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

Bazara - Sushi on Ossington

One of the most interesting parts about trying new places or going outside of your comfort zone is the feeling of not knowing what to expect.  I love walking into a new restaurant or bar and just taking in the sights and sounds while deciding if I'll end up coming back one day.  Trying to keep "my list" up to date is hard but with the help of Toronto Life, dineTO and other bloggers/sites I can at least try and keep up.  My lovely friends who keep me in the loop are also a HUGE help.

This past week I read about a  new Sushi place on Ossington called Bazara and everyone knows I LOVE my sushi.  So when RM and AC brought up a Friday night outing, I knew we had to try this place out.  Ossington is of course the area in the city that has the most buzz about it right now with new resto's opening up almost weekly and smaller more intimate bars bringing in the non-club district crowd.  All in all its a win-win situation.

Immediately when you walk in to Bazara you don't feel like you're in a typical sushi place.  Its intimately lit, plush booth seating, exposed brick walls and a GORGEOUS chandelier in the middle of the room.  Really great atmosphere for small groups or a one on one.

They don't have a drink menu ready which made ordering drinks a little bit difficult.  We went with a bottle of wine to keep things simple and because we didn't feel like complicating things for the waiter.  Their menu is made up of Chinese, Thai and sushi dishes but turns out that their true speciality is sushi and some of their special rolls.

On the menu for the evening was:
- Chicken Gyoza
- Vegetable Tempura
- Riceless Spicy Tuna and Avocado
- Spicy Salmon Sushi
- Trio Roll
- Hamachi Roll
- Butterfish Sashimi

We also ordered the Bazara roll (their house roll) which never arrived.  Sad.  Its made of smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, seaweed and black rice so we were all super excited to try it.  Check out this picture to get a visual - MUST TRY! http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2013/02/11/bazara/

The food was SUPER delicious and everything tasted really fresh.  The tempura and gyoza didn't feel over fried and the sushi rolls had enough special ingredients to make them different from your typical rolls but not overwhelming so you can't decipher what you're tasting.  After ordering, we thought we got too much food but it was the perfect amount for three people.  The prices are also super reasonable which makes you want to try EVERYTHING on the menu!

 Chicken Gyoza and Vegetable Tempura

 Spicy Tuna and Avocado Riceless Roll (tasted like a salad!)

 Spicy Salmon Sushi Pizza

Trio Roll

Will definitely need to head back soon if not to just the Bazara roll but also try their sweet potato tempura topped with spicy tuna and the deep fried ice cream.

Any takers?

Location:  188 Ossington (Dundas and Ossington)
Atmosphere:  8/10
Service: 8/10
Food:  8/10
Price:  $$

Electrifying Mexican Delights

After starting to pay attention to the dining scene in Toronto you realize that just like fashion we go through our own ebbs and flows of trends.

There was a time when everything was “Enoteca something”.  Then there was mixology which I still don’t completely understand.  Gastro-pub invaded the city for time period which I loved and now it seems to be a trend towards authentic, eclectic and DELICIOUS Mexican food.  From the likes of Playa Cabana, La Carnita and Grand Electric leading the charge, we finally have more options than just Burrito Boyz for our Mexican food fix.

 I’ve been to La Carnita and loved it – review here: http://torontoismine.blogspot.ca/2012/08/la-carnita-fusion-of-food-art-and-music.html and Playa Cabana is still on my list.  I did however get to check out Parkdale’s ever popular Grand Electric.  Just from the lineup that forms outside night after night it was clear this place was building a reputation of its own.  It’s a small little place with hip hop music blaring from its windows and the second you enter its doors you know you’re embarking onto something special.  We got to sit outside in what I like to call their backyard because it’s probably not big enough to be called a patio but feels cozy enough to feel like you’re in your own backyard.  Except you probably don’t have a huge lit up menu like this in your backyard:

 

Ambience Check.  Hip-hop music check.  Cute backyard check.  And really strong tequila drink which I can’t remember the name of (obviously) CHECK!

 

And then came the food.  SO good, so messy and doesn’t matter who you’re with, you’re gonna lick your fingers and the plate CLEAN!

From the selection we decided to go with Baja Fish Taco, Spicy Arbol Chicken, Corn Supreme and Beef Cheek – I was too scared to try the beef cheek, won’t even lie.  Something about the words cheek, belly and other body part names in my food that just throws me off.

