Sotto Sotto
116a Avenue Rd
(416) 962-0011
www.sottosotto.ca
They claim to be the most romantic Italian restaurant in the city and I have to admit it could very well be. You enter down the stairs into an brick-exposed, candle-lit room and you feel the warmth. The lights are low so you only see the person you are with but you know others are around because it's a bit noisy. That adds to the charm. We sampled Grilled polenta with sauteed muchrooms and a cream sauce as well as the Caprese Salad - which we had to order more of, it was that good. Rarely do you find the real Buffalo Mozzarella that melts in your mouth but Sotto Sotto has it. I had the whole fresh fish for dinner and it was moist and perfectly cooked. The food here is always excellent. They have been around for so long and are so well known you are always guaranteed an excellent meal. The service was quick and friendly. Errors were quickly fixed. A must try - just don't even think about walking in. Reservations are a must.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tappo Wine Bar, Distillery District
Tappo Wine Bar and Restaurant
Historic Distillery District
55 Mill St., Building 3
(647) 430-1111
www.tappo.ca
The atmosphere at Tappo is terrific. Very cozy and intimate. I loved the open brink walls and the Distillery District feel. The service was good, a bit slow considering we had to be at the Soulpepper Theatre by 8 pm but as our guests pointed out, the service was typically Italian - as in take your time, eat and drink. I would have liked another hour to drink wine and have some dessert but the theatre wouldn't wait for that. The food wasn't as good as I would have expected. My Caprese salad was perfectly fine but I had just dined at Sotto Sotto a few nights before so I was comparing the two and it wasn't as good as my Sotto Sotto Caprese. My veal was perfectly cooked but my whole meal was drenched in a rich sauce. The risotto seemed to lack flavour and was a bit too firm. Good risotto has to jiggle in the bowl. We missed dessert (due to the slow service) so I can't say what it would have been like. I would not make a special trip to Tappo but if I in the Distillery District and I want to stop for drinks somewhere I would enjoy a glass (or two) of Italian wine at the bar.
Historic Distillery District
55 Mill St., Building 3
(647) 430-1111
www.tappo.ca
The atmosphere at Tappo is terrific. Very cozy and intimate. I loved the open brink walls and the Distillery District feel. The service was good, a bit slow considering we had to be at the Soulpepper Theatre by 8 pm but as our guests pointed out, the service was typically Italian - as in take your time, eat and drink. I would have liked another hour to drink wine and have some dessert but the theatre wouldn't wait for that. The food wasn't as good as I would have expected. My Caprese salad was perfectly fine but I had just dined at Sotto Sotto a few nights before so I was comparing the two and it wasn't as good as my Sotto Sotto Caprese. My veal was perfectly cooked but my whole meal was drenched in a rich sauce. The risotto seemed to lack flavour and was a bit too firm. Good risotto has to jiggle in the bowl. We missed dessert (due to the slow service) so I can't say what it would have been like. I would not make a special trip to Tappo but if I in the Distillery District and I want to stop for drinks somewhere I would enjoy a glass (or two) of Italian wine at the bar.
TRU, Chicago
TRU
676 North Saint Clair St., Chicago
(312) 202-0001
www.trurestaurant.com
What can I say...it was probably the best meal I have ever had. It wasn't just the food, it was the food and the service combined. When you first walk in you expect pretention but not so. Even though Open Table had made an error with our reservation the restaurant graciously fixed it for us and we had a table when we could have easily been turned away. We started with cocktails. I have never seen a beer poured from a stering silver holder before - there is always a first. Then the sommalier tasted the wine to be sure that is wasn't corked, another first. We were seated at our table for four and a very friendly server explained the menu to us in great detail. It was hard to choose. I opted for the Beef Tartare with red pepper and zucchini - it was the most unique tartare I have ever had. My husband tried the Beef Cheek Ravioli with Marrow Orange Bordelaise and it was the popular choice around the table. Another friend had the Lobster Soup and again, it was devine. For our main course all of our choices were perfect and the delivery of the food was perfectly syncronized. Dessert is another story all together. Chocolate all around - the souffle was better then the one I had at the Trump Taj Mahal a few years back, now moving into the favourite souffle category. The highlight of the night was the candy cart. 12-15 homemade candies ranging from chocolate lollypops to fruit gels this was our version of a kid in a candy store. We ended the meal with a glass of 40 year old Graham's Port and off we went with cookbook in hand.
If you are ever in Chicago and you have the chance to eat at TRU you will not be disappointed. It has been 2 weeks and we are still talking about how great it was and I am sure we will continue to do so for many more months.
676 North Saint Clair St., Chicago
(312) 202-0001
www.trurestaurant.com
What can I say...it was probably the best meal I have ever had. It wasn't just the food, it was the food and the service combined. When you first walk in you expect pretention but not so. Even though Open Table had made an error with our reservation the restaurant graciously fixed it for us and we had a table when we could have easily been turned away. We started with cocktails. I have never seen a beer poured from a stering silver holder before - there is always a first. Then the sommalier tasted the wine to be sure that is wasn't corked, another first. We were seated at our table for four and a very friendly server explained the menu to us in great detail. It was hard to choose. I opted for the Beef Tartare with red pepper and zucchini - it was the most unique tartare I have ever had. My husband tried the Beef Cheek Ravioli with Marrow Orange Bordelaise and it was the popular choice around the table. Another friend had the Lobster Soup and again, it was devine. For our main course all of our choices were perfect and the delivery of the food was perfectly syncronized. Dessert is another story all together. Chocolate all around - the souffle was better then the one I had at the Trump Taj Mahal a few years back, now moving into the favourite souffle category. The highlight of the night was the candy cart. 12-15 homemade candies ranging from chocolate lollypops to fruit gels this was our version of a kid in a candy store. We ended the meal with a glass of 40 year old Graham's Port and off we went with cookbook in hand.
