of that delicious, affordable wine!

(And by the way,  if you’ve got a secret Santa exchange you need to shop for, a giftcard to The Keg is something everyone can make use of — with several locations, and all of the reasons above, it’s a stocking stuffer that I think most everyone would enjoy).

UPDATE: I’ve got a $100 giftcard to The Keg to give away! How to enter to win? Comment on this blog post about what you’d order at The Keg! The giveaway ends at noon E.S.T. on Thursday, December 14th. For additional ways to enter, visit my Instagram! The winner will be chosen at random.

Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and The Keg and have received compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own.

 

 

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75 Comments Leave a Comment

  • 1. DEBBIE BEAM  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:09 PM

    I would order ANY of the seafood! I just love it. I would try to leave room for that decadent chocolate dessert you mention! Thanks for the chance and Happy Holidays

  • 2. Marla  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:10 PM

    Mmm yum!!

    I would order the pistachio crusted salmon with billy miner pie

  • 3. joanne darrell  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    I would order steak with baked potato and mixed vegetables.

  • 4. Lee-Ann J  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:27 PM

    Love the Keg! I would have my usual prime – med rare of course, baked potato and Keg ceasar!

  • 5. Wendi Maroon  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:29 PM

    Always steak, because I can’t cook a good steak to save my life!

  • 6. Joy  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:46 PM

    I would order steak and creme brulee for dessert

  • 7. Lisa Neutel  |  December 12, 2017 at 12:53 PM

    Ooh my hubby and I LOVE the keg our fave date night we both love the steak we order New York strip medium well with loaded baked potatoes and billy miners pie we share for dessert

  • 8. Donna Trowbridge  |  December 12, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    I would order the steak

  • 9. Christine Y  |  December 12, 2017 at 2:29 PM

    I would order their pistachio crusted salmon glazed with maple butter and their mashed potatoes! It’s to die for!!

  • 10. Sabrina  |  December 12, 2017 at 2:35 PM

    I’d order the classic… steak! Mmm, steak

  • 11. Jason Carlin  |  December 12, 2017 at 2:58 PM

    I’m a sucker for surf and turf, so a big classic steak and a lobster tail would be perfect.

  • 12. Marilyn Graham  |  December 12, 2017 at 3:21 PM

    I’d order the surf and turf with a double baked potato as my side!

  • 13. Thuy Nguyen  |  December 12, 2017 at 3:49 PM

    Steak and salad!

  • 14. Douglas Gordon  |  December 12, 2017 at 3:49 PM

    The Keg is one my favourite eats to meet up with friends for delicious food and a fun upscale yet casual evening! I’m thinking I would go for a martini, the baked brie and the steak & cajun shrimp for my main. Oh and I would most likely have the decadent brownie as well! Yum!

  • 15. Katrina Brady  |  December 12, 2017 at 4:09 PM

    I love lobster, so that’s what I’d order!

  • 16. Kay L Abbott  |  December 12, 2017 at 4:49 PM

    I would order a New York Strip loin with lobster tails and a bottle of wine to share with the person I am eating with

  • 17. Vicki Ho  |  December 12, 2017 at 4:52 PM

    The Blue Cheese Filet.

  • 18. Rebecca H  |  December 12, 2017 at 4:57 PM

    A New York striploin for me please! Thanks for the giveaway!

  • 19. Laura Stone  |  December 12, 2017 at 5:03 PM

    When I visit The Keg with friends or family I plan to to take my time an enjoy the atmosphere and all The Keg has to offer. I may start with a glass of White Sangria with a Shrimp Cocktail (low in calories) Then I plan to order Steak Oscar. I love bernaise sauce and asparagus. Of course no dinner at The Kegis complete without dessert. The mini Creme Brulee is so delicious or I may order the regular sized – after All I saved all those calories on the shrimp cocktail lol.

  • 20. Nicole J  |  December 12, 2017 at 5:05 PM

    I’d order a Sirloin classic meal with a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing. Baked potato and mushrooms on the side. Yummy!!

  • 21. Kim Pike  |  December 12, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    I would order the Prime Rib Dinner at the Keg Steakhouse. This is our go to restaurant as a family. Always great food and service. Yes the Billy Miner is awesome, but I’m partial to the Creme Brulee as well!

  • 22. Julie  |  December 12, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    I would definitely order a nice steak, and I heard they have delicious whisky sours as well!! Yum

  • 23. Suzie B  |  December 12, 2017 at 5:59 PM

    I would love to start with the mushrooms neptune – they are sooo good!

