O&B Canteen

A new restaurant opened along with the new TIFF Bell Lightbox in the entertainment district. It's a branch of Oliver & Bonacini, who typically receives good reviews.



It's more of a nine-to-fiver's lunch spot, where you can order your pre-prepared food cafeteria style, but for those not on-the-go, they have a full service dinner menu. We started with the potted shrimp appetizer, and Tia had the vegetarian curry, and I had the gnocchi. Once again, we were faced with no prosseco, so we each had a glass of rose. For dessert, Tia had the fruit and I had the lemon posset.

I think I would rather come here for lunch, because the somewhat posh menu didn't really fit the atmosphere of being meshed with grab-'n-go lunch. But the food was delicious, service excellent, and overall and fantastic experience. O&B is high on my list now!

Trios Bistro

We tried to visit Superior Restaurant, but alas, it is closed. So we went on a last minute recommendation to Trios Bistro. The atmosphere was very bright with high ceilings, giving an airy, warm effect that was welcoming.

The menu has a surprisingly eclectic selection, and we started with the scallops appetizer. I had the lamb korma, while Chela had a yummy looking swordfish dish. There was no option for prosseco, so we did without this time around, and instead had the Seguras Vidas sparkling wine. We shared crème brulée for dessert too.

This restaurant was surprisingly lovely. We had an early dinner, but I think we were the only ones there. It made for great service, but kind of an awkward atmosphere being the only patrons at such a fine dining establishment. I would recommend it for special occasions.

Reds Bistro

I'm prejudiced about Red's Bistro, as it is a SIR Corp owned restaurant, and I think highly of their service conducts, having worked at another of their restaurants, Jack Astor's during my University career.



I wasn't disappointed in my expectations. I always find with SIR Corp, you know what to expect and they deliver every time. But they didn't have prosseco.

Tia had the beef tenderloin, and I had the veal daily special. Both were fabulous, and we enjoyed them with the recommended accompanying wine. Everything about this restaurant was a 10. Aside from being a bit pricey, everything was delicious and the experience was pleasurable.

Cafe Arepa

My aunt Chela and I have been on a hunt for good Venezuelan cooking, which is a surprising rarity in all that Toronto's ethnic communities have to offer. While browsing online for restaurants to visit this November, I found a small one that opened not too long ago, called Cafe Arepa.





An arepa is a traditional Venezuelan dish made of cornmeal, and kind of looks like an English Muffin. You can prepare them in any way you feel creative.





I washed down my Pabellon arepa with an amazing raw brown sugar cane lemonade. Chela had the pork and tomato arepa and quite enjoyed it.



The cafe was chic and quiet, pretty nice for not being a formal restaurant. The servers are ethnic and can answer many questions about the traditional cuisine. We had a nice time here, and enjoyed browsing this area of Queen street with its artsy boutiques on our way to the cafe.

Sassafraz

It's Winterlicious time again, so we booked Sassafraz on Chela's request, as she's always had and interest in checking this spot out.



I had been here before one evening for drinks, and sat out on the patio to watch the night life go by. I wasn't overly impressed that night, and since then I haven't heard great things about this venue. It was a pleasant surprise when my aunt and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the posh ambiance with pleasant service. The food was delicious too!

We enjoyed a glass of our signature prosecco each to start. For our mains, I had the 6 oz. Canadian Beef tenderloin with grilled onion "smashed" potatoes, pea puree and lobster butter Americaine, and Chela had the Pumpkin Risotto with truffle infused wild mushrooms. Everything was delicious and impecable. The restaurant was completely packed and that affected our service a bit, but our server was very attentive and friendly. This is a great spot in an upscale area, with prices to match. We have been to other restaurants with the same enjoyable atmosphere and service, with better menus, for lesser prices.

Tea at the Four Seasons

We're keeping up with our afternoon tea tradition just before the Christmas holidays. This year we ventured to Lobby Bar at the Four Seasons.



The three tiered platter they serve with tea was delicious, and I was pleased that the amount of tiny samples was enough to satisfy my hungry belly! The service here was exceptional. I really enjoy tucking into afternoon tea, it's a nice way to change things up a bit, and to start into the Christmas spirit.

Le Select

In October, we visited Le Select, a quaint French restaurant adjacent to my office. This restaurant is known for their repeating award winning wine list.



The atmosphere here is exactly what you'd expect from a classy French restaurant, with the upscale decor, prompt service, and tasty looking menu.



My aunt had the PAVÉ DE BŒUF « AU POIVRE », which is a centre cut filet with a peppercorn, brandy and cream sauce, and it was decadent. I had the GIGOT D’AGNEAU AU JUS, which is leg of lamb with lemon and rosemary sauce, and it too was mouth watering. The wine paring certainly lived up to the award winning status, however as we browsed the textbook they call a wine list, there was no prosecco by the glass, so we simply had to settle for cava, which brought me back to Barcelona in an instant.

Needless to say, this restaurant was thoroughly enjoyable and is a solid guarantee for a great evening anytime. Highly recommended!