The Brantford Club
https://m.brantnow.ca/local-articles-blogs/c/2/i/26451417/nancy-goes-brantford-club
I’ve recently had the pleasure of dining out at one of the most exclusive hidden gems in Brantford. Located in the Downtown core, The Brantford Club is a private, members only establishment serving up creative and delectable dishes carefully crafted by Chef Eric Wasylenky.
The club occasionally opens its doors to the public for special occasions or theme dinners. Most recently, they have united with another popular Brantford establishment that many might fondly remember. If you have lived in Brantford for a while you may recall the days of the John Peel restaurant being one of the most popular spots for a fine dining evening out, a business meeting lunch location or celebrating a special event. Harold Mannen owned and operated the busy and popular restaurant for 12 years and closed the doors just 6 years ago. Wanting to recreate the sophisticated menu in a location that equals in sophisticated atmosphere, The Brantford Club is a clear choice.
We were greeted promptly at the door and given a tour of the spacious building and were shown each of the rooms and lounges while learning a bit of history of the club that was opened in 1898. Heading into the bar area to relax with a drink before dinner, we were presented with a large selection of beverages to choose from. With red wine, martinis and Caesars being top of the suggestions for house specialties, there is also a rotating selection of craft beers which is usually my drink of choice.
Sitting down to dinner in the dining room with the menu laid out before us, the choice was clearly going to be difficult. I had done a small bit of research before coming since I had never visited the John Peel when it was open. The appetizers start stong with French onion soup, Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Vodka Cured Salmon and Heirloom Carrot Bisque all which would be an amazing start but I knew it had to be the table side Tossed Caesar Salad. This was by far the best salad experience I have ever had! Yes, experience! While we were speaking with Harold we had learned that one of the original servers from the restaurant, Alex, had jumped at the chance to help out at the recreation night and her salad skills are nothing shy of exceptional! Though the pressure of her first table side toss was on for our server Tammy, she mastered it. The rolling cart comes filled with fresh ingredients. The massive wooden bowl is a sight to be seen on its own but then the creation begins. The fresh garlic and anchovy are crushed together by wooden spoon to create a paste which is combined with red wine vinegar and a touch of Tabasco for bite. The egg yolk and oil mix are blended in then a squeeze of lemon juice. All tossed with fresh lettuce, house made croutons and of course ...parmesan. The salad could have easily been a meal in itself but that was just the beginning. For everyone seated this had clearly been the most popular appetizer. I had overheard the couple beside us commenting “This really does take you back to the way John Peel was years ago!”
Moving along to the meal itself we were also presented with an incredibly hard choice of the finest cuts of meats locally sourced direct from Norwich Packers. Although I do enjoy a plate full of Prime Rib I had opted for the Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon and my husband for the New York Strip Loin. Our plates arrived with the most tender, perfectly cooked cuts along with bright broccoli and roasted squash, mine with rice and my husbands with a dollop of fluffy mashed potatoes. My side order choice of button mushrooms in a small cast iron skillet was the perfect choice to go along with both meals.
Although the dessert menu sounded as equally amazing as the meal itself including Crème Caramel, Maple Cheesecake and Apple Beignets, there just simply wasn’t enough room so sadly we decided against. We did however enjoy a tipple of one of the Signature Specialty Coffees named appropriately Brantford’s Hometown Great One featuring Gretzky Estates Cream Liquor with Red Cask Whisky.
The end of dinner was topped off with the nostalgic touch of the John Peel with the giant bowl of colourful jelly beans!
We were warmly welcomed by our Host, Club Manager Stephanie, who made us feel comfortable and ensured we were well looked after throughout the evening even though we are not exclusive members of the club. The Club currently has two more evenings planned for the month of October then continuing on throughout the New Year. If you miss the atmosphere of the John Peel or even if you’ve never been, this themed evening out is perfect to attend as a quiet enjoyable evening for two or celebrate a special occasion and book a table for friends!
