400 Bloor St W (at Brunswick) 416.878.4295
My dear friend Annette was celebrating her birthday. It is a tradition that we celebrate each other’s special day with a dinner. We both thought that we should try and avoid too much pasta and excessive calories. I wanted to take to her to a place that she hasn’t been for a while. I have dined at this restaurant since it first opened. I have enjoyed brunch, lunch and dinner here. It was well overdue that I should return to a favorite spot that has served me well. In the summer you have the possibility of dining in the screened in patio, The service has always been excellent. Tonight Paula, our server, kept up the tradition by providing warm, friendly service. She was so sweet I felt like asking her to join us at the table. She seemed to be the only server. The place was comfortably crowded early in the evening. Everyone had her attention and she was attentive to everyone. The large painted mural is whimsical, delightful and creative. It adds a touch of creativity to the experience. Amir Benedikt runs a great establishment that satisfies your needs and taste buds.
The regular menu specializes in Middle Eastern type food. Kebabs, quesadillas, Middle Eastern Platters are very popular here. The salads have always been tasty and fresh. Warm Tuna Nicoise serves crispy greens topped with new potato, hard boiled eggs, and chunky loin tuna with a mustard herbal dressing. ($10.00) Tofu Salad is a combination of organic greens topped with grilled tofu, sunflower seeds and a lemony herbal dressing.($9.00) Classic Greek, Caesar and Grilled Chicken are always available. ($10.00)
A changing daily menu is also offered. We opted to share the Artichoke Salad of The Day.($10.00) It was so tasty and we loved every bite. Artichokes, red pepper and feta are served with a mixture of arugula and spinach. It was drizzled with balsamic vinegar. I want to go back tomorrow for more of the same. The special appetizer on this evening was Steamed Mussels in a garlic sake broth.($9:00) Tri- colored Nacho Chips are served with guacamole and chipotle sauce.($6.00) There is always a vegetarian special. On this evening Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice was listed on the menu. Tofu and vegetables are baked in a tomato sauce with salad. ($14.00) Herb-rubbed Pan Seared Rack of Lamb is served with a maple-cran au jus.($19.00) We both chose the Lemon Garlic Pan Fried Salmon served with a ginger teriyaki sauce.($17.00) The portion was extremely generous. I don’t know how but we both finished every bite. The salmon was moist and so delicious. I have never seen such a large serving of salmon. A curried rice and beautifully grilled zucchini were part of this wonderful special. Farfalle With Wild Mushrooms is served with artichoke in a goat cheese, dill coriander chili pesto sauce.($13.00)
The bottom line is that this is a winning combination. The food offered is creative and offers variety. The service is warm and attentive. The food has always been wonderful. In addition I had the company of a dear friend that I have known and loved since our high school days. How lucky can I get?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Film Review: Crazy Love
What a story! It is almost unbelievable except it is true. Burt is in love with Linda. She does not reciprocate the love. In fact she becomes engaged to Larry. Burt really is crazy and cannot accept the fact that Linda wants nothing to do with him. If he cannot have her he will not let anyone be a part of her life. He throws lye in her face and she is blinded. He goes to jail for 12 years. The man is totally bizarre. As a laywer he begins to help the inmates. He never forgets Lnda and keeps writing to her. After his release he contacts her. They actually marry. The documentry is done through a series of interviews. The characters interviewd are fascinating. Friends and family of both Burt and Linda help to tell the story. Even more amazing both Burt and Linda also tell their side of the story. It is fascinating. Burt is now 79 and Linda is 68. We look at the dynamics of love and the psyche behind the behavior. You don't want to miss this one.
Restaurant Review: Nite 'N Gale, Chicago
Nite 'N Gale 364 Sheridan Rd. Highwood III 847 432 5823
I will travel anywhere in the world to have fine tuna. I realize that the Chicago area is a bit far for a dinner. It helps that my family lives in this area and had already told me that this is the best they have tasted. It was worth a trip here for a visit and to test out the claim that this is the best. The restaurant is typically American because it is large, dark and serves large size portions. After dinner we were heading for the theatre so we had to dine very early.
