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| - To summarize my experience: This isn't the Brassaii I remember. I used to come here quite often years ago for the dinner and late-night lounge experience, and I recall having a great time!
However, I recently dined here for a business dinner and was disappointed overall. We had a private room booked, which was closed off from the main room by double doors; however, despite the fact that there were no other patrons in the restaurant, the outside music level (and inside AC noise level) were quite disruptive.
We were provided with a set course dinner menu, with the option of either a caesar salad or mushroom soup to start, followed by either linguine, a chicken dish, salmon, or beef tenderloin, and a sorbet, creme brulee or chocolate mousse to finish.
In regards to the starters, the caesar salda was quite overdressed and doused with cheese. I was expecting my mushroom soup to be a creamy bisque; however, I was quite surprised when I received a dish of mushrooms floating in a very salty broth, with not much flavour. My colleagues had the chicken which was 'tough,' and the tenderloin which was well-liked overall, although the vegetables were quite bland. I chose the salmon which was overcooked, and presented upon lentils which were flavorless. I doused them in the hot sauce that I had requested (tobasco), but still, the meal could not be helped.
As for beverages, we had the house white and red, and as I am a fan of reds, I chose this option. Although I could not see the label on the wine being poured, this particular red wasn't particularly appealing. I'm a fan of more robust and well-rounded flavours and this wine just didn't seem to fit the bill.
I could not stay for dessert but asked for the chocolate mousse to go. This was a chocolate cake base with a chocolate mousse on top, finished with fresh raspberries. Overall, not particularly unique or flavourful.
Overall, I must say that given my past experiences here, I was disappointed. The staff were great, however, and were the standout. From the reception, to the meal service, the service was attentive and hospitable.
That being said, I was disappointed overall in returning here with high hopes that this venue had continued to maintain and even progress in this highly competitive market in Toronto.
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