As you walk through the doors, the aroma of the cooking steak wafts through.  It smells divine.  We were given the option of the restaurant side or the lodge side – the lodge side sounded more homey and fun, so we opted for the lodge side.

As we were seated, we discovered that there was a Jenga game ready to be played!   While we waited for the others to arrive, we embarked on a lively game and doing remarkably well too – I had never played Jenga before so was amazed at just how well I played!

The other ladies arrived, hugs were given and conversation abounded.  We were gently interrupted by the patient waiter asking for our order.  We took a few minutes to scour the enticing menu and finally decided on what to eat.  One ordered a steak, one ordered pasta and one ordered a “kick-ass” chicken salad.  I opted for the shrimp tacos, and I added a shareable bruschetta for all of us to enjoy.

While we waited for the appetizer to arrive, conversation continued about what our lives had been like since high school ended, how we ended up where we did, and generally catching up after many years.

The bruschetta arrived.  It is a toasted garlic baguette, with fresh tomato, red onion, fresh basil, herbed aioli, balsamic glaze and parmesan.  I have had a lot of bruschetta in my life and this was by far the BEST bruschetta I have ever had!  The herbed aioli with the balsamic glaze gave it a tang that was absolutely divine!!  I will go back just for that!  And there was enough to share with everyone.

The main course arrived shortly after.  The pasta dish had the herbed aioli drizzled over it and looked amazing.  The kick-ass chicken salad looked just that – kick ass.  And the steak looked delicious.  Everyone enjoyed their meals very much.  I had the shrimp tacos and I had three generous sized crispy panko shrimp tacos topped with tangy coleslaw, salsa, herbed aioli and fresh cilantro.  It was served with a lovely garden salad with ample vegetables and a light dressing.  The meal was hot and delicious.  The service was timely and we were not waiting long for the meals to arrive.

Of course, it would not be a girl’s night out without dessert!  I opted for the Rocky Mountain Madness which is a turtle and chocolate cheesecake with caramel in a chocolate cake shell with almonds, shaved chocolate, and chocolate hazelnut sauce.  It was sublime. It was rich and creamy and absolutely perfect to end the meal.

While it’s not cheap, neither is it too expensive.  And with the casualness of the restaurant and the general ambience, it is most definitely a place I will return to!  Mr. Mike’s is definitely a place to head to with friends.