I couldn't believe how crowded it was at this hour. The fresh fish of the day is listed on a blackboard. The dinner includes soup or a salad. In addition you can have a variety of potato, rice choices, roasted root vegetables or creamed spinach. Fish can be ordered blackened, broiled with lemon and butter, BBQ or with soy vinaigrette. So many decisions and so many choices. Deep Fried Jumbo Shrimp are served with a cocktail sauce. (18.95) Halibut, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish and Sea Boss are available as well as the Ahi Tuna. The tuna was $20.95. Let me salivate for a minute as I recall that thick large wonderful portion of my favorite fish. It was cooked perfectly. It was so tender I didn't need a knife. I enjoyed each morsel. I was actually ashamed that my I finished my whole portion. My family was sensible enough to bring some home for a snack the next day. I must come back and I certainly will.
Fish is obviously a specialty but my family claims that everything they have ever eaten here is delicious. Would you believe they even have pizza? A Small 10” Cheese Pizza is $9.00 .The Finest Backribs Anywhere is excellent with the BBQ sauce. ($20.95) Chicken lovers might opt for the Chicken Armando. It is sautéed in a light lemon cream sauce and tossed with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers. It is served on a bed of farfalle pasta. ($14.95) The BBQ Chicken is served with soup or salad and a choice of vegetables.
Pasta favorites include Eggplant Florentine ($15.95) Ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese .$14.50
It is safe to say that nobody leaves hungry and I can presume that all leave satisfied. I love visiting with my Chicago family. I also love a great dinner of fine tuna. How lucky I was on this evening.
I will travel anywhere in the world to have fine tuna. I realize that the Chicago area is a bit far for a dinner. It helps that my family lives in this area and had already told me that this is the best they have tasted. It was worth a trip here for a visit and to test out the claim that this is the best. The restaurant is typically American because it is large, dark and serves large size portions. After dinner we were heading for the theatre so we had to dine very early.
I couldn't believe how crowded it was at this hour. The fresh fish of the day is listed on a blackboard. The dinner includes soup or a salad. In addition you can have a variety of potato, rice choices, roasted root vegetables or creamed spinach. Fish can be ordered blackened, broiled with lemon and butter, BBQ or with soy vinaigrette. So many decisions and so many choices. Deep Fried Jumbo Shrimp are served with a cocktail sauce. (18.95) Halibut, Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Swordfish and Sea Boss are available as well as the Ahi Tuna. The tuna was $20.95. Let me salivate for a minute as I recall that thick large wonderful portion of my favorite fish. It was cooked perfectly. It was so tender I didn't need a knife. I enjoyed each morsel. I was actually ashamed that my I finished my whole portion. My family was sensible enough to bring some home for a snack the next day. I must come back and I certainly will.
Fish is obviously a specialty but my family claims that everything they have ever eaten here is delicious. Would you believe they even have pizza? A Small 10” Cheese Pizza is $9.00 .The Finest Backribs Anywhere is excellent with the BBQ sauce. ($20.95) Chicken lovers might opt for the Chicken Armando. It is sautéed in a light lemon cream sauce and tossed with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers. It is served on a bed of farfalle pasta. ($14.95) The BBQ Chicken is served with soup or salad and a choice of vegetables.
Pasta favorites include Eggplant Florentine ($15.95) Ravioli with spinach and ricotta cheese .$14.50
It is safe to say that nobody leaves hungry and I can presume that all leave satisfied. I love visiting with my Chicago family. I also love a great dinner of fine tuna. How lucky I was on this evening.
