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Christmas Magic For Parents: A Night Out at The Keg

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Unless the Christmas-magic-maker in your house is on a general strike, that is. You know what I mean: every household has that one person who makes sure the tinsel is untangled, the Santa letters are mailed, the RSVPs rsvp’d, the food bank donations sent, the Santa hats supplied, the shopping list checked twice, the Elf shelfed ….

In my house that person is me, and when I was a kid, it was my mom. I remember asking my mom one Christmas Eve if she still got that that vibrating excitement in her stomach in anticipation of Christmas morning. I don’t remember exactly what she said, but the gist of her answer was “nope.”

And that was the moment I decided I never wanted to grow up. To not feel that squiggly-jiggly-can’t-sit-still-can’t-sleep-a-wink eagerness for the clock to strike 8 a.m. on the 25th of December so my brother and I could burst into our parents’ room and rouse them from their slumber with squeals of delight seemed a most terrible consequence of aging.

Now that I am a mother myself, I’ve discovered that the actual consequence is worse than not feeling those Christmas butterflies—the butterflies have been replaced by violent Christmas moths destroying my entrails with questions like “Is the advent calendar filled?” “Am I sending Christmas cards this year?” “Can we afford a gift for every wee one in our extended families?” “Do I have enough reserve presents for the 9 p.m. announcement by my husband that such-and-such a person at the office needs a present tomorrow morning?”

Unless … unless you decide you deserve some magic. And mamas, we deserve some holiday magic too! And at least for me, holiday magic involves a delicious meal that I do not have to shop for, plan, cook, serve, share, clean up after or shove down my gullet in a hurry. And since the time surrounding Christmas itself is a flurry of activity and travel for us, I’m doing what I assume Mrs. Claus herself must do in early December: I’m celebrating early with an evening out with my husband and my bestie blogging colleague and her main squeeze at The Keg. Being self-employed, we bloggers have no staff Christmas party to look forward to (or dread), so we’re making the holiday season merry on our own terms while simultaneously filling up our holiday-magic-making-tanks with good food, drinks and laughs.

#ad When I was little, I remember watching my mom get ready to go out, trying to get her bangs as high as possible! Here…

Posted by Maman Loup's Den by Lindsay Gallimore on Thursday, December 7, 2017

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After the most arduous task of finding a night when both couples are available (and can find a sitter) is completed, we extricate our legs and arms and coattails from the loving hands of our progeny, heave ourselves upon the comfortable benches of our local Keg, and breathe a sigh of relief. (Confession: I skipped and hopped from our front door to the car.) The lights are dim, the atmosphere tastefully festive. Our obligation for the next two hours is to eat, drink and be merry for ourselves! My imbibing was limited to my most favourite pregnancy drink, named after a curly-haired headliner of the 1930s, while my dinner guests went for the big kid drinks, enjoying bourbon, beer and wine respectively.

There is a certain delight in knowing you can order three courses of food and not have to get up from your seat once (unless you are like me and have to pee constantly). The equivalent of our Christmas Elf was our server Ethan, who thoughtfully went over the menu with us and offered insight into the variety of steak cuts available and the daily specials.

He didn’t have to pull my leg to get me to try the lobster gratin for an appetizer. Seafood and cheese = two of my favourite things.

Another appy served at our table was the bacon-wrapped scallops. The happy recipient observed: “My favourite food wrapped around my second favourite food!” (I was going to attribute this quote to him, but he informed me it was lifted from the TV show Parks & Recreation.)

Although the meal was leisurely in timing, it felt like time flew by as we caught up on uninterrupted adult conversation topics. Silence fell only during chewing: me on my salmon, my tablemates on their various cuts of steak accompanied by lobster tails. (My husband is still annoyed that I stole one of his tails.)

We capped the evening with coffee and dessert. I don’t know the last time I’ve enjoyed a hot coffee and not had to share a dessert! The dessert menu features some “mini” portions for people with self-restraint or two 11 oz. fetuses squishing their usually cavernous stomach. I couldn’t even finish the last tiny bite of my brownie … but man was it good.