 
Everything was to die for.  From the tender tilapia to the smoky heat in the sauces and the fresh citrusy flavors of onions and coriander.

We also tried the special of the night which was sweet and sticky ribs which fell off the bone and made me realize that it had been a LONG time since I had good ribs.

 

 

The line ups in these places really don’t amuse me but I guess it always comes back to the old adage of good things come to those who wait.

Will definitely have to head back to a) figure out what the name of that drink was and b) enjoy the little backyard patio before winter invades our city.

Till next time!

Nothing much on their website:  http://www.grandelectricbar.com/

Follow them on Twitter:  @grandelectricTO

Smith – It’s all in the details

It’s the small things that matter.  Probably one of my favourite life mantras which seems to become more relevant the older I get.  It’s not the expensive piece of jewellery, it’s sending your favourite flowers.  It’s not the fancy dinner but the home cooked meal.  It’s not the 3 hour conversation but the text message to say “I miss you.”.  No matter what it is, the small things ALWAYS matter.

Smith Restaurant located in The Village seems to be one of those places that focuses on the small things if you can make the effort to notice them.  The name comes from the blacksmith themed décor and since opening in 2011 it has quickly become one of the must go-to brunch spots in the city.  Since summer was in full effect on our visit we had to take advantage of their adorable and amusingly romantic back patio.  Its a nice enough place to make you feel special but cozy enough to make you feel right at home.  Even their menu is inspired by traditional comfort foods and traditional  home cooking.

 

One of the first things that I took notice of was how their menu was designed as the morning paper.  Small thing, amazing thing.  There aren't a huge number of things to choose from but the minute the waiter mentioned homemade vanilla whipped cream I was sold – clearly.

 

On the menu for this lovely afternoon with my Sha Sha – Smith Breakfast (two eggs any style, choice of bacon, sausage or pea meal,  hash browns and toast) and the Daily Smith Waffle which today was toasted almond with the homemade vanilla whipped cream.

 

 

Simple, comforting and delicious!  Literally the waffle disappeared in about 5 minutes.  Melt in your mouth DELICIOUS.  Dessert or breakfast? Who knows!

The prices are great, the wait staff friendly and attentive and the food is DAMN good.

Definitely need to go back and get a Smith Benedict in my life.

They also do dinner which again seems to be inspired by good ol’ home cookin’ with a side of style.  Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Meat and Potatoes (aka Steak, crispy fingerlings and Chimmichurri aioli), Creole Catfish, Classic burgers and Mint Lamb.

Only negative thing I can say is that the menu isn’t very vegetarian friendly.

For more information:  http://www.553church.com/

Gusto 101 is Gusto!

Living and working on College Street can sometimes spoil you when it comes to Italian food because there are just SO many options.  I have however quickly discovered that as many options as there are, the actual quality doesn’t always measure up.  It seems that as delicious as the food at some of the places here is it can also feel heavy, bulk-made and sometimes hastily prepared without much attention to the nuances of spices and flavors that bring Italian food to life.

Gusto 101 (which literally means “tasty” in Italian) opened its doors earlier this year by transforming an old auto garage into and open concept, industrial-style feast for both the eyes and the tummy.  The owner has already made her mark and built her reputation off the success of her previous venture Café Nervosa in Yorkville (which I still have to try).  I started hearing rumblings of this place on various different newsletters and blogs and instantly had to add it to my list of places to try.  Judging that the place is always packed to the point where people are spilling outside I was excited to see if the food would live up to the hype.  

The atmosphere is exactly that of what you want for the bustling King West location – loud, busy, crowded with the noise from their open kitchen battling over the conversations from small groups, dates and after work drink seekers.  It’s hard to get reservations for any seating after 6ish so the trick is to get their early.  When you are lucky enough to get a table you are greeted by very friendly and knowledgeable wait-staff who know the menu, know their wines and have stepped into the new age of technology by taking your order on i-Phones.  Love. 

On this sunny Thursday evening we found ourselves in the back corner table ready to indulge!  We ordered our drinks and then promptly decided on appetizers.  They have a great selection of wines and also have their own winery in their basement.  House Wine for only $1 an oz – which is clearly why it was sold out on this visit of ours L  You can also book out the wine cellar in their basement for private group engagements – definitely  need to keep that in mind!