Restaurant Review: Brownstone Bistro and Bar
603 Yonge St. 416.920.6268
When I heard that Alex Goodman was playing his keyboard and guitar jazz I stopped everything to attend this restaurant. On this evening he was joined by a great bass player, a recent graduate from The University of Toronto Music Program. The jazz was great and so was everything else. The patio was filled. The interior seats were also at capacity. Adel Yacoub runs a great operation. I have had lunch here on previous occasions. The first time I dined here I had the best salad ever. The second time I had an omelette that was perfect. I like the menu here. You can relax and listen to music. It is possible to order appetizers or light cuisine. You can also order a full meal. The service is extremely attentive and efficient. Our delightful server, Jennifer, made sure that we had everything we needed. Thursday evening is martini night. My son had a Berry Martini that was declared a winner. My daughter-in-law had a Mango Martini. What fun! I stuck with a fine glass of red wine.
My son ordered the Warm Goat Salad.($7.90) The greens were fresh and tasty. A mound of warmed goat’s cheese was delicious. This was a great appetizer or a light meal. I ordered the Spinach Salad. There were small orange segments, mushrooms and walnuts.($7.50) For a small additional charge I had a scoop of tuna. We shared a large plate of fries. It may have been sinful but they were so good. The appetizers are very popular with a drink. Grilled Calamari is $8.95. A Smoked Salmon Platter is $9.95.Blackened Chicken Tenders are $6.50)
Several pizzas are available on the regular menu. Pizza Di Mare is served with sautéed shrimp, smoked salmon and calamari over the homemade tomato sauce and topped with cheese.($14.95) Pizza Primavera offers a tomato basil sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted peppers, spinach and black olives with feta cheese.($9.95)
Sandwiches and Wraps are always fresh and tasty. Lunch, dinner or a snack. Whatever your need, this is a well planned menu offering choices.
If you prefer a more substantial meal you may be tempted by the Mixed Grill.($19.95) A bacon wrapped filet, chicken brochette and grilled tiger shrimp is served with garlic mashed potatoes and demi-glaze. Atlantic Salmon Filet is served with a cream sauce over jasmine scented rice.($14.95) I was tempted by the Seafood Trio. Grilled Atlantic salmon, grilled calamari and grilled tiger shrimp are drizzled with a lemon beurre blanc.($19.95)
It was a perfect evening out on the patio. It was never noisy. The music was wonderful. Adel Yacoub visited our table several times to see if all was well. All was well and I will return.
When I heard that Alex Goodman was playing his keyboard and guitar jazz I stopped everything to attend this restaurant. On this evening he was joined by a great bass player, a recent graduate from The University of Toronto Music Program. The jazz was great and so was everything else. The patio was filled. The interior seats were also at capacity. Adel Yacoub runs a great operation. I have had lunch here on previous occasions. The first time I dined here I had the best salad ever. The second time I had an omelette that was perfect. I like the menu here. You can relax and listen to music. It is possible to order appetizers or light cuisine. You can also order a full meal. The service is extremely attentive and efficient. Our delightful server, Jennifer, made sure that we had everything we needed. Thursday evening is martini night. My son had a Berry Martini that was declared a winner. My daughter-in-law had a Mango Martini. What fun! I stuck with a fine glass of red wine.
My son ordered the Warm Goat Salad.($7.90) The greens were fresh and tasty. A mound of warmed goat’s cheese was delicious. This was a great appetizer or a light meal. I ordered the Spinach Salad. There were small orange segments, mushrooms and walnuts.($7.50) For a small additional charge I had a scoop of tuna. We shared a large plate of fries. It may have been sinful but they were so good. The appetizers are very popular with a drink. Grilled Calamari is $8.95. A Smoked Salmon Platter is $9.95.Blackened Chicken Tenders are $6.50)
Several pizzas are available on the regular menu. Pizza Di Mare is served with sautéed shrimp, smoked salmon and calamari over the homemade tomato sauce and topped with cheese.($14.95) Pizza Primavera offers a tomato basil sauce with tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted peppers, spinach and black olives with feta cheese.($9.95)
Sandwiches and Wraps are always fresh and tasty. Lunch, dinner or a snack. Whatever your need, this is a well planned menu offering choices.
