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| - BOTTOM LINE: Their dishes are ambitious and delicious with an infusion of molecular gastronomy, but their pacing and portioning needs work.
Let's this out of the way: I'm a huge fan of YT - their food, cocktails (try the AMPERSAND or the ELDERBERRY FIZZ), service and vibe are all top notch. They stand out as original and fun, and really ups the standard of the Toronto resto landscape.
This review is for the 4-course Prix Fixe and 19-course Carte Blanche (requires reservation and you're limited to a table of 4 or less). Both tasting menus end up feeding you way more when you include the amuse bouches. :)
Because YT's menu frequently changes, I won't focus on specific dishes. Suffice to say, their ingredients are fresh and thematic, and the presentation is fantastic. Some of their dishes delve into a bit of molecular gastronomy with their use of foams and liquid nitrogen. The pictures section does a great job showcasing what these guys can do. One knock, however, is that the menu is, at times, too much of an "experiment in motion"; that is, some of their dishes appear more as "drafts" rather than fully realized creations.
PRIX FIXE $45
Personally, I was very satisfied and full with their offerings but I've heard mixed reviews from friends who have attended - some had similarly great experiences, while others had to go grab something else afterwards.
CARTE BLANCHE $95
At nearly 4 times the amount of food at just twice the price, the Carte Blanche is something truly special to treat yourself to. The pacing and portioning, however, could really use some work. Me and my DC's ended up sitting for 5 hours for their Carte Blanche, which is way too long, not to mention fatiguing. We arrived on time but the food didn't come out until an hour later. There were lulls between certain dishes. And finally, I actually think there was TOO MUCH food - I was uncomfortably full afterwards. This is in contrast to the tasting menus at Sushi Kaji, Ruby Watchco and even the 25-course Momofuku Ko lunch which I've comfortably completed in less than 2.5 hours. Given that their Carte Blanche is a relatively recent offering, I'm hopeful they'll sort it out.
All in all, despite these issues, I really love what YT is doing. I would come here for a bite, a drink, or to gorge myself. Stay hungry my friends.
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