 Fresh Ricotta Bruschette (herbs, maldon sea salt, house made focaccia) and Arancini (rice wild mushrooms, fontina and tomato sauce)

Ever since I first had Arancini at Enoteca Sociale its actually become one of my most favourite appetizers.  Rice stuffed in a deep friend breaded ball?  SIGN ME UP.  The Gusto version was nothing less and literally made me not want to share!  But they do come two in a serving so it’s perfect to split.  The ricotta that came with the bruschetta was maybe the freshest, softest and fluffiest ricotta I’ve ever had, just perfect with the their focaccia and when that ran out, we used our bread basket!

On to the mains!

Spaghetti Chitarra alle Vongole (manila clams, white wine roasted tomatoes, toasted bread crumbs, pepperoncino), Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci (ricotta, spinach, tomato, smoked mozzarella di bufala), Fettucine ai Funghi (portobello, oyster mushroom, porcini, truffle paste, light cream) and Da Dee Pizza (sweet potatoes, cavolo nero, local fior di latte, spanish onions, pecorino, rosemary)

The spaghetti was not my cup of tea just because I’m not the biggest clam/mussels fan.  Just something about the texture but it LOOKED absolutely delicious.  So many textures and colors all in one plate.  The Ravioli was also nothing to write home about but still a great option if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish that’s simple.  My FAVOURITE pasta dish was by far the Fettuccine.  First of all, we all know my love for anything with cream and mushrooms so this was already a winner before it even got to the table.  It was full of flavor and each bite just melted in your mouth.  It doesn’t rival the mushroom pasta from Spuntini but it’s definitely up there.  The Da Dee pizza was an interesting choice.  We weren’t sure how the sweet potatoes and kale would work together but they actually created a perfect blend of bitter and sweet.  Not sure I’d go for it again but glad I tried it.

Looking at the menu now it looks like I’ve tried all the pastas that I would (and clearly have a favourite) but would love to try some of their pizzas.  The Funghi, Prosciutto and Salisicce are all on my list.  They also have some great salad options (starter and meal options) but who can go for a salad when there’s so many delicious options.

And Finally Dessert!

Being that we were 4 girls, there was really only one option – the Dessert Platter!

Dessert isn’t on their menu but from what I remember this included a caramel crème Brule, mini cinnabons, and mini chocolate cupcakes.  The Crème Brule was the clear winner of them all.

So all in all the food was sort of hit and miss.  You almost need to figure out what your favourite dish is and then not stray from it.  I found mine but feel excited that there are still some other options to try.  I’ll definitely be back seeing as Gusto 101 is so close to home, their open late Thursday-Saturday, have Brunch AND are opening their 90 seat roof top patio this summer!

Till Next time!

Address:  101 Portland Street (King and Portland)

Parking:  Plenty of street parking and lots

Price:  $$

Food:  7.5/10

Ambiance:  8/10

Service:  9/10

Bangkok Garden – Winterlicious

Better late than never, it’s been a busy week!

For my last Winterlicious adventure I went to what I’ve heard is a Toronto staple in Thai dining and has been around for almost 30 years – Bangkok Garden on Elm Street. I had first heard about this place when I was  booking a spa day at Elmwood Spa because they have great packages which include dining at Bangok Garden as part of your retreat. I then discovered that it was actually one of the first Thai places to open up in the city.

Upon walking up to the small awning on Elm Street you would think that the space would be very small and quaint but to your surprise (and mine) you will find a large, open, two storey venue with a lush garden inside and a small river running through the main floor. The lighting is dim and the ceiling is adorned with wooden fixtures and lighting. It definitely surprised me because it almost felt like the design didn’t belong in Toronto – it felt like an older uncle of the famous New York Tao but their carpets and upholstery could DEFINITELY use some upgrades!

We sat down to our meal and quickly ordered our drinks and then made our choices for the meal – everything on the menu looked so good, a great combination of crowd favorites and adventurous options.