It’s not often that we parents get to put ourselves first and be treated like the true kings and queens that we are. At home, no one cares if our steaks are properly cooked, our drinks appropriately served, our crême brulée up to snuff. The Keg staff made sure our evening was magical, and now we’re ready to do the same over the next few weeks of December for our deserving (though at times ungrateful … until they become parents themselves) children.

Head to The Keg for holiday magic just for you!

 

 

Disclosure: I have partnered with YMC and The Keg and have received compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own.

 

Comments

  1. 1

    Aeryn Lynne says

    What a fantastic idea! One thing I miss about working in an office is the holiday parties, so would be fab to do one with local fellow entrepreneurs in the area, thanks for the inspiration! The Keg would be a great place for that too, as their entrées are delicious and the right price for my budget.

    Reply
  3. 3

    Monica Parlee says

    We love The Keg! Unfortunately, we don’t have one in our town, but there are a couple within a fairly short drive . We like to go to these cities to do some Christmas shopping followed by dinner at The Keg!

    Reply
  8. 8

    jay nelson says

    There is a new Keg close to me which I would love to take my husband too. I have not been to a Keg since we had children. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. 10

    Mary Chaisson says

    I used to love going to the Keg when I lived in Calgary! Haven’t been in years, because the closest one is in Moncton, but I’m drooling just thinking about it now, and will have to make it a point to eat there the next time we shoot across the bridge.

    Reply
  11. 11

    Nicole says

    Sounds like a great time! One of the last date nights we had was at The Keg. That was before our youngest was born … over two years ago!!! lol

    Reply
  12. 12

    Cheryl H says

    We love the keg! No one does steak better than them and it’s there I first tried it medium rare and will never get it different

    Reply
  14. 14

    Holly says

    The Keg was our go to date night, but 4 kids later, time and money run tight. Can’t wait for our next Keg date night

    Reply
  16. 16

    NJ Nowoselski says

    Oh my! I am your mom …and you! This is so well written!! I smiled through the whole post thinking and knowing YOU get me! I know it shouldn’t matter but I miss company Christmas parties, exchanges, secret Santa’s. All those get together’s that I thought just added to my anxiety of the holidays I miss now that the kids are gone & I am semi retired 🙁 Secretly I am jealous of the ones around me who get to go 🙁 Sooo I like your plan. A nice relaxing restaurant like The Keg is just what the BAH Humbugs like me need. I’m so glad I found your blog.

    Reply
  19. 19

    Laurie Paranica says

    The Keg is such a treat for us. Love the atmosphere and the prime rib. It’s my favourite dish. Happy Holidays

    Reply
  21. 21

    Holly Daniels says

    Looks like it was a great night! Love The Keg. There isn’t one in my town, but we go a couple times a year. Food & service is always amazing.

    Reply
  24. 24

    Jennifer W says

    This sounds magical. I think my husband and I have been on like 2 dates this year because of children and life. Sigh.

    Reply
  25. 25

    Lindsay T says

    The mini portions of dessert sound cool! I love the Keg for a good date night with hubby, always fantastic service & amazing food!

    Reply
  30. 30

    Leeanne c says

    To be honest I haven’t been to the Keg but would love it to be my first time. I love a good prime rib and baked potato with sour cream. What a fun night. and the food looks devine.

    Reply
  32. 32

    tammy ta says

    I really can’t answer because I have never been to The Keg Steakhouse & Bar before-I would love to win and try it out for the first time!

    Reply
  33. 33

    Devon says

    We love the keg but with 4 children , two 15 months apart , we never get much time alone anymore . We hope you to get a chance to go soon

    Reply
  37. 37

    Tiaja S. says

    One of the biggest changes since having our little one is going out for dinner dates way less often, so now I have a deeper appreciation for that time with my Husband! Love going to The Keg but the closest one is a couple hours from us… we traveled to Victoria for our babymoon at 39 weeks and The Keg was one of our dinner dates!

    Reply
  38. 38

    Kris Fowle says

    We all need some downtime at this time of year! Dinner atvthe Keg with my husband would be an amazing treat right now ?☺️?

    Reply
  40. 40

    Rebecca H says

    this is an amazing giveaway! We haven’t been to The Keg in a long time, but, it was always amazing when we went! Thanks!

