I headed into Agrius on a sunny weekday afternoon, looking for a pick-me-up. The somewhat busy restaurant made a perfect oasis from the heat of the day. Friendly staff greeted me and sat me at the bar for a drink and a salad. This Caesar has been on my Must-Try List for a while now, so I was excited to finally have the opportunity. I went for a standard gin Caesar, which the bartender mixed in front of me. He paused before it was done and let me know the kitchen was going to get some charcuterie for the garnish. (YES!) It arrived with a wide rim of salt and seasoning around half the glass and a paper straw. I haven't seen either in Victoria before, so we were off to a fun start. |
The garnish looked low-key, but the flavour was huge -- a few slices of their house salami and two of the most flavourful pickled beans I've ever tasted. The seasoning in the meat was the perfect foil for the sweet, umami cocktail. The salt tasted like celery salt plus. I'm not sure what was in there, but it was more interesting than the usual celery salt rim.
The cocktail itself was tasty. I didn't ask what gin they used, but the flavour came through and the mix was not Clamato (too thick). Either they are making their own or using something like Walter. It was bright with lemony notes and nice for a hot day.
I had to pace myself, but I could have finished this off very quickly and ordered another one if I hadn't needed to remain (somewhat) sober for the rest of the day.
This Caesar lived up to my expectations. The presentation is tasteful without being showy and the flavour is complex and satisfying.
I could live without the paper straw -- it got a little soggy, but if they're trying to reduce plastic waste, I'm fully in support.
The cocktail itself was tasty. I didn't ask what gin they used, but the flavour came through and the mix was not Clamato (too thick). Either they are making their own or using something like Walter. It was bright with lemony notes and nice for a hot day.
I had to pace myself, but I could have finished this off very quickly and ordered another one if I hadn't needed to remain (somewhat) sober for the rest of the day.
This Caesar lived up to my expectations. The presentation is tasteful without being showy and the flavour is complex and satisfying.
I could live without the paper straw -- it got a little soggy, but if they're trying to reduce plastic waste, I'm fully in support.