Today’s pub review is not a pub review. Last Sunday, we celebrated The Better Half’s birthday. Since we wanted something different and something from home we tried The Big Easy, an American Gulf Coast restaurant in London. The inside resembles a crab shack. Arriving a little after 1pm, I was surprised to see the place almost completely packed. Fortunately there was a table for two available.
Immediately I enjoyed the atmosphere. If you want a serious place with stunning and
A place that finally understands me.
simple decor to impress a date, don’t go here. If you want a cheesy place that’ll make you smile, this is more your speed. Not only are the walls covered with kitsch, many of the patrons are wearing plastic lobster bibs. It’s hard to take this place seriously. It’s silly.
We started off with the Voodoo chicken wings. Since moving from Boston we’ve been trying to find decent hot wings and 
have failed. Finally, these lived up to our expectations. The chicken was juicy and tender. The sauce oozed over my hands when I bit in. Thank goodness this wasn’t a first date—I was a mess after eating the first one. These wings are finger licking good.
Next we moved on to the main course. I ordered Bar-B-Q Smoked Baby Back Ribs and 
beans. On the side I splurged and had fries and onion rings. The ribs, though not very meaty, were delicious. The beans were some of the best I’ve had. And the onion rings dipped in blue cheese—yummy! The Better Half ordered Prime Rib Eye and was disappointed. It was so skinny. I tried not to chuckle when they set it down. Compared to my ribs, the steak is not the star of the menu. For dessert I had a vanilla shake with Crème de Menthe and Kahlua.
Vodka muddled with fresh lime, blackberries, and sugar. Yummy!
Now for the service. At first, the service was fantastic. The waitress was bubbly and entertaining. However, as time wore on she became more and more impatient. The Better Half eats slower than my grandfather. Also, they had rugby on the telly. Both of us were enjoying our meals, cocktails, and watching the game. I would like to mention many of the customers around us stayed the same amount of time watching the match. I know many places want to push people out quickly, but we continued to order drinks and such. And it took them thirty minutes to serve my tea at the end of the meal.
Also I should mention that this place is not cheap. There was a couple sitting next to us 
and my guess is that they have just started dating. While the gal was in the bathroom the gentleman settled the bill. He made it clear to the waitress he thought the margaritas were overpriced. It was an awkward conversation. The price is clearly marked on the menu and it’s not the waitress’s fault that they had two rounds. As soon as his date came back to the table he stopped complaining and plastered a fake smile on his face. Poor chap. Maybe next time she’ll pick up the check.
Overall, we had an enjoyable time. Not sure we would go back but it was a great way to celebrate a birthday. Now I need to find a decent steak place for The Better Half. Seriously, it was so skinny! Does anyone have suggestions for a steak restaurant that will dazzle us?
50 Year Project 
Sounds like a lot of fun and a busy place. I am a slower eater too. Friends call me a dainty eater!! Many establishments re-emphasize to their staff to overturn the tables quickly. She could have been being conversed by the manager. Although it does sound like the type of place where patrons do stay awhile and watch sports. I would be confused too. I bet that couple won’t go back there when they saw the bill! Still looks like a lot of fun and I do love that vodka drink 🙂
Wonderful post!!
I understand the waitress’s dilemma, but she tried to clear TBH’s plate 5 times and it wasn’t half eaten. Such a slow eater. Sometimes I have time for two meals 🙂 The vodka drink was fantastic! It’s a fun place to try at least once. And you’re right, that guy will never go back unless someone else is paying.
I’m so glad TBH enjoyed his birthday, but you’re killing me with the pictures of yummy food because I’m on a diet LOL!! That looks delicious!!!!
After this meal I’ve been trying to eat healthy this week…it’s killing me!
It’s really hard isn’t it? Daniel gave me a huge Reese’s peanut butter heart for Valentine’s Day, and it kept calling to me all through supper. Finally, I made Daniel split it with me so the temptation would be gone :).
Next time I’ll share with you. I’m was relieved when I didn’t get chocolate. I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist or eat in moderation. that’s my problem. I do so well, but when I fall off the wagon I go hog wild!
Yup, me too, especially with chocolate. Once I start I can’t stop :).
Chocolate and chips are my big downfall. I always say I would be in great shape if I could put the chips down. Salted, lightly salted, sea salt, salt and vinegar, salt and pepper—seeing a trend?
Hmmm, let me see……you like salt?? LOL! My boss baked his wife a cake for Valentine’s Day, and it had big strawberries on top and strawberry or cherry bits in it and yummy pink icing. He brought the leftovers to work, so I had to have a big slab right? I mean, I couldn’t insult him by not eating it!! 🙂
My place!
I think you’d love it!
Your reply made me laugh 🙂 This is wonderful post and I really wished to be there too. Who knows maybe one day… Thank you, have a nice weekend, love, nia
You never know Nia, maybe one day 🙂
Looks good – great recommendation!
I enjoyed it!
we once enjoyed a movie with that title BIG EASY …
That rings a bell…I may have seen it as well.
“Beer, not just for breakfast anymore.” A beer with style!
Cheers!
I knew I’d like the place when I saw this sign.
Nice post. Crab shacks with a little bit of “cheesiness” are definitely places for me. But sorry to hear about the service. Usually when there’s a game on, the waiters know that people may stay longer. Maybe you’ll have better luck at the steak place.
Cow or horse?
That is such a horrible thing that’s been going on here.
As Ciusin says, us vegetarians are arou d 98% smug at the minute.
I bet! such a shame and alarming that a lot of people don’t know what they are eating. Not just the meat, but all the ingredients in prepared foods. We try to cook from scratch most of the time.
The positive in this whole story would be if people woke up to the realities of processed food. It’s not called an industry for nothing.
I remember reading The Jungle in college. that was a real eye opener.
Mmmmmm…a dazzling steak place! Hope you find one. The best steaks I’ve had are the ones my hubby cooks on the bbq grill, (and we’ve been to a few nice steak places). He knows how I like it and gets it just perfect. They are thick, tender and juicy, and we slather it with a roasted garlic spread or melt big chunks of blue cheese over the top.
i think that the waitress needs to remember that you ar epaying for a meal and get over it…a person should be able to eat at their pace
I agree. if it doesn’t bother me (sometimes it does) the waitress shouldn’t care one bit.