Lucien, Downtown

Lucien
36 Wellington St., East
416-504-9990

The decor and atmosphere at Lucien is perfect. An eccentric decor with leather walls, wrought iron and casual setting is a perfect place for drinks and dinner. I had high expectations for Lucien and although the food was very good, it wasn't amazing. The pork belly and spicy kimchee was inventive and flavourful, the rest of the meal was ok. It was heavy with flavour and rich with sauce. It tried too hard. I would recommend drinks and I would not say to avoid the food but don't expect too much. Ranked as James Chatto's #1 in April 2008 Toronto Life I would suggest Colborne Lane, C5 or L'Unita befor heading to Lucien for a culinary feast.

Colborne Lane, Downtown

Colborne Lane
45 Colborne Lane
416-368-9009

I have always been a fan of Claudio Aprile. Of Sense's fame, Chef April open Colborne Lane in 2007 and it is amazing. Classified as Toronto's molecular maestro, he earns the title. Although you may not be fan of the tasting menu it is a must here. I can't even begin to describe the flavour and presentation. We enjoyed a miso-flavoured tune tartare in a cube of perfectly formed iced. Corn doused in liquid nitrogen to make the perfect sweet corn soup and a Hibiscus and salt-cured foie gras that is to die for. Claudio Aprile is recognized as one of Canada's best Chef's and rightly so. I would try for the Chef's table located right by the kitchen for a true picture of life at Colborne Lane. It was ranked at James Chatto's #2 choice in April 2008 Toronto Life but I would definitely say it's #1.

C5, Downtown

On a return visit to C5 we were still impressed by the food. The charcuterie plate was exquisite with Berkshire pork pate, house cure trout and foie gras 'bon-bon' were amazing. The Escolar Tataki was a little bland but the Vindaloo Scented Lamb Loin and Seared Black Cod more than made up for it. The open space and Crystal-like atmosphere added to the atmosphere. I still find the space little too cole and impersonal for my taste but if you are with the right company then a warm and exiting evening with a wonderful McLaren Vale Kangarilla wine will more then make up for it. I would still highly recommend you try C5. Listed as James Chatto's #4 on his Top 10 in April 2008 Toronto Life I would have to list it as #2.

L'unita , Yorkville

134 Avenue Road
416-964-8686

A chic Italian eatery, L'unita is not a typical over-sized plate of pasta type place. It has that intimate feel with modern touches and casual atmosphere that would make you want to eat here 7 days a week. The food is very fresh and the pasta is house-made. My rocket salad with procuitto and pecorino cheese was a perfect start followed by a lovely plate of grilled tuna and char-grilled lemon which gave the tuna a nice smoky flavour. I was able to sample the house-made pasta and although slightly overcooked, the sauce was rich and delicious. If you are looking for a good place to have drinks, they have a great bar. L'unita has received very good reviews as they should. Not overly expensive, it is a must try.

Canoe Restaurant, Downtown

Canoe
54th TD Tower, 66 Wellington St. West
416 364-0054

Canoe was always one of my favourite standby's but I was so disappointed in my last meal there. We started with the Yukon Potato Gnocchi with Crispy Sweetbreads and Foie Gras. It was tasty but very rich and far too heavy for an appetizer. I was glad a opted to share it. I then had the Cumbrae Farms Beef Tenderloin with “Cheeky” Pot Roast, Molten Cheddar Cauliflower & Black Truffle. There was far too much happening on the plate for me to enjoy it. The flavours were not well balanced and the sauce was overly reduced. Jason has the Bison Tenderloin with Hedgehog porriage and potato gnocchi which was good but again, too rich and not well balanced with flavour. I would have chalked it up to a bad night but I have heard from others who have been there recently that they too were disappointed.

