When possible, I like to support LOCAL businesses. I like to even live the mantra (fill in the blank) ____ Local. I run local, work local, latte local, beer drink local, so it only seemed appropriate that I visit the new pub and eatery at 146th and Grey Rd., The Local. This restaurant according to their mission statement is a, “a socially and environmentally responsible business in an eco-friendly environment serving healthy regional, great tasting, fresh foods that are grown, raised and produced by local artisans.
Upon entering, we realized that we weren’t the only “local” fans. The wait was approximately 15 minutes, not too bad for a Friday evening at 7:30. The family friendly restaurant was buzzing with conversations and laughter. The bar side of the The Local was standing room only, with first come, first served table seating, but with the NCAA tourney on the big screen tv’s throughout, we figured “putting our name in” for the restaurant side was the way to go.
Once seated we promptly ordered cocktails. I chose the signature White Sangria made with a crisp white wine and St. Germain liqueur, which gave it the perfect summertime feel and generously served over ice. Other drinks at the table included local beers and a lovely Makers on the rocks.
Dining with friends is always a bonus, as there are more dishes to sample. We started with the Poutine, a Canadian inspired dish of fries covered in beef gravy and shredded cheese. A traditional Poutine has cheese curds in the dish, however the server informed us that this is a shredded cheddar, as cheese curds aren’t as popular here. The poutine at The Local is quite simply delicious. The gravy could be a dish of it’s own. The tender chunks of beef are accompanied with a perfectly seasoned gravy.
Additionally we sampled their hot wings and tater tots. Both of these dishes were tasty and as appetizers, very shareable. The portions at The Local are definitely not skimpy. But our next visit will include some other starters that are little more adventurous.
Our main dishes included the Turkey Reuben, the Chef’s Snack and the Lamb Burger. We originally anticipated a couple more main dishes to choose from, but the appetizers were incredibly filling, and next time the Poutine will be my entree.
The Turkey Reuben had thick slices of oven roasted turkey, topped with a crisp, tart house made sauerkraut, swiss cheese, a spicy Siracha 1000 Island dressing on a toasted marble rye. Not one part of the sandwich overpowered another. It was a very well balanced reuben with a kick in the sauce.
The Chef’s Snack sandwich reminds me of something that I would make myself after a late night on the town. It was simple, yet filled with flavor. My friend chose this sandwich because “if the chef is hungry and this is what he eats, then that’s what I’m ordering”. And he hit it spot on. The fried egg added to hot ham and cheese sandwich, was amazing. And the ‘touch of Siracha’ added just enough to leave a tingling sensation on the end of your tongue.
The Lamb Burger, could be in a category of it’s own. Prepared perfectly to be juicy and flavorful, the burger was topped with sautéed onions, peppers and a delicious rosemary tomato jam. Not a bit ‘gamey’, the lamb burger was definitely not “baaaaaahd” (bad joke, I know).
Because The Local focuses on fresh, regional ingredients, there does seem to be a premium price associated with it. But, it is worth it. In a world where ‘being green’ is the responsible way of doing business, I think it’s important to support that same business. Maybe next time, I’ll run there, have a beer and poutine – knock out a few of my “____ local” mantras in one swoop.
- WHAT: The Local Eatery & Pub
- WHERE: 14655 N. Gray Rd., Westfield
- INFO: Visit localeateryandpub.com
