Boralia has to be one of my top restaurants in Toronto. When you look at the menu, it is certainly intriguing. Dishes that you never have seen before or proteins that are rarely offered at restaurants. It's just the right amount of the "unknown" where you are curious to try the dish and not run away from it. We wanted to order everything off of the menu.
We opted for the Carte Blanche (tasting menu) and boy were we not disappointed. We were told that there would be 5 dishes and we got to try a total of 10 (3 starters, 6 mains and 1 dessert) for only $60!! You can also request one dish of your choice to be included). Starred are my absolute favourites (mind you, all were delicious).
Devilled Chinese tea eggs: A creative take on the classic devilled eggs, but nothing too special if you've had tea eggs before.
*Baked oysters: I've never had a baked oyster like this. When I bit into it, its juicy meat melted into the sauce and into my mouth.
Arctic char crudo: A very beautiful dish with tiny edible flowers. Reminded of us of smoked salmon.
*Levain bread & cultured butter: If you get the mussels, you MUST get this bread. Actually just get the bread no matter what else you order. The bread has nice bubbles and it's fairly dense to soak up the mussel butter. The crust is perfect. The butter is to die for, and I never ever butter my bread.
*L'eclade mussels: An elegant presentation starting with the grand reveal of the mussels being smoked. The mussels were plump and juicy, and the smoked flavour really comes through in each bite. Best mussels I have had. No grit, of course.
White asparagus: A very refreshing dish which paired well with the heavier grilled whelk dish.
*Grilled whelk: Was very interested in trying this and it was amazing. It comes neatly chopped up and skewered so you barely have to make an effort in eating the juicy springy meat. The beurre blanc compliments it well.
Quail: It was the cutest bird I have ever seen. It was like a very miniature chicken. Very well prepared. We were happy that the chef took the time to debone it so every bite was quite meaty and flavourful.
Beef cheek cabbage rolls: Beef cheek itself was out of this world. It was so tender and you could just see it falling apart.
*Liberal cake with conservative sauce: Just like the other dishes, this one was quite rustic. The cake is slightly dense and perfectly soaks up the sauce and is perfect with the whipped cream. Just a hint of alcohol and low on the sweetness scale.
Needless to say that we left very full.
Service: Amazing. All staff members were friendly and laidback. Our dirty plates were cleared and table cleaned when needed. I love all the introductions to the food. Make your reservation and your table is reserved 2-2.5 hours for your eating pleasure.