    Reply
  41. 41

    Knittinchick says

    How wonderful to go on a sans-children night out. The last time we went to the Keg was about 2.5 years ago and I loved having salmon then too! My husband went for a big juicy steak! Next time I’m saving room for dessert… they look amazing!!!

    Reply
  44. 44

    Sandy says

    Does anyone remember the Keg salad bar? So unhygenic but so delicious. We never used to think about that stuff back then. ?

    Reply
  46. 46

    Diana says

    I was glad to see the you and The MM got to go out on a double date. Moms (and dads) need those once in a while. It is a joy to have the opportunity to miss your kids on occasion.

    Reply
  48. 48

    Anita says

    You have inspired me to have a date night with my husband at The Keg! I’m drooling after that description of the meals!

    Reply
  49. 49

    Julia says

    Job that abounds like heaven! A date night is just what the doctor ordered!

    I could practically taste the steak as I was reading this post. Yum!!!

    Reply
  50. 50

    Nathalie Demers says

    We, the parents, went on our first date in well over 2.5 years since having our babies. ? Long overdue and it was great. I’d love to go to The Keg for our next date, within the next few months hopefully. I’ve actually never been, but daddy has. ?

    Reply
  51. 51

    Dianne G. says

    Looks like a perfect night out. We have always enjoyed the food at The Keg and had great service. They really know what they are doing in preparing and serving fantastic food.

    Reply
  53. 53

    Kaitlin Meuse says

    My husband LOVES going to the keg whenever we’re in the city (none near us). Can’t go wrong with steak and beer!

    Reply
  54. 54

    Emma Weston says

    Oh man, a night out when you’re self employed makes it that much extra special especially when you work from home. Well deserved, sounds amazing

    Reply
  56. 56

    Carole Dube says

    Sounds like you had a great night. It’s important to have a nice evening out with your spouse. I love the Keg and we go maybe once a year for a nice evening out to treat our self.

    Reply
  57. 57

    Kathleen says

    Myself and my husband and 2 other couples (one with 2 kids the same age as mine and one expecting their first) are heading to The Keg for New Years Eve and I can’t wait to have some adult time! Looks like you took full advantage of your date night as you so deserve.

    Reply
  58. 58

    Sunshine H says

    I’m not sure we ever realize what a luxury it is to eat hot foods hot and cold foods cold, until we have kids! Glad you had such a great night, and one thing I have always found with the Keg – the food and service are great!

    Reply
  59. 59

    Alaina Monster says

    We just got a new Keg location in London, On! Hubby and I are headed there next weekend o celebrate a friends 35th birthday. I think I might try that lobster gratin … it looks amazing!

    Reply
  63. 63

    Kellie says

    I love The Keg!! The food is great and they are family friendly and so accomodating when you have little ones. We love treating ourselves and having family nights out there.

    Reply
  64. 64

    Nikki A says

    We haven’t been to The Keg since we’ve had kids (and moved to a city that doesn’t have a Keg). We do have some gift cards somewhere, though, so maybe it’s time!

    Reply
  66. 66

    Ronald Gagnon says

    We celebrate every mother’s day (Grandma, mom and daughter) at the Keg every year…We have never been disappointed

    Reply
  68. 68

    Ulina says

    This post has me drooling! And dreaming of a night out with my hubby for a delicious, relaxed meal I don’t have to cook, or clean up after, or try and bribe kids to partake in! *sigh* this exact outting is going on my Christmas list!

    Reply
  70. 70

    Jennifer Ann Wilson says

    Dang, this blog post just made me crave a big Keg steak!! I better win your giveaway or I’m going to have to return a few gifts. lol

    Reply
  73. 73

    Robyn Bellefleur says

    We love going to The Keg. My husband loves getting the baseball steak when we go. Which is not too often because if we have all the kids (4) it becomes more of a pain getting a table.

    Reply
  75. 75

    Elizabeth Matthiesen says

    We used to go fairly regularly to the Keg but I haven’t been in a very long time. I must make a point of going soon. The food was certainly always delicious. It sounds like you guys not only had good food but also got to enjoy a quite, pleasant evening together and you looked fantastic. 🙂

    Reply
  76. 76

    Caroline Lozinski says

    Ah what a fantastic night ! My husband and I love the keg! Especially the prime rib ! Goes so good with a keg size Bellini ?

