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 →