  • 24. lisa penney  |  December 12, 2017 at 6:55 PM

    Surf and Turf! Yum!

  • 25. TW  |  December 12, 2017 at 6:56 PM

    I always order the double baked potato. It’s delicious!

  • 26. Pam Humphrey  |  December 12, 2017 at 6:57 PM

    I would order the sirloin oscar.
    thank you
    although Suzie B’s comment choice sounds yummy

  • 27. debbie paisley  |  December 12, 2017 at 7:09 PM

    I would order the Surf and Turf, it is my favorite.

  • 28. Travelbuds  |  December 12, 2017 at 7:17 PM

    I love The Keg so much. I usually have the Prime Rib (with seafood on top if they have it). Yum

  • 29. Rebecca Roberts  |  December 12, 2017 at 7:27 PM

    I would order the Kegs delicious rib steak with mashed potatoes and veggies!

  • 30. Erika  |  December 12, 2017 at 8:14 PM

    Sweet Thai Chicken with a loaded baked potato!

  • 31. Jessica  |  December 12, 2017 at 8:54 PM

    Definitely the prime rib dinner!

  • 32. Alan A Parker  |  December 12, 2017 at 9:02 PM

    Gotta get the lobster and steak at the Keg or you’re just wasting your time!

  • 33. Stephanie D  |  December 12, 2017 at 10:20 PM

    I would order and devour their juicy prime rib. After that the billy miner pie, I spent a good few minutes drooling over your pic of the pie.

  • 34. Erika R.  |  December 12, 2017 at 10:55 PM

    I’d order some seafood!

  • 35. Sara Lima  |  December 12, 2017 at 11:29 PM

    I’d probably get one of my fave things there – filet mignon, Keg Classic (with the caesar – yum!), and a big ole glass of red, probably a Malbec! :)

  • 36. Angie  |  December 12, 2017 at 11:52 PM

    We don’t get there often but when we have been it’s a great family meal. They are so good with the kids there and the kids meals are fantastic. Something you wouldn’t expect from a high end steakhouse. I would get the bacon wrapped filet.

  • 37. Josh S  |  December 13, 2017 at 12:22 AM

    I would order the chicken and rib dinner. So tasty. Thanks for the chance!

  • 38. Tricia Cooper  |  December 13, 2017 at 1:37 AM

    I would order the Prime Rib Classic dinner and cheesecake for dessert!

  • 39. Shannon  |  December 13, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    I would order the prime rib dinner. Mouth is watering as I type this and it is only 8:27 am!

  • 40. Angela Smith  |  December 13, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    I love the Keg. I always have the Steak Oscar. I love the Caeser salad as well. Great atmosphere and we always have a great time!

  • 41. Darci Paice  |  December 13, 2017 at 9:50 AM

    Oh how fantastic would a dinner out be! I would love stuffed mushrooms and a prime rib dinner with a Caesar!!

  • 42. Laura  |  December 13, 2017 at 9:52 AM

    This is so perfect!! My husband and I are crazy about The Keg! We revealed both of our kid’s genders together over romantic dinner and just found out pregnant again! (And even got a free billy miner cake out of it lol) We need to celebrate again. I’d get prime rib Yum!!! Entered on instagram too

  • 43. Rhonda  |  December 13, 2017 at 10:09 AM

    I’d get surf and turf….mmmmm

  • 44. Jay Nelson  |  December 13, 2017 at 10:21 AM

    Thank you – I would order the pistachio crusted salmon as I love salmon but rarely have it at home as two of my fusspots do not like fish.

  • 45. Heather Sibley  |  December 13, 2017 at 11:51 AM

    I would order the filet mignon with baked potato.

  • 46. Angela September Smith  |  December 13, 2017 at 11:57 AM

    i recently ordered the cauliflower steak one day bc i was too full for meat and i was utterly SHOCKED at how delicious it was. it’s my new fav!!

  • 47. Jo-Anne Pfoh  |  December 13, 2017 at 12:25 PM

    The stuffed mushrooms for me

  • 48. Anu Chopra  |  December 13, 2017 at 12:35 PM

    I would order the New York strip loin

  • 49. Linda  |  December 13, 2017 at 1:05 PM

    I would love to order the roasted chicken and fries.

