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| - Ivan Reitman's Toronto establishment is a welcome high-end addition to the many choices of the vibrant Entertainment District.
We were a table of six adults away from the kids for a Saturday night, and the venue was the perfect setting for dress-casual drinks and dinner.
The server was awkward to start, and the drinks were slow to come from the bar, but the evening picked up from there.
We sampled many impressive items for starters- Eggplant caviar, the Montecito Board (cheese and charcuterie), the homemade cultured butter and baguette, and the ricotta plate. My food highlight was the Kale Caesar- baby kale, chopped small with an anchovy dressing and toasted breadcrumbs for incredible texture.
My entree was the Fogo Island Cod, and while the fish was tender, the braised tomatoes were unspectacular. i think I had meal envy with my friends' dishes- the short rib, the skirt steak and the chicken. The skirt steak looked best. Reviews were good from all. Tip- the Montecito potatoes as a side dish are a must: boiled new potatoes, smashed then deep fried. Yum.
Worth noting our server did a good job of being attentive to the food allergies of one of our group.
We passed on desert to go around the corner to Sweet Jesus, but were sad to see it closes at 11pm. I am sure it would have been on par with the rest of the food.
Great ambiance; great fresh food with a Canadian emphasis; good service. The bar area looks worthy of a separate visit. Apps, entrees, cocktails and wine for ~$150 per head including tip. Pretty good for downtown.
Great work all.
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