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| - Mediated by mixed-reviews all-around, I'm giving this place 3-stars (3.5 would be ideal).
The short and sweet:
FOOD: While most of the dishes (scallops, octopus ceviche) were outstanding and the kitchen staff's skill was obvious (perfectly prepared oysters), some dishes (like the cod tacos) fell flat on our taste buds... ultimately the menu just didn't feel very cohesive, portions were rather small, and we didn't feel comfortably full despite ordering the recommended number of dishes.
We'd originally came for the sriracha-infused ceasars and were not disappointed! Excellent bar staff, if not just a bit slow.
STAFF: Waitstaff were attentive, but schizophrenic about every detail. (I'm not sure whether this was the norm, of because Susur himself was observing from the entrance of the kitchen.)
Our dishes were cleared away while I was still chewing on my last bite, and long before I'd worked up the courage to go back for one last morsel of the luscious lemongrass jelly and Chantilly cream lemon pudding.
While I can't say I felt rushed, it was too much; too much service; too much tidying, napkin folding; too much clearing and cleaning; too much eagerness to help you design the perfect menu and to recommend.... jeez guys! Where's that relaxed nonchalant hipster foodie atmosphere we know and have come to expect?! (see: Black Hoof)
TWO-CENT FINAL WORD: This young restaurant could use some time to settle into the Trinity-Bellwoods atmosphere despite the strong culinary backbone (and quality) provided by Toronto's beloved Susur Lee.
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