Hello again Friends. Can I call you friends at this point? I hope so. I’m doing it anyway. Speaking of friends, I got to spend time with one of mine today! We decided to hit a patio for some lunch and laughs. I figured why not kill two birds with one stone and do a review as well. I am nothing if not efficient.

The subject of my next review is Vernon’s Tap & Grill in Kingsville. Sorry readers, no cutesy story this time about how I planned to go there, based on a craving. This review is rather more impromptu, based on where we could be seated, because in case you hadn’t noticed, Kingsville is poppin’ these days. A welcome sight to be sure.

So anyway, on this particular day I was having lunch with a friend, instead of with Steve. He was keeping the home fires burning, so to speak. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Now, I’ve had my eye on Vernon’s for some time, so the fact that we ended up there was a happy accident. Made even more so by the fully shaded patio out back. Safe and protected from the blistering rays of the sun.

Vernon’s Tap & Grill Reuben Sandwich

Some of you hippies and sun worshipers out there may disagree, but anyone who knows me has seen the hiss and recoil as I contort myself around the patio umbrella to avoid sunlight. And to be fair to me, you would too given my complexion. So already I’m liking Vernon’s.

I was delighted to see my all-time favourite beer 50 on the menu, so I ordered one of those and my pal ordered a Corona. Both beers came out steaming cold, which is absolutely perfect. I defy you to find anyone who enjoys warm beer … I’ll wait … that’s what I thought.

My 50 went down pretty slick, not gonna lie, but don’t worry readers, this article isn’t about me getting drunk. I mean, it is, I guess, indirectly, but I wouldn’t say drunk, slightly tipsy perhaps.

But, let’s focus on the food.

Vernon’s Tap & Grill Deep-Fried Pickles

Both of us ordered Reuben sandwiches and a side of deep-fried pickles to share, because if they are on the menu, I’m having them. That’s just how it works. I also ordered a perch sandwich to take home to Steve, as a consolation prize.

The pickles were crispy, tangy, wonderful and plentiful. There were seven in an order. (Yes there are only six pictured, sorry, I ate one.) The Ruben sandwich was — delicious corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese melty tasty, divine.

Perhaps my feelings could best be described by Haiku:

Savoury corned beef
You wear your crown of Swiss cheese
Sauerkraut necktie.

Need I say more?

Steve’s sandwich was engulfed the minute I got home, so sadly, I was unable to photograph it. Steve did say that it was very tasty, which it must have been, given the speed at which it disappeared.

Thank you to my friend for being such a bad influence on me, and as always, such wonderful company.

And thank you to Vernon’s Tap & Grill in Kingsville for the shade, the icy cold beer and delicious food. If you’re looking for good food and good company, I can recommend the food at  Vernon’s — the company is up to you.

Address:
22 Main St East
Kingsville, ON N9Y 1A2

Phone:
(519) 733-4288

Website:
Vernon’s Tap & Grill

Facebook:
Vernon’s Tap & Grill

Instagram:
verntapgrill

All photos by Jolene Carley