Lot 88

There’s something extra special about a night out when you know you’re heading somewhere after, like slipping into a bit of magic before the main event.

That was the plan the other week. A rare, beautiful night where the stars aligned, sitter secured, outfits coordinated, and tickets in hand for a show at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. But before the curtain rose, my husband and I treated ourselves to something just as important: a proper date night dinner at Lot 88.

Located just minutes from the Auditorium, Lot 88 has always been one of Thunder Bay’s go-to spots for a sleek, elevated dining experience. And with just enough time to indulge before the show, we made a little occasion out of it, cocktails and small plates, no rush, no stress, just time together.

As usual, I asked our server what drinks were stealing the spotlight lately. Without hesitation, he named two:

• For martini lovers — the Sour Key-Tini
  
• For cocktail fans — the Tropical Ice Tea

And because this was no ordinary Thursday night, I didn’t choose — I ordered both.

Sour Key-Tini: Candy with a grown-up twist

This one’s a conversation starter. It’s made with raspberry vodka, raspberry Sour Puss, apple Sour Puss, banana liqueur, and just enough lime and cranberry juice to keep it balanced. Shaken until icy cold, served in a martini glass, and topped with a dangling sour key candy — it was nostalgic, punchy, and a little bit cheeky.

One sip, and I was 10 years old again with a mouth full of sour candy… except this time, I was wearing nicer shoes and had somewhere fancy to be. It was bold, fun, and surprisingly sophisticated for such a playful drink.

Tropical Ice Tea: Smooth, sunny, and escape-worthy

In contrast, the Tropical Ice Tea was like a mini vacation before the show. A blend of vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry and pineapple juices — it was smooth, slightly fruity, and endlessly refreshing.

If the Sour Key-Tini was loud and bubbly, this one was calm and collected, like a quiet beach at golden hour. Just what I needed to melt away the busyness of the week.

Bites before the standing ovation

Since we didn’t want to fill up too much before the show, we opted for a trio of starters and honestly, they were a performance of their own.

• The Little 88 Bocconcini Salad was crisp and fresh, a light beginning to the evening.
  
• The Garlic Truffle Stuffed Mushrooms were melt-in-your-mouth rich.
  
• And the Shaved Beef Mini Yorkies? I refused to share. I regret nothing.

Lot 88 delivered on every note ambience, flavour, and that subtle sense of occasion that makes a good night even better.

As we made our way to the Auditorium with full hearts and happy taste buds, I kept thinking about how these little moments, a toast before a show, a shared bite, a burst of sour followed by a sip of sunshine… these are the little moments we remember.

This week’s Sips & Sights was all about setting the stage: candy-shop martinis, tropical cocktails, and a reminder that the pre-show can be just as magical as the performance itself.

So if you’ve got plans to see a show, celebrate something, or just be together don’t skip the cocktails. Don’t skip the little moment.

Until next time —

Sip boldly, snack well, and always say yes to drinks before the show.

– Candi