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| - I chose this restaurant for my extended birthday celebrations to take out my best girl friends. This year, I didn't feel like hanging out in some downtown restaurant or club...I wanted something quiet, uptown, and French. Bonjour Celestin.
Intro. It was a Friday night and I was the first patron of the evening. Someone came out to open the door and welcome me. I am already loving this place. I was seated near the back which enabled me the view of the entire restaurant. Quaint and small. I had read some reviews complaining of noise...I didn't think I needed to worry about that tonight.
Food. I really felt like duck so for appetizers I had the foie gras and for the main, the seared Margret duck. My 2 girl friends similarly had a craving for duck so they both had the same dishes. We were pleasantly surprised! The duck was extremely tender and the meat fell of the bone...heavennnn! I asked my girl friends their opinions of the duck and they both agreed it was divine. Celestin offers specials for the night so I hope to return and give it a try. Dessert on the other hand was disappointing. I didn't feel like something heavy (cake, pudding, etc...) so I opted for the petits four. Entirely forgettable. Myself and another girl friend ordered a B52 and it was extremely sweet - so sweet I could only have one sip. I would not consider their alcoholic coffee's a strong point.
Service. Excellent. Water and wine glass always full and service never intrusive.
Ambiance. Celestin has the air of an elegant french restaurant (white table cloths, lots of whites and blacks), decorated in the style Ina Garten would approve. It's not trendy or modern, classic at its best.
I would definitely come here again. Because you have to make months reservations to go to Auberge, Celestin might be your next best bet for great French cuisine. It is a bit pricey, but, welcome to Toronto.
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