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| - A great atmosphere, a great date place for sure and a great place for a solo bar meal and a glass of wine.
Last night the menu, for me, was spot on. The menu changes every three months and that, along with friendly staff, music, food and ownership team keeps me coming back. Last night would have probably been my 15th visit and only once have I been disappointed and sent back a meal and the re-make was spot on.
Last night was a date night for me and after a couple glasses of consignment Viognier (not available at the LCBO), which was delightful, I moved onto an Aussie Chardonnay to enjoy with our 3 cheese plate. We had a blue, a goat and an aged cheddar and asked for a 4th chunk and opted for Beemster (12 year old gouda) which was excellent.
For me, I prefer simple fresh bread with my cheese (i read that someone wanted crackers). I actually like to experience cheese solo on my palate, so I eat it on it's own l and use bread to cleanse my palate in order to enjoy the pairing of each cheese with my wine. If I am having bread and cheese as a meal (French style) then I'll eat bread with my cheese.
After cheese my date and I shared 4 items from the tasting menu, two salads and two 'ocean' items. Salad 1 was heirloom tomatoes with basil marinated buffalo Mozzarella with balsamic drizzle and other fresh herbs and light greens, #2 was the california salad, arugula, watermelon, feta and red onion, drizzled w lemon vinaigrette. From the ocean; Baja Style Mini Crab Cakes accompanied with a caper aioli and Cajun Spiced Panko Prawns served with a lemon aioli. All items, especially the California salad, were spot on.
Crab cakes were nice and hot, the shrimp well spiced and all presented extremely well. The aioli with both of these items was to die for - so good.
After dinner we crossed the road and had a drink at AVRO - totally cool spot in Leslieville (which I also recommend).
Overall - excellent and my date loved it
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