Brassaii should have some of those massive search lights dancing out front with red carpets rolled out, because it is far more deserving that its modest exterior. The Toronto International Film Festival even held a private party there the weekend after we visited, so its quality speaks above its modesty.
Unfortunately they were painting the patio, so we couldn't sit outside for what will likely be the last time we go out this year when it's still warm enough to sit outside. Inside was grand but comfortable. The building used to be a warehouse, and the open space is maintained as much as possible. The colours are various washes of grey with plenty of windows which creates a refreshing sort of warmth in the large space, and allows emphasis on the beauty of the unique and minimalist pieces.
Like Milagro, Brassaii doesn't serve dinner until 5:30pm, but their bar remains open from lunch onwards, so we had a choice of 2 Prosecco wines to enjoy while we chatted the time away. Their menu has both a al carte choices and prix fixe choices, as well as daily specials for each day of the week. We were both excited we chose to go on the day they have the fresh lobster roll special! So naturally, they were out. Our server recommended the nicoise salad or duck confit, but I went with the house made sausage ravioli with fennel, and Chela went with the house made pappardelle (which is a type of pasta we learned) in a tomato sauce with capers, olives and eggplant.
Both were to die for, probably the most impressed I've been since we started our dinners! There's something to be said for fresh homemade pasta, that's for sure.
The dessert menu has many delicious goodies listed, far better than a list of sugary stuff you know came frozen. Chela had (and shared) their flourless chocolate torte, served with mint and ice cream. Other tasty looking items were the apple crumble with butterscotch sauce, carrot cake with candies walnuts, and white chocolate orange crème brulée. I had the strangest craving for port, but didn't see it on the menu. I asked our excellent server if they carried port, and he proceeded to bring me two samples of port so I could choose the one I liked best.
Everything about this restaurant was flawless and enjoyable. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant, the atmosphere was very calming, even the music was great (pop and rock songs sung in a jazz/lounge remix). The menu is diverse but not overwhelmingly large and the prices are very fair. I highly recommend this spot for any occassion.