C5, Downtown

C5
located in the Royal Ontario Museum
416.586.7928

We had low expectations for C5. I am not a huge fan of the new Crystal addition to the ROM so I think I went with this in mind. I had not read any reviews either, which is sometimes for the best. So my first reaction sitting down was that I didn't like the atmosphere. The room is very contemporary with big white walls and white modern leather furniture. It was a too bright when we entered but they dimmed the lights and that helped. I would still say that the atmosphere wouldn't be my choice as I tend to prefer cozy, intimate restaurants.
But the food...WOW! We were really impressed by the food. I had fresh porcini mushroom linguini with parmesan foam and Jason had the charcuterie plate to start. My pasta was cooked perfectly, with the right amount of sauce and a very flavouful foam on top. Jason charcuterie plate consisted of foie gras pate, Bershire pork terrine and Niagara sausage. Both dishes were delicious. For our mains I opted for the Vindaloo Dorset lamb with cauliflower puree and spatzael while Jason had the 60 day aged Cumbrea's ribeye. Both cooked to a perfect medium-rare and both juicy. My vindaloo was flavourful with a touch of spice but not overwhelming spicy. For dessert we opted for some Cheese Boutique cheeses, which were fresh and lovely.
For wine we had a wonderful red wine, Kangarilla, from South Australia's McLaren Vale region. Overall is was pricy but well worth it.

I would highly recommend that you try C5 for yourself.

New Zealand / Australia

New Zealand

Inspire - located in The Spire Hotel in Queenstown, NZ. On our first night in NZ we enjoyed a 6 course meal at Inspire. The Chef had spent time in Vancouver cooking in many well known restaurants. My favourite dish was the Orange Pepper Soup with Basil foam. It also inspired me to make Chocolate Pannacotta, which we had for dessert, when I returned home.

Wai - also located in Queenstown, NZ. Wai offered many local dishes. I sampled Whitebait fish (tiny white fish, lightly pan-fried), local oysters and of course, famous NZ lamb. Overlooking the lake on a fresh summer evening I will never forget my meal at Wai.

Mollies - the tasting menu, although good, is not what was remarkable about Mollies. As we entered the renovated 18th Century mansion we were invited to cocktails in the 'Opera Room'. As you sip your drinks before dinner you are treated to a few Arias however, we were treated to the string section of the South Africian Orchestra that night. What a lovely treat to be one of ony 20 t a private performance. It is hard to describe the atmosphere of Mollies so I have included a photo. Next time we will not only stay for dinner but also in one of the 14 unique suites.

Te Whau Winery - after our experience at Mollies we wondered how it could ever be topped. Although we knew dinner at the winery would not be as outragous we didn't expect the stunning scenery. The meal was superb (more lamb!) and my seared tuna starter was devine. I have also included a photo or two as words can not begin to describe it.


Australia

Pearl - located in Melbourne, we dined at Pearl for New Year's Eve. It was the best meal I had on our whole trip. We started with Beef Tartare and Beet Root Shoots, Seared Tuna (as good as Te Whau if not better), roasted duck in a red curry (amazing!) and passionfruit pannacotta with Angel Fairy Floss. It was devine, all of it!

Didier, Mid-Town

Didier
1496 Yonge St (at St. Clair)
416-925-8588
www.restaurantdidier.com

When I first walked in a had the feeling like I was in a bistro in Paris. A warm, cozy feeling greeted me and I felt excited. I wondered what took me so long to try one of the top Chef's in Toronto. Chef Didier Leroy was trained in some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris.
The choice for dinner was difficult. The menu offered up much traditional French fare like Cassoulet, Beef Tartare, Seared Quebec Foie Gras and Veal Sweetbreads. I opted for the Seared Quebec Foie Gras followed with the Lamb Wellington. A bit heavy but well worth it. The foie gras was seared to perfection and melted in my mouth. My Lamb Wellington was perfect too. Medium Rare lamb surrounded by a light and buttery puff pastry. We waited 15 minutes for Apple Tart, warmed with house made ice cream. Delicious! I would highly recommend a visit to Didier, infact, I'd insist on it.

Miami / South Beach

Lario's on the Beach
820 Ocean Drive
(305) 532-9577
Owned by Gloria Estefan, Lario's serves excellent Cuban food. You can dance to latin music too. The atmosphere is casual and lots of fun. Very popular, so be sure to make reservations

OLA (Of Latin America)
1745 James Ave.
(305) 695-9125
Latin infusion cusine. It is high-end dining and a tad expensive. Well worth it though. I loved the food here and gthe chef has been deemed one of the most important latin chefs in the world.

Delano Hotel
1685 Collins Ave
(305) 672-2000
See and be seen - I have not eaten here but it is THE place to go for drinks. Dress up in your Saturday night best!