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| - After the pretty ballerina had to bail out last minute due to not feeling well, it was a solo lupper for yours truly. This plae was chosen because OpenTable indicated they were taking ares at 15:30 or 3:30 pm! I was a fan of the old Reds Bistro, and when they announced the revamping and rebranding of the restaurant on Adelaide, as well as the opening of this location, I was fearing a Moxification or worse, a JackAstorization. Even though the decor is more rustic and rich in hardwood, living up to the tavern "moniker", and the establishment has shied away from all the haute cuisine trappings (tuxes on waiters, sommelier at your table, etc) the kitchen did not lose its lustre. Initially disappointed that the oysters of the day had run out, I ordered the Mediterranean braised lamb shank($22.95), described on the menu as "8-hour slow-cooked lamb with creamy polenta, green beans, orange gremolata and black olive relish" it is true to the description, falloff the bone and delicious. Polenta made this way is a revelation for me, and with this type of preparation is more enjoyable than rice or potato. Today, no green beans but al dente snap peas.To drink I had 9oz (18.00) and then 6 oz (12.00) of a superb red Bordeaux, Chateau Christoly, a great pairing with the shank as well as with what followed it.
The dessert menu is uninspiring(carrot cake? flourless chocolate cake? mint and chocolate parfait? meh...)and would benefit from more creativity. Instead, I opted for the excellent cheeseplate (6.00 per oz so 18.00 in this case): Picobello, a sheep milk cheese from Spain, Chevrechon, a goat from Quebec, and Celtic blue from Ontario. With garnishes of in-house candied walnuts, edible flowers, honey and raisin compote, this platter marries salty and sweet superbly.
So if you are looking for a decent meal near the Eaton centre and are neither hankering for Salad KIng nor for The Senator, but for something more refined, this is an excellent choice an affordable.
The only minus to me though is the seating. While comfortable, there are mostlyhigh chairs/stools available for a more tavernish/barish atmosphere. While this all fun and esthetically pleasing, I know many a patron who would prefer a normal chair.
Service was friendly and professional. Shasa and Jake were awesome.
So,yes,recommended.
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