Fueled by a delicious Pi Day celebration with a slice of The Pie Hole's magic (see previous post!), it was time to catch up with family. Across the street awaited Romer's, a familiar haunt with memories of past lunches with former colleagues. The company was even better tonight – my sister, her boyfriend, and the promise of a fun-filled evening.
As the conversation flowed, we delved into work and careers. My sister's boyfriend shared some work-related challenges, and we offered a listening ear and words of encouragement. Hopefully, the evening's camaraderie provided a much-needed boost!
For me, Romer's held a special significance. This place was a monthly ritual with my old team, a haven of delicious burgers and good times. It had been over five years since my last visit, and a pang of nostalgia hit me as I scanned the menu. Naturally, my eyes gravitated toward my old favourite – the Magic Mushroom burger.
The Magic Mushroom was once my go-to comfort food. The combination of caramelized onions, a juicy Portobello mushroom, creamy Boursin cheese, peppery arugula, and a touch of olive oil aioli used to be a symphony of flavours. Sadly, tonight's rendition fell a bit short. While the ingredients were all there, the magic spark seemed to be missing. It wasn't quite as flavorful or satisfying as I remembered.
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Magic Mushroom Burger from Romer's Caramelized onion, Portobello mushroom, boursin, arugula, olive oil aioli |
Despite the slight burger letdown, the rest of the meal was a resounding success. The Big Basket of Fries lived up to its name. These weren't your average limp fries – these were hand-cut on-site, boasting a satisfying crispness and a flavour that only fresh potatoes can deliver. To elevate them to another level, I opted for the garlic fries upgrade, a decision I definitely didn't regret. The added garlicky punch was a perfect complement to the salty richness of the fries.
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Big Basket of Garlic Fries from Romer's Hand-cut on-site |
The real showstopper, however, was the Nachos Valentina for Two. Imagine a mountain of crispy tortilla chips (fried in-house, no less!) smothered in a blanket of spicy cheese. A vibrant medley of jalapenos, olives, and green onions added a delightful mix of textures and flavours. The Valentina sauce provided a welcome kick, while the chipotle aioli offered a smoky counterpoint.
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Nachos Valentina for Two from Romer's Spicy cheese, jalapenos, olives, green onions, Valentina sauce, and chipotle aioli |
While the burger may not have lived up to past glories, the overall experience was heartwarming. There's something extraordinary about sharing good food and good company with loved ones. Laughter, conversation, and the comfort of familiar surroundings make evenings like this truly unforgettable.
