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| - With a focus on old generation Italian style eating - this, is EXACTLY what we did kids. Exactly. what.we.did.
The restaurant is 2 floor with access to the roof that also works as a patio on the second floor.
We had the entire top section booked for a private party. This floor had it's own bar, bathroom and could easily fit 30 people.
They were nice enough to provide the large party with a pre fix menu for $25.00
the table spread took you into an old Italian family dinner feel. Linen - white, 3 sets of forks, spoon & knives. Large salt&pepper shakers. Slender glass bottles of olive oil and 2 types of vinegar & balsamic.
They had trays of sliced bread to keep everyone going before the orders and refilled as fast as they came.
The staff is very generous and speedy on the service. They also placed extra care on accommodating food allergies etc.
App choices:
Cozze in Padella
Fresh mussels in our tomato sauce - this was absolutely delicious. It was also my first time trying mussels.
Insalata Caprese
Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil. - Pretty small portion for salad but not bad to have as an extra side.
Ficci alla Griglia
Grilled Figs wrapped with prosciutto, balsamic reduction, strawberry couli - I have never had figs but it seemed to be saucy. The only complaint was that it wasn't enough to share.
Melanzane alla Parmiggiana
Baked eggplant topped with melted Parmesan cheese in tomato sauce - this was extremely delicious. Even if you aren't a big fan of eggplant, you should try it out. The generosity with the cheese topping covers the eggplant allowed a juicy & chewy goodness all the way through. I especially liked the considerable oil control in this app.
Dinner choices:
The Spaghettini con l'Aragosta
This was a big hit with seafood lovers. The massive spaghetti plate comes with 1/2 fresh Nova Scotian lobster cooked in fresh marinara sauce. The portion is way too big for one person so I would highly recommend sharing this.
Vitello alla Sorrentina
Scallopine Veal topped with eggplant, bufala mozzarella, tomato sauce - I was not a big fan of this. The veal wasn't as tender or maybe it was just the bite I tried out. But the portion was VERY tiny.
Risotto Pollo e Funghi
Arborio rice in wild mushrooms, cream sauce, grilled chicken breast, truffle essence - This was the safest option for anyone who cannot ingest seafood or have texture issues.
Gamberoni al Limone
Sauteed tiger shrimps in a lemon white wine garlic sauce, fresh parsley - This was also a big hit but after the 4 pieces, you will want to order more.
Cappellacci di Zucca
Stuffed homemade pasta with butternutsquash in a butter and sage sauce - I especially liked this. A few people in the party ended up ordering this as an app - which was really convenient if you.
aren't into seafood.
Desert choices:
Creme brulee - not the best but still a nice touch to finish up all the pasta/seafood mix.
strawberries / fruits - wasn't too 'yayy' about this.
The drinks aren't included but I did notice that they were a bit stingy on the ratio of alc/syrup mix. My amaretto was very diluted. Wine bottles are served at the table so I would highly suggest ordering wine rather than a mix drink here.
The bathrooms are adorable. 3 stalls with a weave basket for garbage and a tiny mirror. There was a cottage feel that really made it feel cozy.
They accept all forms of payment but you have to pay your drink tab at the bar , separately from your diner tab. Albeit, this was only because we had the pre fix menu option.
Over all, this corner house restaurant is a fun place for a large group and/or family affair. The seclusion to the rest of noisy Toronto also makes it an impressive private date night spot.
xoxo
M.
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