A Pre-Break Culinary Adventure

Just one more bite Davey... you can do it!

For over a year it has been a small goal of Dave and mine to dine at Nick and Nat's Uptown 21 in Waterloo. Early on in our relationship we realized that we might be what one calls a 'foodie', however Yuppie that may sound. The reality is, we love to eat, we love great food, and we are super critical...ok, maybe not critical, let's say discerning, and we are not afraid to try anything. In fact, for years we have thrown around the idea of writing our own critical reviews for hungry couples. Wow, I just realized the multi-layered context with which that last sentence could be interpreted!


Anywho, back to the subject at hand, Nat and Nick's. Dave and I were cursed with never finding the time when this cute little secret of a restaurant was open to partake in its awesomeness; then it happened, last weekend we finally ate there! And let me tell you, it was WELL WORTH THE WAIT.

To begin, we sat at the chef's bar which makes you practically a sous-chef in the kitchen. You are literally on the other side of the counter. This may be the most deadly seat in the house as you can watch the entire menu as it is prepared. If you have a hard time choosing your meals, this will not make it easier! We had not planned on going anywhere for dinner that night so we were dressed in our usual weekend uniform of jeans and hoodies. Of course I was wearing my purple Wellies . It was a busy Saturday night and we stuck out like sore thumbs, but by the end of the night, I'm sure they were happy they seated us.

We started off with our appetizers, both of which were fois gras based. Dave's croquette was divine as was my terrine plate.

As our seconds, Dave enjoyed the mussels in a tomato and olive based melange that payed respect to the awesomeness of layered fresh herbs. My salad was a testament to the greatness of freshly grated cheese on anything.

Our mains did not disappoint. Dave had the lobster and shrimp dish and I had the steak. The fish was to die for and the delightful rub on the steak was a perfect frame for the care taken in its aging and preparation. We could not drive the option of the homemade squash ravioli from our minds, so we also shared a half order of them and did not regret our choice!


It should be noted, that at this point in the meal I reminded Dave that there was no shame in turning to our Greek / Roman forefathers in our time of need. Dionysus / Bacchus had a suggestion for dealing with the 'can't eat another bite' feeling. Dave simple looked at me with an unimpressed look. Good golly, it was just a suggestion! Instead we rested and digested before our final selections.

Dessert for me was tempura apple dumplings. Dave had the creme brule. We also shared the homemade berry gelato. When we were done nothing but a sprig of mint remained!

The price for our meal was well in keeping with the dynamic changes that are being seen in uptown Waterloo with the addition of higher end dining options. There is no question that the value and quality of our meal more than justified the price (which really was not outrageous). It also helped that it was annual bonus time for the Olden family!

We cannot wait to go back. In fact, we have already begun to plan our next menu choices. Since it is and ever changing menu of local produce, I suppose we will need to make it soon; poor us! ;)