If you prefer a more substantial meal you may be tempted by the Mixed Grill.($19.95) A bacon wrapped filet, chicken brochette and grilled tiger shrimp is served with garlic mashed potatoes and demi-glaze. Atlantic Salmon Filet is served with a cream sauce over jasmine scented rice.($14.95) I was tempted by the Seafood Trio. Grilled Atlantic salmon, grilled calamari and grilled tiger shrimp are drizzled with a lemon beurre blanc.($19.95)
It was a perfect evening out on the patio. It was never noisy. The music was wonderful. Adel Yacoub visited our table several times to see if all was well. All was well and I will return.
Restaurant Review: Osteria Di Tramonto, Chicago
Osteria Di Tramonto The Westin Chicago North Shore
601 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, Il 847 777 6570
Chicago is my favorite city in the United States. Tuscany is my favorite part of Italy. The chef and general manager of this outstanding restaurant have tried to bring the best of Italian cooking to this great restaurant. The chef travels to Italy several tines a year and gathers products and ideas to perfect his menu and cooking. It was all working perfectly on this evening. The large and tastefully decorated dining area was totally filled by 6:00p.m. You need a reservation well in advance and I suggest it is worth the wait and the trip to Chicago.
The dining area is open for breakfast featuring Italian specialties.e.g. Frittata,Baked Italian Open faced Omelet can be ordered d’Aosta style served with smoked ham, potato, sautéed spinach, and fontina or Caprese style with roasted tomato, mozarello and basil.($10.95) The lunch menu offers salads, pizza, lunch entrees and pasta. Always you can find the Cheese-Italian Style and Salumi Boards. Cheese and salami choices vary from $5.95- $14.95.
I suggest that you plan to come for dinner to this outstanding restaurant. In fact you may even wish to book a room at the elegant Westin Hotel. Make a reservation and make a lot of room in your stomach for this fine dining.
Initially the server brought a fine quality bread to the table. An antipasti plate of chick peas, onion and delectable herbs was presented for out pleasure. A plate of the finest olive oil had special cured olives infused with lemon. We hadn’t even started and we were delighted.
My family chose the Pasta Special ($11.95) to share as a starter. The linguini was as fine as any in Italy. It was so perfectly al dente. The pasta was infused with pecorino cheese, olive oil and fresh perfectly cooked asparagus. We all agreed that this was the finest possible. Delicious! Delectable! So tasty! I ordered the Capellini With Shrimp as my main course. Once again the pasta was perfect. The shrimp were firm and tasty. The sauce was piquant to my liking.($10.95 half- $16.95 full) There are many pasta selections available. The Durum wheat is stone ground and combined with mountain spring water. The resulting pasta is dried under the Italian sun. It s hand crafted by Guiseppe Coco in Fara San Martino in Abruzzo. I know that I have never tasted pasta like this in North America.
My daughter-in-law ordered The Crab Special (23.00) served on a bed of fresh and delicious greens. For a main course my son chose Ricky T’s Braised Short Rib. Potato puree and a red wine sauce completed the dish.($23.95) It was boneless and the meat was so tender you could eat it without the use of a knife. Apparently the flavor was fantastic. The Pan-Seared Scottish Salmon is served with olive oil crushed potatoes, tomato conserva and market radish.($23.95) On the last visit my daughter-in-law enjoyed The Braised Monk Fish Osso Bucco.($24.95) My family have dined here often and claim it is the best in the area. There is a reason a restaurant is completely filled early in the evening and you require a reservation. The service is impeccable. We were treated like special guests throughout. The servers were delightful and completely knowledgeable about all the food.
Everything was magic but the best was the dessert. We asked the server for a suggestion. He was so correct. The caramel sautéed apples were place on the plate to represent a flower. It was topped with a scoop of ice cream and a slice of dried apple. The stem of the flower was a caramel sauce. I have no words to describe our delight at this wondrous experience. Total Perfection.
601 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, Il 847 777 6570
Chicago is my favorite city in the United States. Tuscany is my favorite part of Italy. The chef and general manager of this outstanding restaurant have tried to bring the best of Italian cooking to this great restaurant. The chef travels to Italy several tines a year and gathers products and ideas to perfect his menu and cooking. It was all working perfectly on this evening. The large and tastefully decorated dining area was totally filled by 6:00p.m. You need a reservation well in advance and I suggest it is worth the wait and the trip to Chicago.
