Drinks Anyone?

If you’ve read the intro to my blog then you know that one of the reasons that I set out to do this was to answer some popular questions that I often get about “where should I go for the best pizza?” “where do I got on a first date?” “where should I have my birthday party?”.  All things that I’m of course still trying to figure out.

 

The one offer I hear the most is “Let’s go for drinks.”  In my mind this usually means that dinner isn’t involved, there could be some appies, and you'll end up at a place where you can casually or not casually enjoy a few beverages.  Most people would probably end up that their neighborhood pub or even their favourite restaurant.  I on the other hand, really do enjoy a place that puts as much effort, thought and creativity into their food as they do their drinks, and also doesn't turn into a crazy club after.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this request usually comes with a price tag but sometimes it’s really worth it.  Especially when you don’t have to deal with a super annoying host that tells you and your guest “Sorry we don’t allow people to come in for drinks unless they’re buying dinner.” Whomp whomp.

So here I set out on a quest to find some cool, interesting (read not pretentious) and fun places to just grab drinks.  Two places that are usually my go-to’s are Spirithouse and BarChef.

Spirithouse is located at Adelaide/Portland and if you weren’t looking for it as you walked by you may completely miss it.  As you head downstairs you become completely enveloped with the dark and dim lighting.  You can sit at the bar or in some of the more plush leather couches in the back room area.  I’ve been here a few times (on a date and with groups of girlfriends) and to be honest, the place never really disappoints.  Yes you will probably pay at least between $12-14 for any of their signature cocktails but I believe it’s worth it to go somewhere that serves more than just your standard vodka/soda.  If you also happen to be there on a slower night, sit at the bar and watch the bartenders be super attentive and actually take the time to get to know what you like and don’t like. 

The other spot BarChef I’ve only been to twice (once for a special event and very recently with some girlfriends).  This most recent time was super fun, the vibe was exactly what we were looking for, we scored some prime seats right at the bar and took our time just chatting and sipping on super delicious Basil Margheritas and Coconut Mojitos.  I won’t lie, when we first arrived there was a line up which put me off a little bit but turns out there was a massive birthday party they were waiting on.

Some other places of note that won’t make a big deal if you’re not having dinner are Earls, Joeys, The Drake, Hemmingway’s, Remy’s, Mavrik Wine Bar, Beaconsfield oh and of course your standard Friars, Firkins and Foxes.

A few places I’m looking to try soon are Salt, Midfield Wine Bar, Skin and Bones and Glas Wine Bar.

Where are you favourite places to sit back and enjoy a few bevvies?

Buca

Buca has been on my list of places to go since it opened back in 2009.  Finally I had the opportunity to visit Rob Gentile’s now infamous and still wildly popular restaurant in the heart of King West.  Between raving co-workers and friends and a few mixed reviews, I was excited to finally get the chance to make my own opinion on this traditional Italian resto.

Buca is located in the back alley way just east of Portland next to Mexican restaurant Valdez (the old Cheval and an AWESOME spot for tequila!).  Upon entering, you are taken down a slightly winding staircase and enveloped with brick walls, dark wood dim lighting and the smell of all things delicious.  I found out that it was old 19^th century boiler room which would explain the simple and clean décor and setting.

 

We were a little early for our reservation so we parked ourselves at the bar which is in the front foyer (best way to describe it) and proceeded to order the only Prosecco based cocktail.  Obviously amazing and delicious.  Our party arrived and we were seated and started to pour over the endless options on the menu.  We all decided to share the Salumi Di Buca (meat plate) and asked if the chef could select the options.  We also shared the Nodini (warm bread knots in olive oil, rosemary, garlic and sea salt).  I wasn’t a huge fan of the meat plate, to be honest I’ve had better and the bread knots could have been softer but they were still a great small dish to share with the table.

 AC and I shared the Prosciutto pizza and I think my most favourite part was that it came with scissors to cut!  Again, I feel like it wasn’t the best pizza I’ve had but definitely nothing wrong with it.

 

 

The BEST part of the entire meal was by far the dessert.  The tiramisu was to die for.  I may or may not have wanted to bathe in it.  Three of us shared it and from the first spoonful the only thing we kept saying was “Oh my god!”

 

Overall, Buca was an okay experience.  Its highly possible that I didn’t order the right things so I would definitely give it another shot.  There’s a duck egg pasta that View The Vibe wrote about which sounds and looks amazing!  http://viewthevibe.com/toronto-restaurants-buca-on-king-west/

The place is beautiful and really nice for small groups or a one on one.  I will need to go back if only for that tiramisu.

Till Next time!

Buca
604 King Street West
www.buca.ca