  • 50. Sean Pynaert  |  December 13, 2017 at 6:35 PM

    I’d order the battered veggies for app, then lobster and steak and chocolate anything for dessert

  • 51. Shane smith  |  December 13, 2017 at 8:05 PM

    i love the filet mignon or the chicken!
    with mashed potatoes of course

  • 52. Karla Sceviour  |  December 13, 2017 at 10:44 PM

    Ohhh,I`d treat myself to prime rib,,yumm! It would be wonderful to have a night out.

  • 53. Lisa Briones  |  December 14, 2017 at 1:17 AM

    I had the surf & turf last time I went with blue cheese crust and loaded potato. It was SO good i would order it again! What a treat!!

  • 54. Eileen Ong  |  December 14, 2017 at 2:30 AM

    Steak & lobster!

  • 55. Lyne  |  December 14, 2017 at 6:47 AM

    I would order the baseball steak. Nice ans rare.

  • 56. Jackie M  |  December 14, 2017 at 9:26 AM

    Spinach salad, prime rib and baked potato

  • 57. Jennifer Todd  |  December 14, 2017 at 10:34 AM

    I would order the classic sirloin dinner with caesar salad and garlic mashed potatoes.

  • 58. Carli  |  December 14, 2017 at 10:57 AM

    Anything with Bernaise sauce!! Oh and the double baked potato :)

  • 59. Roy  |  December 14, 2017 at 8:59 PM

    I would order the prime rib

  • 60. Ashley  |  December 17, 2017 at 10:35 PM

    I would order a surf and turf combo… OH BABY!
    THANK YOU FOR THE CONTEST ❤

  • 61. Marsha reiddjukin  |  December 17, 2017 at 10:45 PM

    Love steak and lobster and Billy minor pie ♡

  • 62. Jennifer  |  December 17, 2017 at 10:58 PM

    A lot of people always say the steak or prime rib what I love a lot is the kegs classic burger
    fresh blend of chuck, brisket and sirloin. Crisp lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, jalapeño maple aioli, applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese. It’s comes with the kegs thick fries which are amazing

  • 63. Colleen Tagaroulias  |  December 17, 2017 at 11:32 PM

    Beautiful place were r u located

  • 64. Courtney  |  December 17, 2017 at 11:43 PM

    I’d get there chicken and shrimp bourbon plate I don’t get to go out often don’t have the extra money but if I did I would for sure get the chicken and shrimp bourbon plate I had it years ago when I went there for a bday dinner with the family not sure if they’d still have it but it sure was good

  • 65. Thai  |  December 17, 2017 at 11:52 PM

    I would order the crispy cauliflower to start, sesame tuna for the main and finish with Billy Miner pie!!!!

  • 66. Diane  |  December 18, 2017 at 1:15 AM

    Always medium rare steak and Caesar salad or baked potato..yummm!

  • 67. Carol  |  December 18, 2017 at 1:34 AM

    I love my steak and the only place that ever gets my med rare steak rite is the Keg, the seafood is a plus, red steak is best forever and alway …:)… good luck one and all❤️❤️

  • 68. Jennifer Bosley  |  December 18, 2017 at 2:12 AM

    I’d order Steak Frites. Med. Oh My Goodness SOOO
    delicious!

  • 69. Jennifer Steeves  |  December 18, 2017 at 2:15 AM

    I would order the surf and turf (lobster) and my hubby would order prime rib with crab legs. Thanks for the chance to win and Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays.

  • 70. Amy Heffernan  |  December 18, 2017 at 6:35 AM

    Looking at their menu online and I think I would order the STEAK & CRAB dinner.
    Thanks
    Email–> amyjaneheffernan@gmail.com

  • 71. Kristina Lyublinskaya  |  December 18, 2017 at 3:11 PM

    I’d treat the bf and I to surf & turf, which sounds delicious btw! With all December spendings happening, it’s the best way to treat ourselves :)

  • 72. Natalie chisholm  |  December 18, 2017 at 4:14 PM

    I woukd order vacon wrapped filet mignon!

  • 73. Lori Randell  |  December 18, 2017 at 5:30 PM

    I would love to have the prime rib

  • 74. Michelle Beach  |  December 18, 2017 at 5:46 PM

    I would have the steak and lobster! I also love their baked garlic shrimp, would order that too! ❤️

  • 75. zachmanframework associates  |  January 12, 2018 at 10:20 AM

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for stories

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