Showing posts with label The Frog and the Firkin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Frog and the Firkin. Show all posts

The Frog (Toronto)

Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 4854 Yonge Street
Website: http://firkinpubs.com/thefrogandfirkin/
Type of Meal: Dinner



My husband is a loyal customer of the Frog and has been trying to convince me how good their food tasted. Admittedly, I was skeptical, as pub food is often greasy and frozen tasting. Nonetheless, one night I succumbed to his recommendation and visited the Frog for a proper meal. I was pleasantly surprised with the freshness and caliber of their food, so much so that a post seemed to be in order to share the experience. From the clean atmosphere, friendly & attentive service and piping hot dishes the meal was a success.

Firstly, a stuffed yorkie ($8) shared between us. It was delicious and if paired with a side salad could make a satisfying meal. A crispy Yorkshire pudding was stuffed with mashed potatoes and smothered with a rich gravy filled with cubes of tender beef. The gravy was already flavourful but the horseradish sprinkled on top added a great zip; if only there was more of it as not every bite incorporated the great flavour.


The maple BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($14) was one of the best I've ever had.  The pork was mostly shredded but there were also large intact pieces incorporated into the filling. Aside from the sweet BBQ sauce there was also a smoky flavour akin to honey glazed smoked ham.  But, what made it special were two tempura battered apple slices laid on top between the toasted ciabatta bun. As you bite through the soft bun you're met with a juicy crunch before reaching the meat itself. With plenty of hot fries (were okay and a bit dry) and a wedge of fried pickle (very crunchy) this was a filling meal.


An equally large sandwich, the turkey and avocado club ($15) also arrived with plenty of fries and a pickle. I enjoyed the thick slice of turkey (rather than thin deli meat slices), which was tender and smoky; but would have been even better if it was heated slightly.  Topped with thick slices of smoked bacon, creamy avocado, shredded ice burg lettuce, tomato and parmesan mayonnaise it’s a very hearty sandwich.  The toasted multigrain bread was fresh and soft with just a hint warmth from being toasted.


For something the lighter, the grilled vegetable and seven grain salad ($14) was still satisfying. It contains a variety of grains with tons of textures and flavours tossed with a light curry spice. From what I can tell there was quinoa, couscous, lentils, small white beans, wild rice and barley. The grains sits on a bed on spring mix with balsamic vinaigrette and is topped with goat cheese and slightly warmed grilled vegetables (onion, zucchini, peppers and eggplant). 


But, when you need to indulge the poutine ($8) fits the bill. Arriving in a cast iron skillet it's piping hot so all the cheese curds are completely melted. The gravy was beefy, salty and rich, what you want in a hearty poutine.


During my second visit, we entered from the back of the restaurant and this is when I discovered the great outdoor sitting area (on the top and bottom). The parking lot view aside, I'm sure it'd be a great venue during the warmer months.



In the end, I can see why my husband and his friends enjoy the Frog so much. So, if you're a skeptical foodie like myself, I urge you to try new things as you may have a pleasant experience. On the other hand, if you like pubs certainly give this place a try as it receives my stamp of approval.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10

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Gastro World's Grading System

  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!