For those who know me, the fact that my fave place to eat / hang out at is
Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery is probably not a surprise at
all. There are many reasons for this - but let's be honest here for a
second.
The fact that my favourite Ottawa Senators player, Chris Phillips, is part owner and the
restaurant is also named after him did help at the beginning.
When I first heard that he was opening a restaurant, I was really looking
forward to going. I was going to go eat there whether it was good or bad
just to support his project.
Of course - it turns out that it isn't bad at all. It is actually
great in my humble opinion.
I've been going to the restaurant fairly regularly since it opened on June
12th 2012. I was there the first week and yes, there were a few hiccups,
but I have to say that every time I've been since the opening, the food
and service have only gotten better and better.
I like to make an appearance during the hockey season to watch hockey games
or to eat before a Sens hockey game. The decor, especially on the bar
side of the establishment is very much geared towards the Sens - specifically,
Chris Phillips. My faves are a framed #4 Sens jersey, with the name Big
Rig on the back, and a print of a painting Chris received for his 1000th game
in February 2012.
I've also been known to head there after work to pick up some food to take
home. I've brought many friends and family to experience Big Rig and
they've mostly left impressed and quite a few have become regulars
themselves. You can't please everyone, but it seems like the management
at Big Rig tries and I absolutely love that.
They aren't just a restaurant, they also have an in-house brewery where
their brewmaster Lon Laddell makes, what I'm told are pretty amazing
beers. I can't say that I've tasted any of them since I'm allergic to
alcohol, but I've heard so many great things from my beer drinking
friends.
They brew their regular types of beer and also make some seasonal
ones. See their brewery site for more details and a list of beers -
Brewery
Site
The brewery is visible from the restaurant and one day I'd like to take a
tour. I wish I could say more about this part of the restaurant, but my
experience is extremely limited.
Now for what I do know, the restaurant. I am a pretty picky eater, but
the food has won me over. I tend to stick with what I know - but I am
able to have more than just one or two items from the menu. The portions
are large (there is no chance you will leave still hungry).
I am absolutely addicted to their deep fried pickles. Sounds odd, but
TRUST me, you must have some. I've converted many people. ;) I also
really love their spicy maple chicken wings. Just the right amount of
seasonings. I've recently had the pleasure of tasting some fantastic ribs
at their 1 year anniversary and I have to say - some of the best ribs I've ever
had. I only wish they were available on the daily menu as I'd have that
every single time I go - with a side of fried pickles of course. ;)
Other than that, they have a very varied menu and you can find something for
everyone. Their pizza is extremely popular as is their smoked meat
sandwich. Try one or both, you won't regret it.
If you sign up to their birthday club and go on your birthday month with 5
friends, you will get to enjoy a free birthday cookie as well as other
perks. Do not miss out on this warm ooey gooey chocolate chip
cookie. It is SINFUL and the size of a dinner plate!!! I've ordered it for dessert just so I can
have leftovers to eat at home the next couple of days...it's THAT good.
On to the staff. It really shows that effort has been put in to finding
just the right people for the various jobs. I have not yet had any issues
with anyone. You walk into the restaurant and are greeted but an always
smiling employee who will remember you if you've been there before (I might
have a problem ;)). There is someone working the takeout counter / store,
where you can buy some Big Rig merchandise - again, they will remember you and
your regular order if you go often enough - or maybe it's just me (Again, I
have a problem ;)). Once you're seated, your server will take your drink
order and a few minutes later, someone else will be dropping it off to your
table. I've always had servers that are courteous and extremely helpful.
I've only had limited experience with the bar staff, but from what I can see,
there are no complaints in that area either.
You will also notice that upper management is very visible and they will do
whatever they can to help out and address any concerns. If you're lucky, you
might be able to meet some of the partners and maybe even Chris Phillips
himself. Yes, I have seen him there a few times. You might even see
some Ottawa Senators players as well as local celebrities and they're always so
nice.
I've had the pleasure of meeting a good number of the partners/managers and
they are all fantastic and willing to go the extra mile.
They are also very visible on social media and that's very important
now. They haven't shied away from Twitter or Facebook and take advantage
of both platforms. I've found out about lots of events and specials just
from following them and you can sometimes get some perks from this.
Follow them on Twitter
@bigrigbrew
@bigrigbrewboss
@BrewmasterLon
and like their page on Facebook -
Big Rig Kitchen and
Brewery
They have a fan for life in me - now if only they could open a location in
the East end of the city ;)
Go experience it yourself and let me know how you like it.
See you next time
Julie / @Flip_4
As some may know - for the past couple of years, I've been making a donation to a charity on my birthday. I would count all the birthday wishes I would get on Twitter and Facebook and would then decide the amount of $$ depending on the number of wishes I got. 