If you are ever in Chicago and you have the chance to eat at TRU you will not be disappointed. It has been 2 weeks and we are still talking about how great it was and I am sure we will continue to do so for many more months.
Soma Chocolatemaker, Distillery District
Soma Chocolatemaker
Historic Distillery District
55 Mill St, building 48
(416) 815-7662
www.somachocolate.com
Mayan Hot Chocolte! It's worth the trip to the Distillery. You can even buy it to make at home but for some reason I think it would be better enjoyed while wondering through the Distillery. They have all things chocolate - truffles, candies, bars, chocolate covered nuts and everything is amazingly delicious. They have some of the worlds best chocolate, like Amedei from Italy available and you can buy in bulk so your favourite chocolate cake will never be the same.
Historic Distillery District
55 Mill St, building 48
(416) 815-7662
www.somachocolate.com
Mayan Hot Chocolte! It's worth the trip to the Distillery. You can even buy it to make at home but for some reason I think it would be better enjoyed while wondering through the Distillery. They have all things chocolate - truffles, candies, bars, chocolate covered nuts and everything is amazingly delicious. They have some of the worlds best chocolate, like Amedei from Italy available and you can buy in bulk so your favourite chocolate cake will never be the same.
Brick Street Bakery, Distillery District
Brick Street Bakery
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill St., Building 45a
(416) 214-4949
www.brickstreetbakery.com
Fresh, fresh and fresh! That is the best way to describe this bakery. The breads are wonderful and fresh. You have to try the Boxing Day Sandwich - turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. It is delicious. I did not have a chance to try the desserts but they looked great and if they are anything like their breads and sandwiches I am sure they will be yummy.
Once you have had your Brick Street Sandwich head to Soma Chocolatemaker for a Mayan Hot Chocolate. They are both worth a special trip to the Distillery District.
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill St., Building 45a
(416) 214-4949
www.brickstreetbakery.com
Fresh, fresh and fresh! That is the best way to describe this bakery. The breads are wonderful and fresh. You have to try the Boxing Day Sandwich - turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. It is delicious. I did not have a chance to try the desserts but they looked great and if they are anything like their breads and sandwiches I am sure they will be yummy.
Once you have had your Brick Street Sandwich head to Soma Chocolatemaker for a Mayan Hot Chocolate. They are both worth a special trip to the Distillery District.
Amaya, the indian room, Mid-town
Amaya, the indian room
1701 Bayview Ave
www.amayarestaurant.com
(416) 322-3270
i am not sure about this place. The problem is, I love authentic Indian food and I didn't feel Amaya measured up. That being said, if you don't typically eat Indian then this would be a great place to go. The flavours are mild enough to satisfy any palet and yet they were also spicy. The atmosphere is not overwhelming or intimidating and just had a hint of Indian. It was booked solid on a Thursday night so reservations are a must and they have just started delivery if you live in the area. You can have it delivered by calling Amaya Express at (416) 322-0020. I will definitely go for the delivery but for my Indian dining I will still head down to the Lahore Tikka House on Gerrard.
1701 Bayview Ave
www.amayarestaurant.com
(416) 322-3270
i am not sure about this place. The problem is, I love authentic Indian food and I didn't feel Amaya measured up. That being said, if you don't typically eat Indian then this would be a great place to go. The flavours are mild enough to satisfy any palet and yet they were also spicy. The atmosphere is not overwhelming or intimidating and just had a hint of Indian. It was booked solid on a Thursday night so reservations are a must and they have just started delivery if you live in the area. You can have it delivered by calling Amaya Express at (416) 322-0020. I will definitely go for the delivery but for my Indian dining I will still head down to the Lahore Tikka House on Gerrard.
Julie's Restaurant & Bar, Queen West
Julie's Cuban Restaurant & Bar
202 Dovercourt Rd
(416) 532-7397
Cuba is not normally known for it's cuisine but Julie's steps it up. I really enjoyed this place for it's authentic feel. A small, off the path place tucked onto Dovercourt you would never know how good it was inside. When you enter, you feel like you have stepped into a Cuban restaurant and an instant craving for Mojito will over come you. The Mojitos are made the right way with lots of mint and lots of rum. The portions are huge and so very tasty. We had a big group so we were able to sample lots of tapas to start. The ceviche, fritters and quesidilla all ranked very very high with our group. i would highly recommend you try out Julie's some time but be sure to make a reservation first.
202 Dovercourt Rd
(416) 532-7397
Cuba is not normally known for it's cuisine but Julie's steps it up. I really enjoyed this place for it's authentic feel. A small, off the path place tucked onto Dovercourt you would never know how good it was inside. When you enter, you feel like you have stepped into a Cuban restaurant and an instant craving for Mojito will over come you. The Mojitos are made the right way with lots of mint and lots of rum. The portions are huge and so very tasty. We had a big group so we were able to sample lots of tapas to start. The ceviche, fritters and quesidilla all ranked very very high with our group. i would highly recommend you try out Julie's some time but be sure to make a reservation first.
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