There are several reasons I'd never been to Sammy J's Grill & Bar in Abbotsford, not the least of which was the previously publicly talked-about gang presence there.
However, in mid-May this year, Sammy J. Peppers co-owner Steve Gardner contacted me through LinkedIn and shared that his company's "speciality is food with an attitude." He continued that Sammy J's aims to please "business people, sports enthusiasts and families alike"—a rather ambitious proposition, me thinks.
Rick and I decided to stop in for a quick before-grocery-shopping snack on Saturday. I was happy to see the BarWatch plaque on the exterior wall at the front entrance, but not so happy to see the big promotion for UFC—I'm no fan of the so-called sport and won't go there when they are showing it. But hey, that's democracy, right?
The food and drinks menu was reasonably varied and priced, the portions of our snacks fair, and the service excellent. Add good flavours and the right food temperature to the mix and I can say, honestly, that we had a pleasant experience. One of Sammy J's specialties is its hot sauces and spices, which I'll have to try another time. Some of the sauces are so hot, they say, that you have to sign a waiver in order to try them.
I did not drink any wine, but the list has many of the usual suspects and is what I would call typical.
Is it a place I might go for an intimate dinner? No.
Would I go there for a business meeting? Not likely.
Would I stop there for drinks and snacks with girlfriends? Sure.
Will I take my 17-year-old son there? Absolutely. He loves to douse everything in hot sauce.
Cheers to you!
Copyright © 2011 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved.
