Restaurant and Jazz Review: Dominion on Queen

500 Queen St E ( at Sumach)
416.368 3693

I have just discovered the perfect way to celebrate summer on a Sunday afternoon. Mark Sundays on your calendar from 3:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m. Come hungry and thirsty and prepared to hear outstanding jazz. The trio plays outside on the patio. This is an interesting part of town. Little old houses still remain as part of historical Toronto. There is a surge of building going on. Little galleries and new town houses are sprouting up in the area. The building at 500 Queen St looks as if it could tell many historical stories. Now it is a café/ bar featuring great music. Today the Ed Vokurka Trio is playing. Ed is the winner of the 2006 National Jazz Award as Violinist of the Year. He is great. It is showmanship and skilled violin playing all the way. When he plays When Time Goes By I always shed a tear and I have heard him play it often. It is obvious that he loves his music and it is great entertainment. Alex Goodman is currently studying jazz at the Faculty of Music at U of T. He plays two types of guitars and gets my vote for the most upcoming jazz musician in the city. Maxine Willan is always perfect on the keyboard. Together the sounds meld and you are in for a treat.
This is a great place to have a meal. The outside patio is attractive and inviting. There is also a large indoor area. A large selection of fine beers and cocktails are offered as well as wine. You can have a drink and nibble on a starter or order something much more substantial.
Wings are served mild, medium or hot. 1 lb is $7.95. Nachos are served with cheese and olives. ($9.95) Fried Calamari is served with a jalapeno mayo dip.($7.95) Italian Spring Rolls are filled with red pepper, onion, rapini, olives and artichoke. ($5.95)
Burgers are served on Ace Bakery buns. A 6 oz. Dominion Burger comes with fries or sweet potato taters. ($8.50)
Grilled Panini or Sandwiches are a favorite item on the menu. Ace Bakery bread is used and served with a side salad. Pesto Chicken Panini offers roasted chicken, wild mushrooms, Mozzarella cheese and pesto.($8.25) The Veggie Panini will be my choice on my next visit. Grilled eggplant, sweet peppers, zucchini, Asia go cheese and a sun dried tomato spread are combined for a yummy taste. ($7.25) The Rueben Sandwich combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing on a fresh European rye.($9.95) A variety of salads is offered for the ‘good health watchers.’ Spinach Salad is a combination of baby spinach, mushrooms, sprouts, served with a poppy seed, honey, and mustard dressing. It is topped with egg, Mozzarella cheese, strawberries and roasted almonds. What a feast!
Entrees are also available on the menu. They are served with seasonal vegetables and a choice of potato or fries. Seared Salmon Filet is topped with mango salsa. ($15.95)
Please save room for dessert. Who could refuse to try the Chocolate Truffle Royale? Chocolate cake is layered with dark chocolate truffle with a further layer of white delicate chocolate truffle. It is all topped with caramel and roasted pecans. I can’t wait to try the Caramel Wacky Apple. A sweet crust is baked with caramel, custard, apples and nuts. Desserts are $5.95)
Come for the music. Come for the food. Your spirits will soar and your stomach will also thank you.