How to Avoid a Food Coma

The Pitch

For over four decades, Gibby's has provided Montrealers and out-of-towners alike a reliable destination for a steak dinner.  Open and busy every night of the week – Sundays included – a reservation is a must at this institution.  Located in the city's parking-challenged historic birthplace, the complimentary valet service is a godsend.

tagged:  BETTER RESERVE SUNDAY NIGHT VALET SERVICE

The Mood

Vegetarians aside, everyone enjoys a good steak; which is why Gibby's – in addition to its charming location and setting – is a perfect spot to commemorate any occasion.  From graduation celebrations to family Christmas dinners, I have easily eaten here a dozen times over the last two decades.

Tonight's Mother's Day crowd consisted of the usual flock of Anglophones; older couples with their teenage offspring, men with their mothers tête-à-tête and those omnipresent packs of meatheads.

tagged:  ANGLO CROWD BRING THE FAMILY SPECIAL OCCASION

The Food

The menu here resembles that of any upscale American steakhouse; various cuts of beef are preceded or accompanied by a large selection of seafood.  Prices may seem steep at first – mains exceed $50 – but once you find out what's included, you will change your mind.

Where its peers will serve you a steak all by its lonesome and gouge you for side orders, Gibby's will throw in bread, pickles, bacon bits, a salad, a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet, some veggies and a choice of baked potato or rice.  If it sounds like a lot, that's because it IS a lot!

And after years of figuring out what to order while avoiding leftovers – who takes steak in a doggy bag? – and the ensuing food coma, I have finally nailed it.  My wife and I shared a starter and two "reasonable" mains while skipping dessert; and we finished our plates while remaining lucid afterwards – mission accomplished!

Starter

Starter

$15.95

$15.95

Onion Soup Gratinée

Enough with the fusion and deconstructed versions I have had of late; this textbook French onion soup was steaming with good caramelization and a brown, melty crust.

Starter

Starter

Gibbys Salad

This simple, complimentary salad has one thing going for it; the addictive Gibby's dressing – available for sale in a bottle – with that famous sweet and sour taste.

Main

Main

$47.25

$47.25

Shrimp Provençale

Lighter than a steak but still a whopper of a plate, breaded shrimps are served with a garlic butter dip and all the fixin's; a simple, decent surf-y alternative to turf.

Main

Main

$52.50

$52.50

Petit Filet Mignon

By far my least favorite cut but I wanted something small.  The medium-rare cooking was right on with a charred surface and pink flesh that turned red at the center.

tagged:  LOOSEN YOUR BELT

The Service

Renowned for its older, longstanding staff, tonight there was new Gibby's blood in the air as we were tended to by a younger gentleman.  Regardless of age, he took care of us – as well as the impossibly-naggy table to our side – with the expertise and warmth this venerable address has always put forth.

The Verdict

Gibby's is often derided as an Anglo/tourist trap; although I feel this labeling is completely unfair.  Sure, it's no Moishes; but it does sit miles above chain-y steakhouses such as The Keg and (shudder) Houston.

Of all of its rivals, I deem it to have the best bang for the buck, thanks to its superior meats and all of the extras aforementioned.  Throw in its consistency and old-world vibe; no wonder I find myself gravitating here at least a couple times a year.  And now that I know exactly how much (not) to order, I can keep returning guilt free!

tagged:  SOLID

Price per person:  $57.85