Merchants

L’s colleague Enlightened and his partner The Good Wife met us for drinks in Marda Loop. L and I tried to get into Marda Loop Brewery, but we couldn’t get a table. We had a beer instead at Mad Rose Pub. However, the hockey game was on and it was killing my buzz, so we left for Merchants.

Just as we were leaving, Enlightened saw a customer wearing a kippah. Enlightened walked over to say hi and to give his card. He said that whenever he sees someone in Calgary wearing a kippah, he introduces himself because that’s what people in his culture do.

The music at Merchants always reminds me of an updated version of early 90’s club music. For this post, let’s listen to Robin S – Show me Love.

Enlightened suggested I do the ordering but specified he was very hungry and wanted to eat. Enlightened is forthright. You always know where you stand with him. If he’s wondering how much money you make, he’ll ask you. If you answer in a generality, he will ask why you aren’t being specific. When you try to establish personal boundaries, he seeks to enlighten you on your error.

Whenever I eat at Merchants, I always order the Truffle Mushroom Pizza ($22). I like the combination of pesto, prosciutto, mushrooms, arugula and truffle oil. I personally would have liked a bit more mozzarella because I found proportionally, there was too much crust. Enlightened noticed the bottom of the crust was burnt but he still ate it. I didn’t notice the crust was burnt.

Enlightened liked the Merchant Wings ($15) but said for the price, he would have liked a few more. The wings reminded me of Newcastle Pub’s version which are only 35 cents on Wednesdays.

Enlightened thought the Calamari ($15) was the best dish of the night. I didn’t like how the squid itself was wet and slippery underneath the batter. I prefer the calamari at Opa and Newcastle Pub.

Our server recommended the Black Truffle Fries ($10). I had already eaten dinner so nibbling on fries with truffle mayonnaise was the perfect treat for me.

I like Merchants. The service is always good and I like the energy. The Good Wife wants to meet up again, next time at Original Joe’s. I already looked up the menu and saw a wine I can drink, so I’m game.