Restaurant Review: George

111A Queen St E. ( at Church)
416.863.6006

I have just been to heaven and loved every moment. Is this the best kept secret in town? Probably not because the patio was filled on this gorgeous summer evening. From the minute you enter this establishment you know you are in for an elegant, top of the line experience. This former chocolate factory has been transformed into a designer’s dream. The soft green walls balance with the mauve chairs. Dramatic highlights jump out at you to make you feel you are in a gallery. The outdoor patio is one of the most attractive in this city. The open kitchen area has more people working here than you can imagine. It was like a bee hive bustling with activity. No wonder. Wait until you see the food presentation. Chef Lorenzo Loseto is an artist. Not only does he buy the freshest available, he lets you know about the produce selected in an interesting newsletter. The combination of herbs and flavors are magic and the presentation is a work of art. This is a place to celebrate. Private rooms are also available. I would be tempted to try the tasting menu on my next visit. I was fascinated to discover that this restaurant is part of Verity, a women’s club, Verity is situated upstairs. This is a first class situation. My friend Wanda and I were out for a gourmet dining experience. We had a lot to discuss. She is about to take off for Nairobi for a 4 month contract. We wanted this to be special.
A fine selection of flat bread and good quality bread were presented. An Amuse Bouchee was appreciated completely. A small portion of tuna tartare with an immersion of raspberry was placed on a lovely white rectangular dish. Three raspberries infused with some ambrosia were divine. A little splash of a duck sauce completed the work of art.
The main menu is in three sections. It is recommended that you sample from each area. Portions are small because tasting is encouraged. We chose a salad that wasn’t even listed on the menu. Radicchio Salad was composed of the finest fresh greens. The dressing was a miso base with a dash of rice vinegar. A small mound of mashed avocado and a little quinoa salad graced the plate. It was outstanding.($12.00) Olive Oil Poached Salmon Porclait is served with roasted bell peppers, spiced walnuts and Guanciate.($18.00) Butter Poached Lobster is served with apricot coconut broth and quinoa relish.($24.00) For a second course the menu is varied and interesting. Tuna Tataki is served with eggplant potato blini in a jasmine lobster reduction.($21.00) Togarashi Scallop, Curry Sweetbreads and a Ratatouille Tart are served with mint yogurt.($21.00) The third part of the menu lists the entrée selections. We both opted for the Pecan Dusted Halibut with poached cherry tomatoes, lobster corn foam.($21.00) The sauce was a gourmet experience. The fish was perfectly cooked and infused with flavors that resonated, a touch of saffron and curry. Beef Striploin is served with Gremolate plum jus and an artichoke potato puree. ($21.00)
Nicole was our server. She looked as if she had just stepped from a Vogue Magazine. She was elegant warm and completely knowledgeable about the total menu.
Come prepared to try several dishes. We were mesmerized by the couple beside us. They had obviously chosen the tasting menu. I was salivating watching the many different creative experiences arriving at the table. Each plate left empty.
A total gourmet delight.