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| - I've been wanting to try Aft since it opened, I work two blocks away - and our crew patronized Toucan Taco . I can't say I was sad to hear Aft is not run by the same people.
They took their time overhauling and reopening, it shows. The interior is lovely, featuring custom woodwork and light fixtures by a prominent pair of designers. The only challenge is a very narrow area at the bar. At the moment, there is room for several stools at the bar - but behind those stools is room only for 4 hi-tops and a banquette on one side. So two can sit side by side, but it works less well for a group of three or more.
I tried to take a friend last Friday night and arrived at 7ish. Hour wait, no reservations, but they are dealing with an onslaught of patrons in the most fair way they can. It is what it is.
We ended up eating elsewhere, but returned around 11 for wine and something sweet, which then turned into also something salty. Service was good, friendly without being inappropriately casual, super efficient. The coconut almond cheesecake tasted good and light. We also had homemade chips and bean dip. The chips were a little on the sweeter side but delicious, and there were a LOT of them. When they open for lunch I can picture myself on the patio with this dish, a book, and the full hour for lunch I'm technically supposed to get.
We ended up trying again the following Monday. When I arrived at 7, the place was essentially empty. Before I could even be greeted, nine other people lined up behind me and suddenly place was packed. My dining mates did not arrive for another fifteen minutes (the third was an hour late!!) but they still sat me at a table for four (prime real estate) despite the fact that the party of seven could really have used the table (and would be paying more.) Even after I ordered nothing while I was waiting, they didn't ask me to move, they acted like they didn't even notice. After a few minutes I insisted on giving up the table anyways, but my point is this is NOT usual treatment in Toronto's trendy/popular restaurants. Hell, if you try to sit at a table at the Ceili Cottage and just order drinks? Lord help you for having the audacity to try. My point is they are focusing on welcoming service first and profit second. And at least in my case, well, customer for life. Basically, they had me at hello.
In the end my dining partner arrived and we both ordered ribs, her with fries. The ribs come up FAST, with three variants of BBQ sauce to try. 5 generous bones are somewhere between a dry-rub and your typical sauced preparation. And they were money, son. I mumbled "I don't want this to be over," as I finished making out with my third rib. I wished for one more and my partner could have done with one less, so with an app I think it's the perfect portion for most people.
The slaw was fine and the baked beans were crazy good. We both agreed they were the best baked beans we'd ever had. The fries were a little underdone but the kitchen re-submurged them for us graciously upon request and were then perfect.
Our late friend ordered the portobello frites. Amazing idea, but has the same mouthfeel as a deep fried pickle - without the lovely acidity. It's less frites, more like a mozzarella stick. As a mushroom enthusiast I insist the concept has potential and I hope they experiment a bit with the panko proportions.
Table-side debit and credit payments ended things smoothly.
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