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| - What to say of the best culinary experience I've had in the past however many years? That's a tall order, but dammit, every soul in Toronto has got to know the delicious truth about Richmond Station.
Richmond Station has crafted an experience that is unexpected and elegant at every turn. From the delightful falafel cakes served up while we were waiting for a spot at the bar (don't even think about asking for a table if you don't have a reservation - locals are clearly aware of this spot's perfection), to the spacious bar that doesn't leave you rubbing elbows with someone else's date, to their out-of-this-world take on pumpkin pie, you will be left satisfied and, frankly, a little mystified every moment of the night.
In terms of the food, as I said, I can't put it more honestly than this: it was the best food I've had in years. So wonderful, in fact, I literally can't come up with another experience as unforgettable as this one. We ordered a butternut squash soup to share, which was seasoned with crunchy pumpkin seeds and featured some shredded squash at the bottom of the bowl, and it was probably the closest thing to the taste of autumn possible. We also had a salad each - one with beets and goat cheese, and the other with white anchovies and some more squash (I was feeling the squash that night). My squash salad was light, but every bite felt so complex and layered. And the crunchy croutons perfectly complemented the softness of the squash.
Dessert? Pumpkin pie - but pumpkin pie from your psychedelic dreams. The pumpkin filling is served as mousse-like dollops, and the crust is served as cracklings of sugary biscuits. The whipped cream is their own homemade take, as usual, and it's a delicate hybrid of whipped cream and ice cream. De-lish.
I've clearly gone off the rails (anyone into the restaurant themed puns, here?) with this review, but I have to mention the on point ambience. Despite the happening conversation all around us, I never failed to hear my own date, and the bar doesn't feel like some second-rate seat to the other tables behind you. Our bartender/server was always swooping in to clear our plates, prepping our table for the next slice of heaven. I love that kind of service - subtle, but always there when you need it.
TL;DR: You haven't lived until you eat here. Over & out.
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