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| - If you love flavour, you need to do yourself a favour and make a reservation here. This place exceeded my expectations. Not only was each dish of the chef menu was bold and exciting, the service matched and was incredibly fun and welcoming. Best part about this whole experience... the price point. This has to be one of the best value for a tasting menu I've tried in Toronto.
Rickshaw is a sleek and modern Asian fusion restaurant on Queen St W. Even in the early Saturday evening, there was definitely a lot tables being seated and I totally get why. With Rick (I hope that's his name... maybe Eric?) being a gracious, personable, and funny host, he set the tone for everyone else. The place is not romantic as the music does hit a louder tone than an intimate experience. I do have to appreciate that there is some spacing between seats. They could have crammed in another table here and there but it would be really unpleasant... thank god they didnt do this.
As I mentioned, the service is very good and it just isn't one person. I saw the bartender and another main service staff showing the same attention, care, and warmth as Rick. I love how they bring the dish to your table and go into detail the ingredients or a great story about the background on the dish. It brings us into the chef's kitchen without actually stepping into it. It also gave me a lot more fun chances to talk about the food or Toronto. Not once did they run over, plop down the dish, say "enjoy", and take off. Each time was always a thoughtful interaction.
As for the food... only one way to go really. Chef menu. Yes it is small plates but you eat so well and especially for such a great value @ $45. Trust... and you'll be in for a treat. Also, the pacing was perfect. Never did we ever felt rushed or looking around painfully for the next dish. Just spot on for every dish. I do call this Asian fusion but it borrows more from South Asian region than others.
Chef menu (CM) #1 Grilled Pita and 'dip' - What a start... how can simple bread be that good? It's cause of the tomato, chilli, tamarind, cashews, and peanuts in the dip. It's so good you want to lick the plate. The spiciness is just enough to wake up your senses. 5/5
CM #2 Mung Bean Chaat Salad - What a fun 'salad'. Forget dry leaves, this is a textural burst with crispy pieces of noodles and chick peas (probably so wrong) tied in with finely diced up tomatoes and onions. A nice refreshing dish that is bright. 4.5/5
CM #3 Sesame brussels - So its not the prettiest dish but damn its good. Super crispy sprouts are doused and coated in a rich savoury sauce of sesame and tahini. I used to only like sprouts with bacon... now Im awake to this. 4.5/5
CM #4 Chicken 685 - Good god... this is chicken? A play on words from Chicken 65 & 685 is their address. Original recipe is 65 ingredients and the chef has included things that are bold, spicy, salty, sour, and the right amount of pungent from the gojuchang. It's fried crisp but still moist and tender. Then tossed in the most delicious sauce Ive tasted all year for chicken. It won Toronto Drake Hotel's fried chicken competition and I can totally get behind it. Very worthy of the title. 5+/5
CM #5 Ismaili Beef Curry - it was the mom of the Chef's recipe and handed down to produce this dish. Very homey and yet full flavoured with tender pieces of beef. The nuttiness from the cashews and peanuts play off nicely from the curry flavour. It's not strongly of cumin but rather a good balance. 4/5
CM #6 Spicy Thai Basil Duck - Another dish that is ugly delicious. With sweet and savoury flavours in play, your tongue is left guessing what is next. The duck is already rich and with the sweet kecap manis and spicy chillis, it just ties in very nice. The duck is tender with each bite. 4.5/5
CM #7 Crispy milk pastry - A sweet bite and ending to the delicious meal. This reminds me of a gourmet crossover version of a croissant and freshly made croissant. Crispy layers are enveloped in a rich sweet milk and gently scented with roses and almonds. It wasn't too big but I was so full that these small bites was the perfect finish. 4/5
I could not ask for a better flavour explosion from a tasting menu and at this price point, Im tempted to make another reservation now. Service is spot on. I left very full and thinking of another moment I can come back to try other dishes like the shrimp, thai fish, or pakoras. Toronto... honestly, get your reservations and just enjoy every bite.
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