The dining area is open for breakfast featuring Italian specialties.e.g. Frittata,Baked Italian Open faced Omelet can be ordered d’Aosta style served with smoked ham, potato, sautéed spinach, and fontina or Caprese style with roasted tomato, mozarello and basil.($10.95) The lunch menu offers salads, pizza, lunch entrees and pasta. Always you can find the Cheese-Italian Style and Salumi Boards. Cheese and salami choices vary from $5.95- $14.95.
I suggest that you plan to come for dinner to this outstanding restaurant. In fact you may even wish to book a room at the elegant Westin Hotel. Make a reservation and make a lot of room in your stomach for this fine dining.
Initially the server brought a fine quality bread to the table. An antipasti plate of chick peas, onion and delectable herbs was presented for out pleasure. A plate of the finest olive oil had special cured olives infused with lemon. We hadn’t even started and we were delighted.
My family chose the Pasta Special ($11.95) to share as a starter. The linguini was as fine as any in Italy. It was so perfectly al dente. The pasta was infused with pecorino cheese, olive oil and fresh perfectly cooked asparagus. We all agreed that this was the finest possible. Delicious! Delectable! So tasty! I ordered the Capellini With Shrimp as my main course. Once again the pasta was perfect. The shrimp were firm and tasty. The sauce was piquant to my liking.($10.95 half- $16.95 full) There are many pasta selections available. The Durum wheat is stone ground and combined with mountain spring water. The resulting pasta is dried under the Italian sun. It s hand crafted by Guiseppe Coco in Fara San Martino in Abruzzo. I know that I have never tasted pasta like this in North America.
My daughter-in-law ordered The Crab Special (23.00) served on a bed of fresh and delicious greens. For a main course my son chose Ricky T’s Braised Short Rib. Potato puree and a red wine sauce completed the dish.($23.95) It was boneless and the meat was so tender you could eat it without the use of a knife. Apparently the flavor was fantastic. The Pan-Seared Scottish Salmon is served with olive oil crushed potatoes, tomato conserva and market radish.($23.95) On the last visit my daughter-in-law enjoyed The Braised Monk Fish Osso Bucco.($24.95) My family have dined here often and claim it is the best in the area. There is a reason a restaurant is completely filled early in the evening and you require a reservation. The service is impeccable. We were treated like special guests throughout. The servers were delightful and completely knowledgeable about all the food.
Everything was magic but the best was the dessert. We asked the server for a suggestion. He was so correct. The caramel sautéed apples were place on the plate to represent a flower. It was topped with a scoop of ice cream and a slice of dried apple. The stem of the flower was a caramel sauce. I have no words to describe our delight at this wondrous experience. Total Perfection.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Film Review: Knocked Up
I didn’t like the previews. The TV interviews were also not to my liking. Katherine Heigi of Grey’s Anatomy fame is absolutely gorgeous. She plays the part well. I certainly was not looking forward to the part played by Paul Rudd known for his part in The 40 Year Old Virgin. The movie was playing across the road and I had nothing netter to do. To my great surprise I came out feeling very content that I had seen a delightful film well presented. Some of the lines were hysterical. That was enough for enjoyment on a hot steamy day.
Katherine Heigi plays the part of Alison. She lives with her sister and family. She and her sister are extremely close. It is worth noting that the sister is the actual wife of the writer and director, Judd Apatow. The two delightful children are the actual children of Judd and wife Leslie Mann. Alison has been promoted to an on camera position on TV. She and her sister go to a club to celebrate. They are two beautiful sexy women. Alison meets Ben. He lives with four scruffy, course, unappealing guys. Ben could easily be called a loser. He is basically living off money from a previous accident. The four men work on a survey they are doing analyzing bare breasts shown in movies. Ben and Alison are the most unlikely couple imaginable. They have a one night stand. Alison finds out she is pregnant. The film takes a sensitive caring side at this point. Ben really makes an effort to change and become more responsible. Alison learns not to be so ‘precious.” There are some very funny scenes. The visits to the doctor are often humorous. The actual birth scene is well done. Apparently it so affected the actress that she has declared she will adopt a child and never have her own child.
