Winterlicious. Big Daddy’s

Although Winterlicious is now over, I still have a few more reviews to post of my various dining experiences of 2012′s roster.

This is my second time at Big Daddy’s, and manager Carlos is jolly like Saint Nick.  We arrived about 15 minutes late for our reservation, but were accommodated promptly.

I think the biggest difference I notice about Big Daddy’s and other Winterlish restaurants is effective management.  Service is quick, the servers know what they’re doing, and there is no shortage of staff whenever you need something.  In fact, our server was a little bit too efficient at her job, as she had to come back 2-3 times before we were finally ready to place our drink orders. To be fair, I am sure Big Daddy’s is good with dealing with crowds, with the Royal Alexandria Theatre right around the corner, and Roy Thompson Hall just across the street.  All of this just to say that the service at Big Daddy’s goes unmatched in Winterlicious history.

As a result of various social appointments all landing around the Winterlicious period, I decided to order off the regular menu at Big Daddy’s instead of going for a full-fledged, gut-inducing, three-course meal (at least, not to myself).  So I ended up splitting a 3-course prix fixe menu with one of my dining companions.  It is also good to know that Big Daddy’s also has their own prix fixe menus ($25 or $30 respectively), and that they were also available during Winterlicious.

I don’t know when, but oysters has become something that I always order if its available.  It requires zero cooking skills, but shucking is not for amateurs.  We ordered the chef’s daily selection which were the Small Malpeque’s today.  A tray of sauces are brought ranging from the mildest to the hottest (say Scotch Bonnet) and Worchestershire sauce.

For my main I decided to get Big Daddy’s Mixed Platter which consisted of bacon-wrapped scallops, pecan-crusted fried shrimp, half a lobster, bronzed catfish and creole rice (with diced Chorizo and chicken).   It also came with plenty of melted butter for you to dip to your heart’s delight, but for the sake of my health I passed.  The mixed platter was rather disappointing.  While the lobster was quite fresh, with just the right of firmness in the meat, I felt that the scallops and shrimp were ruined in the frying process.  The bronzed catfish was probably the best part of the dish as it was extremely juicy and tender.  The creole rice was a step up from plain jasmine rice.

For desserts, I decided to order the beignets.  They are a puff pastry drizzled with chocolate sauce and dusted with icing sugar.  Nothing too exciting there.

Verdict:

While the food may not wow you, Big Daddy’s is a great place to go with a group of friends.  Their drinks are decently priced (read, good times), and the service is impeccable.

For those of you wanting to give Big Daddy’s a try, if you sign up for their fan club you can get a free appetizer.  Just click here.

It is also Mardi Gras season at Big Daddy’s.  This means that every Tuesday there will be complimentary food and drink samplings, featured cocktails, palm readings, and free beads!