    Reply
  77. 77

    Jenna Singleton says

    I’m glad you made it out before your new ones arrive! We haven’t been to the keg in a long time, I think some of our favourite menu items have since been phased out. I remember one time (before kids) how lovely our server was and how well paced the meal was, it was the first time I’d been somewhere kind of “fancy” with my fiancé, and it was so incredibly good!

    Reply
  78. 78

    Jessica Lester says

    Ugh… I dread staff Christmas parties. Thankfully we only have my hubby to attend this week thanks to me being self employed as well! Sounds like you had a great (and well deserved) evening out. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply
  80. 80

    Camille W says

    This is such a good idea and you’re absolutely right – it’s ridiculously difficult. I don’t usually do new year’s resolutions but this would definitely make the list.

    Reply
  83. 83

    Dan Bovay says

    Every special occasion deserves The Keg… would love to treat my wife out to a night out! Cheers… thx for the chance! Well written blog!

    Reply
  84. 84

    Marsalie Black says

    We used to love going to the Keg before our 4 kids (including twins!) came along. It would be amazing to have a night out as a couple again.

    Reply
  90. 90

    Alicia Boisvert says

    We are big keg fans, myself and my husband. We always have excellent service and they go above and beyond. I’ve akways had perfectly cooked foodand love their steak dinners and start Caesar salads. I would love to treat my husband to a dinner at the keg. Thank you so much for this amazing giveaway.

    Reply
  91. 91

    Sandra Frizzle says

    The Keg is one of the most consistently good places I’ve eaten. But this post reminds me it’s been ages since I’ve been. My husband and I had a small wedding and had our reception at the Keg, so it’s a magical place for us.

    Reply
  92. 92

    Lisa Neutel says

    Hubb and I love the keg it’s our fave date night restaurant ( I save as many points via air miles and petrol to afford to go more often )

    Reply
  94. 94

    Cathy Oppedisano says

    I’d like to go to the Keg with someone special too. The photos of your choices has given me ideas of things I should try.

    Reply
  95. 95

    Kim Tanti says

    I would love to go to the Keg again. The first time I ever went to the Keg was the Downtown Toronto where they changed an old house into a restaurant back in the 70s. I don’t know if it is still there?

    Reply
  96. 96

    kristen visser says

    seriously want to eat my computer screen right now and craving the lobster gratin at 6 in the morning lol. The Keg has such delicious food and it has been quite a while since hubby and I have been

    Reply
  98. 98

    Sandy Turner says

    I know exactly how you feel, I’m a mother of three boys and even though they are grown I’m happy to say the return home for the holidays with their spouses/girlfriends. This makes me very happy, but is a lot of work for me, especially as I get older. My husband and I go to The Keg on special occasions, birthdays and anniversary, we will be celebrating our 34th December 17th. We love the quality food and the atmosphere at the Keg, would so love to win this. Thank you and Happy Holidays to all!.

    Reply
  99. 99

    Heather Tobin-Lavigne says

    My husband and I usually get one date night a year. On our anniversary and it’s usually The Keg. Your post made me really hungry and wish that our anniversary was coming up soon 🙂

    Reply
  100. 100

    Jessica says

    That sounds like a fantastic night out! I’m a SAHM with 4 children, so I also do not have the obligatory staff holiday party to attend. I’ve been telling my husband lately how I would love an excuse to get dressed up and have an adult evening. The Keg is one of my favorite restaurants that I only get to every few years. It is a 2 hour drive away, but completely worth it!

    Reply
  101. 101

    Krista says

    I absolutely love the keg for date night, which as you know doesn’t happen to often haha! I would love to find another couple to go out with but you’re right it’s such a struggle!

    Reply
  102. 102

    MH Huang says

    This is our go to place for dinner on rare date nights. When my mother in law visits twice a year, we go here once when she’s here to help babysit. The lobster gratin looks really good!

    Reply
  104. 104

    Julie says

    The Keg is the perfect place for a wonderful meal! You are making me hungry for The Keg! I am thinking I need to set aside some time for some of that holiday magic myself!

