We were excited to be heading out to the Westshore to try the good-buzz eats at Smoken Bones. Into the car we pilled, the whole family, looking forward to a full belly of ribs.
It was a foggy-rainy evening outside, but inside the room is painted a warm red colour and a lively hum was going. We were greeted by a very friendly hostess – and seated around the back corner of the busy room in a big old comfy booth where we could watch the hockey game as well. Ribs to eat and a hockey game to watch? Awesome!
We ordered one off the $25 menu and one off the $35 Dine around menu, with plans to share and taste everything. The kids ordered from the well priced kids menu, which was presented with crayons to colour.
Bring your appetite, you get bang for your buck quantity-wise. The 3 course Dine-around meal, which includes a starter, main and dessert, includes two sides from the extensive sides menu. The kids’ meals also include a choice of side.
We chose the Braised Local Pork Belly with BBQ beans from the $35 menu and the Fried Pickles from the $25 menu – which were brought out fast. The pickles (three) unfortunately were in quite a soggy batter – it tasted like the oil had not been changed in a while. The Pork Belly and beans were delicious though. Generous portions of both – and the pork was extremely tender with just the right amount of fat.
For mains we chose The Rib Taster (slow smoked pork and beef ribs) with sides of corn bread and butter fried cabbage and the Alder Smoked Pork Ribs with Braised Collared Greens and Yam fries.
The Rib Taster consisted of a very generous portion of pork and beef ribs. The beef rib had little taste except for an overpowering burnt taste; realizing they are ‘smoked’ – it was more of a strong burnt flavour and not ‘smoked’. The ribs were bereft of sauce. I have to mention the meat just fell off the bones – they were so well cooked – unfortunately Dad felt the flavour was just unappealing. The buttered cabbage was delicious. Cabbage had just the right amount of crispness – and loaded with butter. Corn bread was very well done – and a nice large portion as well.
Mom had been looking forward to the Alder Smoked Pork Ribs since sampling them at the Dine-around launch. A large portion of very tender meat arrived at the table, the meat easily coming away from the bone. Mom would have liked more of the sticky sauce that was finger licking good. The Yam fries were wonderful – the star of the meals. Collared greens were perfect as well. The kids’ chose fries with their ribs, which like all the sides where super tasty. The boys are already talking about what they want to try on our next trip to Smoken Bones.
Dessert was simply great. We went with the Peach Cobbler and Black and White Crème Brule (other choices were a bread pudding or truffles and local cheese plate). Peach Cobbler was nice and hot – with a large portion of whipping cream. The Brule was extremely well done as well. The boys had ice cream with chocolate sauce with their meals.
The service was lovely; our server answered a lot of questions including a few of “What are they having?” as dishes passed by our table. The food arrived promptly, and hot. The room has a good buzz, a fun Dine-Around experience.
Well stuffed we left. My only wish is that they open a location in Victoria, you lucky Westshore inhabitants can satisfy your craving for ribs with a great choice of either the $25 or $35 Dine-around menu. Enjoy!
- The Secret Diner
T: (250) 391-6328 101 - 721 Station Ave.
