While I waited I took a look around the room. The decor was very much in keeping with the ranch house theme. There was a large mural on one wall of some cowboys on horseback herding cattle. The opposite wall had a large fireplace in the middle.

After a short time my bread sticks were brought out to me. For my main course, I decided to the Fishwich (8.95) sounded intriguing enough to try. In the basket were four breadsticks, toasted golden brown and lightly brushed with garlic butter. A ramekin of a thick, hot, savoury marinara sauce was nestled beside them for dipping. The breadsticks were perfectly cooked, crusty on the outside while being moist and tender inside. The sauce was very tasty and an excellent accompaniment.

When my Fishwich was brought out to me, I found that the menu description, which had caught my eye, was quite accurate. A whole fillet of sole light breaded and fried crisp and laid on a mini-loaf with lettuce, tomato and dill mayonnaise. I squeezed a bit of lemon juice on it, closed up the bun and dug in. It, too, was perfectly cooked and very very good. I paused for a moment to investigate the caesar salad that I had ordered as a side dish. This turned out to be the one disappointment of the entire lunch. The romaine was crisp and fresh, however the dressing was very under flavoured and there was not enough of it. The croutons were obviously ordered in as opposed to being made in house.

After, my meal the server asked if I was interested in dessert (she made no real effort to sell it) and I politely declined. I finished off my beer, paid my 19.69 bill and left feeling distinctly satisfied.

My rating: Food – 3 out of 5

Service – 3 out of 5

Atmosphere – 4 out of 5

Overall Experience – 3.5 out of 5

The Ranch House Restaurant and Bar

7159 Gaetz Avenue N., Red Deer

(403)358-4100

The second show is Come In My Kitchen Acoustic Blues Trio. This one is also at the Elks Lodge on January 26. For both shows: doors open @ 7 p.m.; concert @ 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available at Valhalla Pure Outfitters: 2319 Taylor Drive Red Deer 403-343-3658. Tickets for both shows can be purchased together for $60. There will also be a silent auction, free h’ors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

All proceeds go to the Society in order to present the second annual Central Music Festival in August. For full descriptions of the shows click on Central Music Festival Fundraiser.