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| - We visited STOCK Restaurant yesterday for dinner during Winterlicious. After reading that STOCK is in the top ten most expensive restaurants in Toronto, I thought trying it out with a relatively inexpensive a prix fixe menu would be the best way to test the (iced, sparkling, or flat?) waters. Through my experience I've learned some valuable lessons about dining at STOCK.
Lesson #1: Don't wear jeans. You WILL stand out and feel fairly awkward.
Since I've been sick all week, I didn't even consider dressing up to leave the apartment. Don't make my mistake! My inner old lady reminds me that is it better to be overdressed than underdressed. In this instance, I have to agree with the old biddy.
Lesson #2: You are above intimidation.
This restaurant is upscale, but the people that work front of house are employed in the service industry. Expect only the best service, regardless if you're making six figures or not. Each staff member was polite and extremely attentive, though the wait staff were particularly lacking a warmth and care for my individual concerns.
Lesson #3: Expensive =/= Good.
Okay, that was a bit of a lie. The food was good, but it wasn't mind-blowing. We both started with the Lentilles du Puy Soup (w/ smoked ham hock torchon, brussel sprouts, garlic chips). Haaa-maze-zing. Can we start jarring this stuff and selling it in grocery stores?
My guy had the Rump & Shoulder of Lamb (w/ gnocchi, rutabaga, turnips, heirloom carrots). I never gravitate towards lamb on a menu but I really wish I had. It was tender and juicy and spiced to perfection. I had the Provencal Vegetable Mosaic (w/ basil, local wild forest mushrooms, olive clumps). It was alright, but I wouldn't choose it again. Maybe it was my cold, but the flavours just weren't working for me.
The desserts looked appetizing. My guy had the Caramalized Quince Tart (w/ brown butter pineapple, candied ginger, spiced cake) and I had the Winter Confections (w/ persimmon macaron, cranberry marshallow, butternut squash truffle, bosc pear bonbon). Again, I believe my cold prevented me from fully enjoying the taste of the confections but I was able to savour the rich texture and extra light, crisp crust of the persimmon macaron. The rest of the goodies I could take or leave, including the spiced cake.
Lesson #4: 31st floor doesn't guarantee a good view.
When I found out STOCK was located on the 31st floor of the Trump International Tower & Hotel, I got excited to eat a meal with a fantastic view. Unfortunately the view is wasted to most customers. I'm not sure how many diners can actually see out of the windows, but it seemed that even those people seated near the windows could not see out of them.
Needless to say I won't be dining here regularly. The atmosphere is a stiff for me and the prices are beyond what I can justify paying for one meal. If I do make my way back, I'd like to explore the drinks menu.
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