On the Menu:

Appetizers:
Chicken Satay – tender strips of chicken marinated in coconut milk with a hint of curry and barbequed to perfection, served with peanut sauce and tangy cucumber salad
Thai Calamari – Calamari marinated in a Thai curry powder batter and fried until golden crisp, served with sweet chili garlic dipping sauce

Mains:
Seafood Pad Thai – Thai rice noodles stir-fried with black tiger shrimp, scallops, calamari and eggs in a homemade tamarind sauce
Grilled Lemon Grass Cornish Hen – Cornish Hen marinated in lemon grass and hoisin sauce grilled to perfection and served with stir-fried vegetables and steamed jasmine rice

Dessert:
Banana Fritter & Coconut Ice Cream

The appetizers were both exactly as described and because the calamari was fried (NOT the healthy option) I definitely indulged. The sauce they came with is one of my favourites, perfect combo of sweet and spicy. The chicken was juicy and tender and I actually didn’t mind the peanut sauce so much. Both these appetizers were great for sharing which of course we did!

The pad thai was pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary but still delicious. I still wonder about this rumor that the pad thai sauce used in restaurants is really just ketchup….

The seafood helpings in the pad thai was very generous and we still wiped the plate clean so no complaints. The Cornish Hen was also great – mainly because of the lemon grass. I didn’t actually know what lemon grass was but whatever it is, it made my chicken DELISH and added the perfect kick. After my duck experience at Origin, anything I see that’s marinated in hoisin sauce I’m all up for trying. So good. except that the portion was HUGE as you can see by the picture. No way we could finish this one.

Coconut ice cream.  That’s all I have to say.  Ever since my Barcelona excursion a few years ago I can’t ever have plain vanilla and I'm still on the search of where I can buy a tub of coconut ice cream so it’s always in my freezer.  The banana fritter was a great companion but for me, it was all about the ice cream.

All in all a good meal, definitely not something you would be taking a risk on if you ventured out there. I feel if they were to update their décor a little, throw in a kick-ass DJ nestled in the garden/flowing river, they could have a pretty happening spot on their hands.

And so another Winterlicious closes with some great success and a few extra pounds to burn off at the gym! So when does Summerlicious start???

Address:  18 Elm Street, 416-977-6748
Parking:  Street parking if you're lucky, otherwise you might have to look around
Price:  $$
Service:  7.5/10
Food: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10

Chilling in Distillery

I officially LOVE the Distillery District. From the cobblestone streets to the twinkling lights in the trees and the live jazz music playing in the center of the square, it truly is a little piece of Toronto which is probably so underappreciated but has so much charm and personality. Depending on how you choose to spend your time here, it could feel like New York City’s Soho, LA or the historic streets of any European city, but luckily its all Toronto and all ours! The area is a combination of restaurants, café’s and businesses all housed in beautifully restored industrial buildings that combine modern design while keeping the history of the area alive.

“The Distillery District is a national Historic Site with an incredibly rich history. The site was once The Gooderham and Worts Distillery, and represents the largest and best preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture in North America”

The night was perfect, a gentle warm breeze in the air, three besties out to spend some good ol’ QT together and of course indulge in some great food, potent drinks and great conversation. Love you monkies!


We started out our night at the Pure Spirits Oyster House and Grill. The first thing we all noticed was how HUGE and spacious their patio was. Apparently voted as one of Toronto’s Best Patios, it doesn’t make for a good people watching venue but definitely caters to large groups or small intimate encounters. The menu is full of fresh seafood infused options which even non-seafood lovers like me will find delectable. I had unfortunately already had dinner so I was only checking out the drink menu but TR opted for the a fish that I can’t remember and for some reason is not on their online menu and BK went for Summerlicious – Ahi Tuna Tartar with Banyuls vinaigrette and a spicy avocado salad, Tagliatelle with goat cheese, arugula and sundried tomatoes and the chocolate Trio.

Note to Kultura – looks like ordering off the main menu and Summerlicious IS possible.

Even though the wine took forever to arrive (so long that we cancelled), my mojito was lacking in taste and the waiter looked like he wanted to stab us with a fork – the food was DELICIOUS. I’m not a huge seafood fan, everyone knows this, but from what I sampled and tasted it was fresh, full of flavor (but not so much to take away from the dishes) and appropriately portioned. Tina’s fish was draped in a smoked salmon sauce which was new to the both of us and sat on a bed of soft and flowy mash potatoes. The Ahi Tuna Tar was SO good and although the pasta was pretty standard, we all know my love for anything with goat cheese.


