For my birthday I chose Richmond Station for a tasting menu or as they like to call it "let us cook for you" experience. The dishes are usually served family style but we had a lot of preferences and allergies. They were so accommodating to all our needs which included: a vegan, a nut allergy, a fungi allergy, and a strong aversion to beets. We were treated to six courses!
First course - sunchokes and cauliflower (vegan) - well cooked with crispy brown exterior and creamy center and beautifully plated but honestly one of the least memorable courses of the meal.
Second course - pork buns - these were one of the specials of the night. Pretty tasty but considering we had done a food tour in Chinatown the day before with some of the best Chinese in Toronto including pork buns, these hardly compared.
Third course - roasted carrots (modified vegan) - ah the humble carrot . . . y'all these were THE best carrots I've ever eaten. They were roasty and toasty and sweet and savory with puree (of more carrot) and seeds and tahini and feta (on the side). Just so good I can barely describe them.
Fourth course - butternut squash ravioli (vegetarian) - these were a crowd favorite topped with a brown butter sauce and toasted almonds.
The pasta was cooked to perfection and the filling was creamy and dreamy. The almonds added the perfect textural contrast.
Fifth course - filet - this was accompanied with a parsnip (I think) puree and roasted carrot. I had extra helpings of filet because my counterparts are more of medium-well girls rather than medium-well.
Dessert - tea & chocolate (complete with birthday candle) and apple & cheddar (nut-free) - I don't like chocolate very much but the tea "caviar" and meringues were delightful as was the ice cream. The apple and cheddar dish was like a crumble and also very delicious. Who knew those two things went together. I mean I've had them on a charcuterie board but still who knew?
Overall a great experience and I'd recommend for a special occasion or just a fancy Wednesday night lol