Since the moment I arrived back to Toronto I have heard about the fried chicken at Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar with reverence. It was on the "have to go" list and we finally went on Good Friday. It is sleek, modern and elegant but is is also decorated with a giant "EAT" sign on the wall which made me personally feel instantly comfortable and welcomed.
They lived up to their goal to serve "locally sourced, home cooked cuisine in a casual yet elegant environment". It is a lovely restaurant with seating at the front, along the bar and a bigger space at the back.
Even though we perused the menu it was pretty clear we were all there for the fried chicken dinner which was $19. It is "southern style" which must mean overwhelmingly crispy and delicious chicken served over stunningly creamy mashed potatoes and melt-in-your-mouth green beans. Damn! The gravy was very subtle which normally I would not be too thrilled about but it worked perfectly to meld everything together in a balanced and beautiful way.
Apparently everyone raves about the Chocolate Budino (a chocolate pudding with hazelnuts and salted caramel, need I say more?) so that is what I ordered for dessert. The Chocolate Budino did not disappoint! Not only was the creamy ooey gooey chocolate caramel dessert stunning, it contrasted with the crunchy hazelnuts perfectly and look at that perfect quenelle on top! Impressive. I also had a taste of the classic cheesecake was dusted with fine white chocolate shavings and anointed with fresh berries. That was one of the best bites of cheesecake I have had in a restaurant. It is the real deal. Firm but luscious, not moussie.
Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar is very elegant and the service was great and the food tasted like home. Quite a fascinating mix that feels like an open invitation for this foodie to come back and try even more of their dinner delights.
Read Full Review here: http://www.suziethefoodie.com/fried-chicken-dinner-at-fourth-avenue-kitchen-bar/