On the menu for next time:
Smoked Pacific Salmon Flatbread
Chili Tiger Prawns
Olive Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Address: 55 Mill Street, 416-361-5859
Parking: Big Lot right out on Mill Street, street parking if you look around
Price: $$$
Service: 6/10
Food: 8/10
Ambience: 9/10




With our bellies full but still no wine consumed by the girls we decided to hop and skip (maybe literally) across the restaurant to The Boiler House. IS THIS PLACE FOR REAL? As you walk down the aisle which is lined with life size lit up planters from the outside entrance, you look to the left and there’s a full sized bar with tables full of people chatting and drinking away and then you look to the right and there are GORGEOUS cabana tables with huge beds all sectioned off with flowing white drapery and dim lights. There are also smaller but still cozy couches for smaller groups. The DJ blends a great mix of smooth 80s and 90s R&B and soul which creates the perfect backdrop for chilling with a drink or a romantic, relaxing night out. With martinis and wine in hand we sat back and just took in the atmosphere and were in shock that this place was not packed. Apparently it was an off night and on a regular Saturday its bumpin’! Definite re-do in store!

Note: Heading out for their Sunday Brunch which is voted Best Brunch by Toronto Life magazine, made-up of an all you can eat buffet and live jazz. Can’t think of a better way to spend lazy Sundays!

Update (08/11): The Brunch is great! Not necessarily the greatest diversity in the food, pretty much your basics but a HUGE selection ranging from breakfast favourites to lunch items. They even had a waffle bar although the chef had FML written all over his face. The best part of this brunch was by far the ambience - live jazz music, the hustle and bustle of the massive space that is the Boiler House and of course the bottomless cup of joe which is perfect after a Saturday night debacle :)


Address: 55 Mill Street, 416-203-2121
Parking: Big Lot right out on Mill Street, street parking if you look around
Price: n/a
Service: 8/10
Food: n/a
Ambience: 9.5/10

Discovering Liberty Village

The feeling I had this past Friday night was exactly what I was hoping for when I set out on this journey and writing this blog. I said I wanted to discover and explore Toronto and so, I'm amazed when I uncover an area which up to now has been completely unknown. I always knew where Liberty Village was, drove by there often and even partied there (Maro anyone? lol), but to actually walk around and take in the area is completely different.

We started off our newest culinary adventure with some bevies at The Brazen Head Pub. As far as pubs go it isn’t any different from anything I’ve been to before. But the patios. Oh the patios. This THREE-FLOOR pub has the most outdoor seating that I’ve ever seen. Just make sure that you get on the right side (not literally right) of the place otherwise you could be dealing with some serious wind/breeze on what is otherwise a beautiful day. Another thing that sets this pub apart from the others is their choice to steer away from the standard pub fare. I mean don’t get me wrong, they have your burgers, nachos and being an Irish pub all the traditional Irish pub favorites, but they also have a great selection of salads (not just caeser and garden) and more grown-up options like the Baked Brie, Tempura Halibut bites, Baja Chicken Tacos and a Portobello Quesadilla. Great venue to waste away the lazy weekend days or drown the after work stress.

Address: 165 East Liberty Street

Sometimes when a place is recommended to me more than just a few times I get my hopes really high and then get inevitably disappointed. Caffino did NOT disappoint. After developing a slight beer buzz from the Brazen head we took a leisurely stroll to King Street for dinner at this hidden gem – literally, because the building (which happens to be the old Carpet Manufacturing building) is COVERED in greenery and moss. Once you walk through the iron gates and across the walkway you are inside a sweet and beautiful little restaurant that feels as if it’s been plucked out of The Secret Garden. Very vintage and European inspired with the high ceilings, large windows, mosaic décor, white linens and floral center pieces. The view is their very own patio which I must make sure to discover at some point this summer.

They had a great list of martinis’ to choose from but the highly recommended Pomegranate martini was my choice of the evening. On the menu for the 5 dining divas:

Martinis: Pomegranate, Lychee, Chocolate, Espresso
Bruschetta
Rigatoni Bolognese – Rigatoni with a homemade meat sauce
Penne a La Puglia – Penne with sausage, roasted red peppers, black olives and baby spinach in a spicy plum tomato sauce
Pasta a La Veneziana – Casarecci pasta with smoked chicken, bacon, onions, sun dried tomatoes, baby spinach and mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce
Pasta Toscana – Parpadelle with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a roasted garlic wine cream sauce
Antonietta Pizza – tomato base topped with goat cheese, spinach, grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes and drizzled with pesto

Be-still my heart and stomach. There are no words. Our table was speechless aside from the noises being made from sheer delight and satisfaction. And yes, this reaction was caused by FOOD.

