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Category: Restaurants

Kitchen Confidential

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We received so much reader response about last month’s cover story on the fat, calorie and sodium contents of some local restaurant food that we decided to turn it into a monthly column.

Midtown french favourites tantalize at Didier

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We began with an amuse-bouche of a single organic cherry tomato, stuffed with finely-diced green beans and asparagus, and topped with a mayonnaise dressing. My first course of oeufs en cocotte “Diane” followed — soft poached eggs topped with coarsely-minced sauteed venison and sauce poivrade.

Best cafe/bar: In transition in Parkdale

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Opened in late 2009 by three veterans of the Toronto bar and nightlife scene, Francesca Zielinski, Julian Reyes and Duarte Carr, Blondie’s has quickly made a name for itself, in large part to doing two very different things very well. During the day, Blondie’s joins the ranks of area coffeehouse counterparts Salvador Darling turning out perfectly timed espresso-based beverages in the front of the bar’s space. As the nine to five day ends, the space comes alive to the sounds of a rotating selection of DJs and party nights, often quickly packing people onto the intimate leather couches under the glow of antler chandeliers.

Rare abalone gets served up in Toronto

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Abalone is a large sea snail that can be served raw on the half shell, stewed or fried in the kitchen. Apparently, we like the critter so much we have over-fished the wild stock as it is now listed on the Threatened Species list. That means that we are not allowed to harvest, catch, or serve it at all. Unless, that is, the abalone is cultured in a farm. Luckily, I’ve found the only abalone farm in British Columbia.

Froggett creating 'unforgettable' charity meal

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Keith Froggett, executive chef of the Forest Hill fine dining fortress Scaramouche, is creating an “unforgettable” four-course meal for a special evening fundraiser to benefit The Stop Community Food Centre. The event is planned for Jan. 24 at Scaramouche, with a ticket price of $250 that includes wine pairing.

Melt your hunger at The Grilled Cheese

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This tiny two-tiered Kensington eatery makes a great date venue for me and my four-year-old son, a wiggly and high-energy kid who devours anything that can be dunked in ketchup. As the name suggests, owner Rob Youill’s endeavor focuses on just one kind of grub, but his fare of fancy — grillies — is done up right, rounded out by just two selections of daily soup. Opening three months ago, The Grilled Cheese follows on the heels of the burger-resto trend, whose success is due in part to society’s addiction to eating out combined with economy-forced pinched pockets.

Braised beef tongue and cheek at Torito

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Torito Tapas Bar has long been a favourite restaurant for me to enjoy wonderful Spanish and South American influenced cuisine. To begin, we enjoyed the classical tapa of tortilla, a classical Spanish omelet, often served warm or at room temperature. This well rendered combination of thinly-sliced potatoes, onions and egg was slightly spicy and reminiscent of my recent trip to the Basque country of Spain. A truly delicious, somewhat spicy, chestnut and chorizo soup followed.

What's Toronto Really Eating?

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It’s January, when thoughts turn to New Year’s resolutions, gym memberships and healthy eating. We decided it was time to find out what’s in the local restaurant food we love to eat.

Survive lunch with the kids at Liberty Noodle

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Noodles are a food group in my family. With two small anklebiters under four to please, and with two parents working full-time, the most successful meals tend to be speedy and simple — and pasta plates meet those criteria. Although Liberty Noodle doesn’t cater specifically to families, the restaurant’s design formula and noodle-focused menu have a lot going for them in terms of surviving a lunch out with the kids.