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| - Visiting on an anniversary vacation, we found Barberian's perfectly decent and nothing more. One Zagat review cautioning that the place rests on past reputation rings true.
The gentleman's club decor gives an air of class, but the food and service, while adequate, do not entirely measure up. The garlic bread had plenty of butter and garlic, which is welcome, but was undertoasted and used a very ordinary bread. Perfunctory. Our steaks were tasty, but I would expect steak to be tasty. The spinach was overcooked, limp and bland. The apple beignets were nice but, again, nothing special.
Only the pickles distinguished themselves. I enjoyed the novelty of both celery and beans, while my wife adored the cucumber pickles.
Still, a $100-a-head meal should deliver more than excellent pickles. In light of several superior dining experiences in Toronto, from local cafe to four-star eatery, I had to wonder what Barberian's patrons are paying for. I suspect reputation and a degree of exclusivity. Certainly it wasn't the food alone.
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