An interesting sub plot takes place with the failing relationship between the sister, Debbie and her husband. The interpersonal communication between Alison and Ben and Debbie and her husband do make you pause to think.
This is more than a silly comedy. It is certainly not heavy duty drama but for a summer film you might enjoy viewing this one. It is guaranteed that you will have many laughs. This is always good.
Katherine Heigi plays the part of Alison. She lives with her sister and family. She and her sister are extremely close. It is worth noting that the sister is the actual wife of the writer and director, Judd Apatow. The two delightful children are the actual children of Judd and wife Leslie Mann. Alison has been promoted to an on camera position on TV. She and her sister go to a club to celebrate. They are two beautiful sexy women. Alison meets Ben. He lives with four scruffy, course, unappealing guys. Ben could easily be called a loser. He is basically living off money from a previous accident. The four men work on a survey they are doing analyzing bare breasts shown in movies. Ben and Alison are the most unlikely couple imaginable. They have a one night stand. Alison finds out she is pregnant. The film takes a sensitive caring side at this point. Ben really makes an effort to change and become more responsible. Alison learns not to be so ‘precious.” There are some very funny scenes. The visits to the doctor are often humorous. The actual birth scene is well done. Apparently it so affected the actress that she has declared she will adopt a child and never have her own child.
An interesting sub plot takes place with the failing relationship between the sister, Debbie and her husband. The interpersonal communication between Alison and Ben and Debbie and her husband do make you pause to think.
This is more than a silly comedy. It is certainly not heavy duty drama but for a summer film you might enjoy viewing this one. It is guaranteed that you will have many laughs. This is always good.
Restaurant Review: The Rushton
740 St Clair Ave. West 416.658.7874
When two food connoisseurs recommended this restaurant in the same week I knew I had to try it. What could be better? My grandson Brad and I decided that this perfect for our weekly dining excursion. Elaine is my ‘foodie’ friend. She has just returned from Israel. The three of us agreed to meet for dinner and have new dining experience. There are no reservations. Come early. It is a busy place. The large patio was packed on this hot evening. We wanted to see the action so opted for an indoor spot. A very small open kitchen prepares the most amazing food. We were entertained all evening watching the artistically plated food being presented to the patrons. The dishes are white square, rectangular and unusual shapes. Our server, Tobey, was so delightful, patient and efficient. She couldn’t do enough to please us. The young lady that served the water and presented the giant pepper shaker was so sweet. She is off to the University of New Brunswick in the fall. We loved this place before we even tasted a bite. Things just got better and better. The high quality bread was served with a white bean, cream cheese and herb dip. I want that recipe.
I like the idea that the appetizers can be served as a half portion or dinner size. My friend and I both opted for the large size Asparagus and Portabella.( 9/14) The portabella mushrooms were plump, moist and fantastic. The greens were fresh and crisp with orange and balsamic vinegar. Pickled beets and sautéed asparagus graced the plate. For an additional fee you can add chicken, steak, shrimp or salmon. We had five perfectly grilled shrimp garnished with a red pepper aioli. It was a perfect meal for a hot evening.
We were so full.