AMAZING, I wish my vocabulary was wider to find some better word but there just isn’t. By far some of the best Italian food that I’ve had. The owner has made a commitment to bringing traditional tastes and flavors from being brought up in an Italian home and she has found her recipe for success. Literally. The sausage penne (which clearly you’ve seen is my go to meal) had the perfect kick to it and was paired with the right amount of veggies. The pizza I could have done without to be honest. The other pastas that I sampled from the other ladies were each different and unique in their taste yet amazingly full of fresh ingredients and flavor.

Pair the food with a beautiful venue, kick ass service an affordable prices – I’ve found a keeper!

Address: 1185 King Street West
416-588-9010 (good idea to make reservations)
Parking: street parking and I believe there’s a lot close by
Price: $$ - Affordable
Ratings:
Ambience – 9.5/10
Service – 9.5/10
Food – 9/10 (damn pizza)

My sad disclaimer: I WOULD have had better pictures but my camera was left in a cab (did I mention the martinis were strong...)

My Perfect Man...as a Restaurant

Walking around college and trying to pick a restaurant is like being a kid in a candy shop. OR to relate more to myself - being a girl in her 20s in a boutique with SO MANY clothes to choose from! On this beautiful Thursday I found myself walking around College street and decided to try out Kalendar, the famous Kalendar that I’d heard so much about, known about for so long and still hadn’t tried out. After about a 20 minute wait, and a very attentive dining partner, we scored a prime seat on their packed patio which is perfect for dining and people watching on a balmy summer night.

Much to my surprise, and delight (shocking I know), there was a slight Indian touch to their meals. There was a prominent use of naan in many of their appetizers and their pizza crust is made up of a “thin dahl-puri crust”. Interesting. Their appetizers consisted mainly of hummus dips, breads (naans) and traditional Italian fare such as bruschetta and mussels. They also had what seemed to be one of their signature options called Nannettes - appetizer size oven baked naan bread with various fillings). The mains were also a combination of standard Italian pastas and pizzas as well as another signature item called Scrolls – Kalendar’s crepe style roti with various fillings served with a dinner salad.

On the menu for the evening:
Warm Mushroom Salad – a mix of wild mushrooms with sun dried tomatoes and apple sautéed in Cassis, served in a radicchio cup on a bed of belgum endive
Scroll Five – oven roasted chicken, avocado, plum tomatoes, feta & herbed mayonnaise with a side salad

Food was great and the portions were HUGE. The scroll five with the side salad was shared amongst 2 people and it was MORE than enough. Being that it was a first time visit here I think played it safe with my Scroll option. So next time I think I may have to walk on the wilder side. I’m thinking Scroll Four – tomato meat sauce with spicy Italian sausage, parmesan, sundried tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions and mixed peppers. YUM.

Ambience and service were both fantastic – the place is perfect for a dinner out with the girls, but the cozy atmosphere, candle lit tables and greenery covered patio roof makes it an intimate spot for a romantic rendez-vous. Our waitress was friendly and beyond accommodating.

Overall this place could be compared to as my perfect man – Italian by nature with a little Indian flare, cozy and comforting yet romantic at the right times, delicious yet satisfying and keeps you coming back for more!

For next time and the time after that…
Coffee – I know this sounds weird but apparently the beans have been infused with cinnamon for an amazing flavor
Warm apple/walnut salad – chopped apples and walnuts sautéed in a sweet brandy sauce over chevre cheese on a bed of greens
Nannette One – pesto, plum tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil
Scroll Four – tomato meat sauce with spicy Italian sausage, parmesan, sundried tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms, onions and mixed peppers
Scroll Six – roast beef, portabella mushrooms, caramelized onion, asiago cheese & plum tomatoes with a horseradish mayonnaise
Scroll Seven – mara curry, a 7 vegetable spiced red curry with chickpeas, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions

I also keep hearing about their brunch – BK you in??

Address: 546 College Street
416.923.4138
Parking: plenty of street parking
Price: $$ - Affordable
Ratings:
Ambience – 9/10
Service – 9/10
Food – 8/10