Tableau Oyster Shucking Contest & Casse-croûte

What is Casse-croûte? It's traditionally used to refer to a snack, something eaten in between meals. Take a peek below for an example. 

This above Casse-croûte menu is offered by Tabeau Bar Bistro at the Loden Hotel Monday-Friday, 2:30-5:30. It's perfect for a mid-afternoon snack during an out of office meeting or for a pre-dinner/pre-theatre snack. Just think how pleasant afternoon roundtables would be if everyone had a glass of Moët & some Oysters?!

As part of the launch the new Casse-croûte menu at Tableau at the Loden Hotel, they threw an Oyster Shucking Contest featuring some local media celebrities. There are four competitors in total, namely Victoria Chemko (Victoria's Food Secrets), Fiona Forbes (Urban Rush), Fred Lee (Fred About Town), and Bro Jake (Classic Rock 101).

Did you take a close look at the chalkboard above, did you see word "bacon"? Yes, they are serving Bacon Caesars. So here we have the caesar...complete with a slice of bacon. These drinks were all made to order, and was rather mild. I could have had a bit more spice in mine, but I was clearly distracted by the bacon.
And here is the battleground. That is the biggest hourglass I have ever seen, and I was also relieved to see gloves for each of the contestants. Lots of oysters, ice and other garnishes were also at the ready.

Here is Bro Jake having a drink to calm his nerves, oh wait, is that glass on the table his as well? And oh, is Fiona getting some last minute tips from the Chef? 

And...action! Now we see all four contestants spring into action. Each picking, shucking and placing their oysters onto a bed of ice. First one to do six oysters gets to take home the trophy.
And here is the plate by second place winner, Bro Jake. See the shucker as part of the presentation? Inspired!
And here we have the winner, Fiona Forbes with the fastest shucking time and the best presentation.

Take Note:

• Casse-Croute menu only available Monday - Fridays.
• Good cheese and charcuterire plate
• Great French Onion Soup

Lunch with the Office Gang at Tableau

After a busy RRSP season at work, a few of us decided to head out for a "Thank God It's Over/Celebratory Lunch" and chose Tableau for its proximity to our office. I have been several times before at their previous Voya at the Loden, but have yet to try this new incarnation.

Even though it was lunch time, the warm bread arrived while we were perusing the menu. Since I didn't have breakfast, we quickly devoured the soft chewy bread and decided on lunch. 

One of the choices was their Pappardelle and Mushroom with leeks and pine nuts. Although this looks like a very light sauce, it really served to showcase the mushrooms and pasta. It's a good meatless option. 

One of the lighter eaters of the group decided on the French Onion Soup. It's your usual gruyere laden cheesy goodness, broiled and bubbly. But because I didn't try it, I'm not sure how the broth actually was. Considering my co-worker finished it, I am going to say it was a good one! Just the look of the cheesy goodness won me over.

I was the porker of the group and decided to have one of the "Les Sandwichs". There is a veggie option with tomato, bocconcini and basil, as well as a BBQ Pulled Chicken with cheddar. But I decided to go with the Beef Brisket, sauerkraut and gruyere. 

I decided to get my sandwich with a salad, although you can choose frites or soup.  The salad was a bright mix of greens, carrots, radish and cheery tomatoes. This was a nice light start to the meal.

The sandwich was amazing. So rich, so perfectly stuffed with brisket, sauerkraut and cheese, I was amazed. I also loved the grilled bread, but boy, was it rich. This is one half of the sandwich and I think I had about a third of it before calling it quits. I think this would be enough for two people, maybe with another side salad to balance things out. 
They have daily feature, and I really want to go back on a Wednesday, because it's their Duck Confit lunch!