Toronto

Edulis, Toronto, 2/4/17

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
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building

This is our second visit to Edulis although it’s been several years since our first visit. It is in a building that looks like an old house and the dining rooms are the first two rooms inside.  Tables are fairly close but the noise level is quite manageable.  Light level is low and there is a variable level of eclectic background music.  The staff is exceptionally welcoming and friendly. The name Edulis is from the name of the porcini mushroom family.  The owner and chef is from northern Spain near France but also spent time in Japan so the menu has heavy influences from both countries.  They offer only a tasting menu only but you can choose between 5 or 7 courses.   Continue reading →

Chabrol, Toronto, 2/4/17

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entrance

Chabrol is a tiny place with about 19 seats, including barstools. There are 5 small 2-tops and the rest is counter seats facing the minuscule kitchen and service area. There appeared to be a place for patio seating when the weather permits.  They have been in business for just over a year and the place was packed the Saturday we went for lunch.  We were lucky to have received a tip to go there from lovely Amanda Bradley, manager of ALO, who was kind enough to secure us a reservation while we enjoyed her restaurant. Wonderful smells engulf you while you make your choices from the small menu.  They manage to offer a nice selection of wines, even with their limited space, and their friendly and welcoming staff make it an enjoyable dining experience. Our waiter Niall, who also was one of the owners, helped us select some of their highlights.   Continue reading →

Alo, Toronto, 2/3/17

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
entrance
entrance

Alo is on the second level – a short elevator ride up. You enter into the lively bar area and then  are seated in either a main dining room, a bar area or a half dozen counter seats facing the kitchen.  The restaurant offers only a surprise tasting menu but it is an extended tasting at the chef’s counter.  We were lucky to get a reservation for the chef’s counter, which is only available with a phone call, not on the reservation system. They offer wine pairings for the tasting at $75 (Canadian).  The nice staff is friendly and helpful but even at the counter there is no real interaction with the kitchen staff.  Portion sizes are well done, giving you enough to taste but not leaving you stuffed toward the last courses. Continue reading →

Buca Yorkville, Toronto, 2/3/17

~ hsnixon ~ Leave a comment
building
building

Buca Yorkville is a fairly large place of two rooms. The front room contains the bar and the second room is alongside the open kitchen.  The long wall is lined with bench seating and there are seats along the kitchen counter where the show is non-stop action. We were there for lunch where they serve a smaller menu, but it still contains their fresh made pastas and pizzas.  The staff were all friendly and helpful as well as willing to answer questions posed by me sitting at the counter.   Continue reading →