THE PANDEMIC PUB
Achieve the pub experience at home
The pandemic has shuttered your favourite pub, so what is there to do? Have no fear, The Pandemic Pub is here to show you that you can still have a night of fun while staying safe. Our article walks you through how to re-create the pub experience in the safety of your own home. Every part of the pub night out has been broken down into simple steps that culminate to the best pub night of your quarantine!
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Crafting your favourite cocktail can be made easy by watching this video with Bartender Christian at the Wilcox Gastropub.
Check out our map for appetizer selections, other menu options for take out, and a top pick for DIY cocktail gear.
Are you craving gravy, cheese, beef or all of the above?
Mila’s Bake Bar shares an at home fudgy brownie recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Five ways for a successful virtual pub.
How to be a beverage expert
Bartending at the Wilcox Gastropub
Where to get your pub grub
Three pub-inspired mains at three prices
Which of these items would you expect to find on a menu at a pub?
Mac & Cheese vs. Pizza
Poutine vs. Chicken Fingers
Ribs vs. Steak
Poutine under $10
Poutine under $10
About the meal
The first main that you can treat yourself by making is poutine for under $10.
Tools you will need:
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients you will need:
- 2 medium size russet potatoes (approximately $1.75 for 2)
- ½ cup of cheddar cheese curds (approximately $5.97 per pack)
- 1 cup of poutine gravy (approximately $1.97)
- A dash of salt, pepper and olive oil
- Optional but encouraged: a dash of garlic powder, onion salt, paprika, red pepper flakes
- For garnish: green onion
- Total for the main ingredients: $9.70
(Photo: Cave)
How to make it
For the wedges:
- Preheat the oven to 400℉/205°C and line your baking sheet
- Wash russet potatoes and pat them dry
- Cut potatoes into half-inch size wedges and put them into a large bowl
- Liberally pour olive oil over the potatoes
- Sprinkle salt, pepper and the optional spices over the potatoes
- Toss the wedges until they are fully coated with oil and spices
- Arrange the wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer
- Bake for 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through
While the wedges are baking, begin to prepare the gravy by following the instructions on the package.
When both the wedges and the gravy are ready, place the wedges in a bowl, followed by the cheese curds and top it off with the gravy. If you’re feeling extra fancy, cut up a green onion as a garnish.
Mac & Cheese under $15
Poutine under $10
About the meal
Try making this extra creamy macaroni and cheese for under $15.
Tools you will need:
- Small pot
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
Ingredients you will need:
- ½ cup of dry macaroni pasta (approximately ¢97)
- ½ cup of old cheddar cheese (approximately $3.18)
- ½ cup of 2% milk (approximately $1.18)
- 1 tbsp of salted butter (approximately $4.47)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional but encouraged: garlic powder, onion salt, cayenne to spice things up
- Grand total for the main ingredients: $11.75
(Photo: Cave)
How to make it
For the macaroni:
- In a small pot, boil lightly salted water over high heat
- Once boiled, add the macaroni, and cook it according to the instructions on the box
While the water is boiling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
- Whisk in flour for 30 seconds until it forms a golden paste (or a roux!)
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking out any lumps until the paste becomes thick
- Cut the heat, then fold in the cheese until it is completely melted
- Sprinkle in salt and pepper, as well as the optional recommended spices
- Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce
- Serve your mac and cheese with some dried parsley flakes as a garnish to make the colours pop!
Steak and Potatoes under $35
Poutine under $10
About the meal
Tools you will need:
- Tongs
- A grill
- Paper towel
- Meat thermometer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients you will need:
- AAA sirloin steak (approximately $25)
- 1 medium size russet potato (approximately ¢88)
- 1 stock broccoli (approximately $1.97)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (approximately $4.97)
- A pinch of coarse salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion salt
- For a grand total of $33.05
(Photo: Cave)
How to make it
For the roasted broccoli and potato:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F/218°C and line a baking sheet
- Wash and pat dry the broccoli and potato
- Cut broccoli into bite size pieces and potatoes into small inch-size cubes
- Place broccoli and potatoes on a lined baking sheet in a single layer
- Drizzle olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion salt onto the broccoli and potatoes, toss to ensure they are evenly coated
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once halfway
For the steak:
- Preheat your grill to high heat
- Pat off steak with paper towel
- Season each side with coarse salt and pepper
- Grill steaks for 4 to 5 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 130–165°F/55-74°C is reached (depending on how well done you like your steak)
Once everything is ready, plate your steak, broccoli and potatoes and enjoy your meal knowing that you’ve earned it!
The dessert bar
All About Mila's Bake Bar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F/176.7°C and line an 8×8 pan with foil
- In a medium bowl combine ½ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of cocoa and 1 cup of sugar, stir well until they are fully mixed together.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time then 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir again until fully mixed together
- Stir in ½ cup flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt until the flour is fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- (optional) Mix in any other sweet you would like to spice up your brownies (M&m’s, Nuts, Chocolate chips.)
- Spread in the pan and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes or until the center is slightly set. Be careful not to over-bake.
- Let your brownies cool completely then cut into your freshly baked brownies.
- Enjoy!
Enjoying the evening
OUR WRITERS
Ashley Cave
John Sequeria
Lucas Damiani
Luke Ettinger
Mikayla Ottogalli