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| - We checked out La Societe (131 Bloor St W) during Winterlicious, when the restaurant had a 3 course prix fixe menu for $35. It's located on the second floor of Colonnade Plaza-known for housing high end retail like Cartier-just before Avenue Road, overlooking busy Bloor Street.
The décor is old time French glamour with a grand entrance, stained glass ceiling, chandeliers and red wood shelves. It's meant to resemble a Parisian bistro, and once inside it is almost like entering a different world outside the hustle and bustle of the city streets, yet refined and luxurious like the surrounding Yorkville neighbourhood itself.
For starters, we both had the Beef Crudo with shaved parmesan, pickled baby red onions, arugula and extra virgin olive oil. The beef was blue rare and sliced very thinly, making it a surprisingly light and refreshing appetizer.
For the main course, I had the Dry Aged Striploin with frites, watercress salad and Bernaise sauce. Though the steak was small, it was the perfect portion size. Taylor had the Parisian Gnocchi with sweet potato puree, chestnuts, brussel sprouts, in a brown butter sauce, which was rich yet perfectly fresh and portioned.
We normally don't get dessert at our favourite restaurants so this was a treat. For our sweet tooth cravings, I had the Chocolate Hazelnut Bar and Taylor had the Creme Brulee.
All of the dishes were small portions but with so many different plates, it proved to be the perfect amount.
The restaurant was full and extremely noisy, making it hard to hear each other and carry on a conversation. However, the service was very professional and the waitress was knowledgeable about the wine list, which was extensive (it is a French restaurant after all!)
Besides the amazing food and atmosphere, and is a great place for a romantic date night or fancy girls' night out.
Next time you're in the mood for quality French cuisine that doesn't leave you stuffed and in a food coma, check out La Societe on Bloor!
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