Some people never cease to complain about the poor service in Toronto restaurants. All I have to say to them is, go to Sidecar.
The three of us we arrived at Sidecar at the appointed time on a Saturday night, and - horror of horrors - our table wasn't ready. The weather had turned bad and several tables had moved inside from the patio. Never mind. Maître d' Casey got us stools to sit on while we waited, and sent out three glasses of cava. He checked on us frequently and gave us updates. It took about 15 minutes to be seated, upon which the kitchen sent shrimp tempura on the house. This place takes care of its customers and takes responsibility when things go wrong.
The meal: delicious, creamy Sidecar salad; handkerchief pasta with oxtail and sour cream (my favourite dish at Sidecar for a long time now - all three of us had to have it); an Australian shiraz that was, not surprisingly, a bit too heavy on the fruit. Chocolate peanut butter crème brûlée - Reece's à la français.
Service was attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, personal - just as we have come to expect after many meals at Sidecar.
I can't wait to go back!