Dinner at The Economy Shoe Shop
The other night my wife and I took her mom to the Economy Shoe Shop on Argyle Street in Halifax for dinner. The place seems to have a decent reputation and lots of business folk and local “celebrities” can often be found eating and drinking there. I remembered hearing the owner, Victor Syperek, was neck deep into his creditors and thought it had gone out of business (or was well on it’s way) long ago. But it was still open, so there ya go.
They both ordered the Curry Chicken Linguini ($19) with Scallops. I decided on the 10oz Angus Strip Loin. Both of their plates arrived “cold” and had to be sent back for reheating. My steak ($25) looked like one of those charbroiled cheapo steaks you’d get at the Zellers Skillet or, even worse, a Ponderosa. Fatty and greasy, it was what I call a “gristle steak”.
For the amount they charge for it, I was expecting something on par with the Keg or even Montanas. I swear at least half this steak ended up on the sidelines of my plate once I carved off the fat and ligaments. The potato was unspectacular; a simple baked spud with some sour cream and chives. The veggies were good, but this meal was hardly worth $10 let alone $25.
Our service was decent, but they should have at least offered to eat our beer tab (2 draft) for serving the cold meals. And I should have tossed the crappy steak on the floor for the dogs and asked for a real cut of meat for such a ridiculous price. I guess they figure that as a “hot shit” establishment, quality is not required. Total cost for this lousy dining experience: $82.
Ya suckered me once, Syperek. Never again, Victor. Never again.