By Claudio DeMarchi

As soon as you walk through the door you know "This ain't no fancy restaurant…" In fact if you didn't know any better you might expect Granny, Uncle Jed, Elly May and Jethro to pop their heads out of the back! So why the heck does everyone say, "If you go to Yellowknife, you have to eat at Bullocks Bistro!"?

The walls are plastered with bumper stickers from all over, with hand written messages all over the wall for those that were brave enough to attempt it! One of the most appropriate bumper stickers I saw said "GET IN, SIT DOWN, SHUT UP & HOLD ON!" It may not be the type of place for everyone, but those that wouldn't enjoy it really wouldn't be missed anyway!

Bullock's "hostess with the most-est" and "chief-cook-and-French-fry-cutter-upper" is co-owner, Renata Bullock. On the night I visited this unique dining establishment, Jewel had the pleasure of working as Renata's wing woman.

Renata was responsible for some of the important stuff; you know, things like cooking the fish and game. The menu at Bullocks consists of the Flavours of the North which "is why people come here, and that's is all we serve here, " chirped Renata.

Jewel was responsible for the other equally important stuff; getting the drinks! In fact, she will do that until they get really busy (and they always do), at which point if you're thirsty you may find yourself on your own - especially if you are drinking beer. When I asked for a second, I was told "You saw where I got the last one from didn't you? Well, get your own and just keep track."

The cooking area of the restaurant is in full view of the restaurant patrons, and you wouldn't want to get in the way when Renata starts cooking! Arctic Char Fish Chips and Fish Kabobs seemed to be the most popular choices, but I did see the odd piece of red meat cooking, too. This was either caribou or muskox, if memory serves me. I didn't really even look at the menu because I knew I was having the Char before I even arrived.

Unless I misunderstood, each meal is All-You-Can-Eat "within reason" - and believe me you don't want to discuss reason with Renata. It was only after I had asked if I could do some quality control checks on the next batch of diet French fries that Renata said - "It's all you can eat! You can have all you want."

While waiting for my meal to arrive, while relaxing with a cocktail and watching other patrons come in, I was served a rather tasty sampling of what might just have been homemade bread with plenty of butter – very yummy.

The ambience...
Getting ready to serve 'em up
Firing up the french fry cutter upper

Once the action really got going - Renata was cooking away – I caught a glimpse of yet another assistant bringing out several plates with a side of salad on them. It is not uncommon for 15 to 20 of these plates to be lined up, just waiting for the good stuff to accompany the healthy stuff.

No matter what you decide to order at this restaurant, you will not be disappointed. There was not a person in the place that didn't have a smile on their face. The menu is limited, but the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is intoxicating. It truly is a "Must Stop" in Old Town Yellowknife.

And a hint from someone that's been there… Don't let the ‘old broads' fool you with what appears to be cranky attitude. Enjoy it. It is all part of the show … but do get out of their way!

09/09

 

 

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