Miami Vice offers Miami-style BBQ glazed short ribs and grilled quail served with a garnish of baby greens.($!2.00) Sherrif’s Wings are served with fiery caramelized jalapeno onion and sambal sauce and baked parotta bread.($12.00)Mussels are prepared with coconut milk, red curry, tomato concasse, garlic and shallot (9/14) Braised Endive is combined with baby arugula and fennel and dressed with lemon vinaigrette, Roquefort, walnuts and an apricot/thyme chutney are added to the plate. (9/14)
Full plate entrees are also varied and beautifully plated. The burgers are favorites here. and was certainly a favorite on this evening. Classic Burger ,100% Alberta beef, is served with tomatoes, lettuce and served with frites and garlic aoli.($15.00) For an additional fee you can add caramelized onions, roasted red pepper, aged cheddar, avocado and many other choices. Brad ordered the Bouillabaisse. It was an enormous large white bowl filled with assorted shellfish with salmon, halibut and calamari served in a spicy tomato fish broth. Brad claims it was one of the best he has ever had. The Lamb Shank is braised and served in a red wine and tomato broth with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes and French green beans. ($24.00) The Grilled Salmon is served over wild rice and asparagus with a roasted red pepper coulis. ($18.00)
Other items are on the printed menu. In addition there are several daily specials.
Brad and I are doing a survey to find the best Flourless Chocolate Cake. This may be the winner. Chocolaty, creamy, smooth and so delicious.
No wonder this place is always crowded. We had a great evening and excellent food. We walked a few blocks after dinner. This is an interesting part of town. There were several other interesting restaurants in this area. I must come back.
When two food connoisseurs recommended this restaurant in the same week I knew I had to try it. What could be better? My grandson Brad and I decided that this perfect for our weekly dining excursion. Elaine is my ‘foodie’ friend. She has just returned from Israel. The three of us agreed to meet for dinner and have new dining experience. There are no reservations. Come early. It is a busy place. The large patio was packed on this hot evening. We wanted to see the action so opted for an indoor spot. A very small open kitchen prepares the most amazing food. We were entertained all evening watching the artistically plated food being presented to the patrons. The dishes are white square, rectangular and unusual shapes. Our server, Tobey, was so delightful, patient and efficient. She couldn’t do enough to please us. The young lady that served the water and presented the giant pepper shaker was so sweet. She is off to the University of New Brunswick in the fall. We loved this place before we even tasted a bite. Things just got better and better. The high quality bread was served with a white bean, cream cheese and herb dip. I want that recipe.
I like the idea that the appetizers can be served as a half portion or dinner size. My friend and I both opted for the large size Asparagus and Portabella.( 9/14) The portabella mushrooms were plump, moist and fantastic. The greens were fresh and crisp with orange and balsamic vinegar. Pickled beets and sautéed asparagus graced the plate. For an additional fee you can add chicken, steak, shrimp or salmon. We had five perfectly grilled shrimp garnished with a red pepper aioli. It was a perfect meal for a hot evening.
We were so full.
Miami Vice offers Miami-style BBQ glazed short ribs and grilled quail served with a garnish of baby greens.($!2.00) Sherrif’s Wings are served with fiery caramelized jalapeno onion and sambal sauce and baked parotta bread.($12.00)Mussels are prepared with coconut milk, red curry, tomato concasse, garlic and shallot (9/14) Braised Endive is combined with baby arugula and fennel and dressed with lemon vinaigrette, Roquefort, walnuts and an apricot/thyme chutney are added to the plate. (9/14)
Full plate entrees are also varied and beautifully plated. The burgers are favorites here. and was certainly a favorite on this evening. Classic Burger ,100% Alberta beef, is served with tomatoes, lettuce and served with frites and garlic aoli.($15.00) For an additional fee you can add caramelized onions, roasted red pepper, aged cheddar, avocado and many other choices. Brad ordered the Bouillabaisse. It was an enormous large white bowl filled with assorted shellfish with salmon, halibut and calamari served in a spicy tomato fish broth. Brad claims it was one of the best he has ever had. The Lamb Shank is braised and served in a red wine and tomato broth with roasted garlic, mashed potatoes and French green beans. ($24.00) The Grilled Salmon is served over wild rice and asparagus with a roasted red pepper coulis. ($18.00)
Other items are on the printed menu. In addition there are several daily specials.
Brad and I are doing a survey to find the best Flourless Chocolate Cake. This may be the winner. Chocolaty, creamy, smooth and so delicious.
No wonder this place is always crowded. We had a great evening and excellent food. We walked a few blocks after dinner. This is an interesting part of town. There were several other interesting restaurants in this area. I must come back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)