    Reply
  105. 105

    Tricia Cooper says

    I remember those days — LOL! It’s always good to get some ‘adult’ conversation in. I haven’t been to The Keg in a while, but have always found that their staff is great! Also, The Keg restaurants in my area are not open for lunch, but we have discovered that for special occasions such as Mother’s Day the are and we have made it a family tradition now to take our Mom for a nice lunch!

    Reply
  106. 106

    Deborah P. says

    I love my wine with dinner but i am craving a Cesar now to go with a lovely steak and shrimp dish. We haven’t been out in a while I love the Keg. My husband & I used to go to The Boathouse at Square One it was owned by the Keg the Shrimp Tarragon was to die for.

    Reply
  107. 107

    joanne darrell says

    Bravo for being able to eat dessert.I am always full from filling up with bread before our main course at The Keg.

    Reply
  108. 108

    Michelle says

    Definitely trying that lobster gratin when I go!! Who doesn’t love LOBSTER and CHEESE! We haven’t been to the Keg in years (have kids and rarely go or ourselves now), but I think we are overdue!

    Reply
  109. 109

    kathy downey says

    Great post you both look great.. I haven’t been to The Keg in a while but maybe a nice dinner is in order and we are so overdue.Thanks!

    Reply
  110. 110

    Nadia Blasutti says

    My husband and I love going to The Kef for Date Night. We’ve also celebrated birthdays, promotions and anniversaries there. Great food,especially for steak lovers.

    Reply
  115. 115

    Sally says

    The Keg has always been my Hubby and I’s go to for really special occasions or dates. Food, atmosphere and service are awesome. We are never disappointed?

    Reply
  117. 117

    Kayla says

    I totally know the feeling of trying to plan a big persons night out! We don’t get very many of those… So glad yours was successful and the food was delicious!

    Reply
  121. 121

    Christine Holliday says

    Wow . It looks like the menu has changed since I’ve been there….which is a long time! I would love to go again, it looks like you enjoyed your evening!!!

    Reply
  127. 127

    Angela September Smith says

    thanks so much for this post. I really love The Keg and i’ve loved it ever since my kids were little. You’d think it was just great for adults (and it is) but they also treat little ones like they’re special too.

    Reply
  130. 130

    Suzanne K says

    I love the Keg – you are guaranteed to have a top notch meal everytime at a decent price! YOu cannot go wrong for a date night or group dinner

    Reply
  132. 132

    Maria says

    Sounds like an amazing night. We love the Keg, but it’s been a long time since we have been there. Thanks so much for the chance

    Reply
  135. 135

    Janette Claire says

    I’m new to your blog and truly enjoyed reading your fun post about your magical experience at The Keg. Thank you!

    Reply
  138. 138

    Shelley N says

    I really like going to The Keg but we do not eat out much due to our budget. When we do go out it is someone’s birthday and there are 4 of us so we go to a less expensive spot. it would be a great treat to visit there again

    Reply
  140. 140

    Eva Mitton-Urban says

    Dishes looks scrumptuous, thanks for posting Lindsay. My son turns 14 on Dec 20th – was planning on taking him to the Keg. Originally a Maritimer with a passion for Lobster, my son has acquired the love of seafood. We will have to indulge in the lobster au gratin unless plans change. Intrigued !

    Reply
  143. 143

    Sarah perry says

    What rare event to have a couples night out without kids. I cannot even imagine but it is something we should definitely be making more of a priority.

    Reply
  147. 147

    Krista M says

    My best memory of The Keg was my parents taking us there soon after I announced I was pregnant with my first baby! They gave me baby gifts while we dined on top sirloin steaks with Atlantic lobster tails. It was divine. The perfect place to celebrate special moments!

    Reply
  150. 150

    Nicole Graham (nicolthepickle) says

    What a fun post. The “we extricate our legs and arms and coattails from the loving hands of our progeny” made me laugh. My kids do the same thing.

    Reply
  151. 151

    Jenn says

    The Keg is our go-to for family celebrations. We don’t go as often during the holidays unfortunately but we definitely need to change that. It sounds so lovely to have dinner at The Keg around this time of year! The ambience and atmosphere sounds and looks amazing!

    Reply
  154. 154

    Ronald Gagnon says

    We have been taking mom to the keg for her birthday every year for about twenty years…she always orders the same Prime rib

    Reply

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