Fortune of fortunes ... happened to spend New Years Eve at this new and wonderful Italian restaurant. It was through the diligence and on his recommendation of one of our party to have secured a reservation on the busiest night of the year. No prix fixe "NY Eve special", just the regular menu.
As you walk in from the blustery winter cold, you are immediately struck by Carisma's dark but cozy and sophisticated room. At the same time you are greeted with such warmth by the proprietors the cold and greyness outside quickly dissipate. Carisma's menu is a solid run through contemporary Italian fare delivered with old world charm. It being NY Eve, i went ahead and ordered 3 courses. Primi, Secondi and pasta.
Primi comprised of 3 different types of seafood; house cured salmon, salami and a salad of asparagus and baby greens with a side dollop of cherry compote, simple, flavourful and just the ticket to whet the appetite
Secondi - pan seared scallops expertly finished to the correct doneness, carmelized on the outside and warm and tender on the inside. The chunky mollusks sat on a bed of sauteed mushrooms. Exquisite
My main course was a simple pasta with duck confit; satisfying and just the capper to complete the meal.
Around the table we pretty much had a run through the entire menu and not one dish was a disappointment.
Carisma does a terrific job of offering sophisticated and satisfying Italian cuisine in a very competitive neighbourhood. I'm betting that the homey charm of the place, the fantastic food and great service are enough to steer customers away from the hustle and bustle of the much larger competition in the area.