We visited for dinner. My Roncy pal raves about the brunch. First off, I really have to commend their staff for their professionalism and doing the utmost to give us the best experience possible. Knowing how busy they typically get for dinner, especially on a Friday night, I called ahead and made a reservation. Despite being late, they not only held my reservation but also saved me a seat on the patio, removed from all the racket of inside. My friend who has a few years of food service management under her belt was very impressed with the way their staff handled everything under pressure. So full marks for service. Bonus points for the bucket of seasoned popcorn ready at the table.
I had a Half a rack of Sweet Heat Baby Back Ribs with sides of Squash & Brussel Sprouts and Creamy Smoked Cauliflower. The sides came in little cast iron skillets. The ribs were so perfectly succulent with such a well-balanced flavour profile and a great wood smoke undertone. My only disappointment was not ordering the Full Rack. Every table has a brush used for rubbing on two of their signature sauces. I didn't think the ribs needed anything extra.
My friend had the Pan-Seared Pacific Halibut with a smoked paprika emulsion and candied sweet potato. The plate had a beautiful presentation. She said it was a tad under seasoned but generally well done. She also ordered a Homemade Pecan Pie with Cinnamon Gelato, which couldn't possibly be bad.
I would say, going by the food alone, Barque is the best smokehouse in Toronto.