I know, I said I refused to go to the Bleeding Deacon until they went non smoking. But how would they know they were losing my business if I never went? I went to The Royale twice while they were still smoker-friendly. But I can admit when I'm wrong, and I was not being fair. Last night, we took one of our $25 for $10 Groupons to the Bleeding Deacon. Up front, I will tell you, wow, that place smells bad. BUT, we were there for well over an hour and by some miraculous quirk of air circulation, *we* did not smell like that when we left, so there's that.
They carry all my favorite Quebecois beers, so I happily chose the Unibroue Maudite without even looking at the mixed drink menu. BIG MISTAKE. We perused it later and regretted that we had to work the next day.
The food is outstanding, by far the best bar food I've ever had.
We started with a plate of corn fritters served on a bed of shredded leaf lettuce. They were just perfectly piping hot, not enough to burn your tongue, but hot.
Then I got in line to play with the jukebox, which turned out to be too cool for me. I only knew the most popular of the songs on each album, and I didn't want to look like a spaz, so I kept my quarters in my pocket. I really wanted to play a Klaus Nomi song, and the next time I go back, I'll come prepared with a list.
Our entrees arrived just in time for the last fourth of my beer. The fish on the fish and chips plate is delightfully coated in a Black and Tan beer batter, dotted liberally with giant flecks of black pepper. The fish itself was very flavorful, which is rare with fish and chips, unless it tastes BAD. I'm looking at you, Billy Goat Chip Company. I couldn't begin to finish the plate full of french fries under the fish.
Laine's meatloaf with bourbon ketchup was served with a mound of garlic mashed potatoes and a giant pile of fresh french-cut green beans (never saw that before) tossed with onion and Laine didn't tell me until after that they were also hiding chunks of bacon.
We finished up with a shared piece of vegan pineapple upside down cake, the only vegan cake I've had that didn't have the metallic twang of egg replacer. I don't know how they did it, but damn, it was good. The pacing of the table service was impeccable, better than any fancier joint I've been to. This was made doubly impressive since our server was also bar tending. And he made the recipes for the stellar mixed drinks! Probably best of all, even if you counted the $10 we paid for the Groupon, our Bleeding Deacon evening of debauchery and nonsense only cost $29 (Two beers, an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert + a hefty tip for Luc!).
Just last week, St. Louis county voted to go nonsmoking in public spaces by 2011 and I was really hoping the city would, too. But with the Bleeding Deacon less than a mile away from our house, maybe it needs a smoky sandbag or two, or we're going to be the size of two houses.
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