I had great night out with my wife at the highly talked about Bar Isabel, which was voted best new restaurant in Canada by En Route magazine! Lots to live up to, no?
It definitely delivered a tasty meal with a lot of flavours. The atmosphere in Bar Isabel felt like you were taken away to a tapas bar in Spain. It definitely did not feel like you were sitting at a bar at College and Shaw. The owner Grant Van Gameren was the old chef at the Black Hoof and a few items on the menu were comparable. Here is what we ordered
Marinated Sardine Crostini (2pc) - great starter, I could have eaten them all night (but I didn't)
Pan Con Jamon Iberico (2pc) - a necessary flavour if you want a taste of Spain
Morcilla, Salt Cured Foie Gras & Brioche - the most creative dish of the night, as the blood sausage tastes way better topped with Foie Gras and salt. I didn't love the blood sausage, but I LOVED the portion of Foie that topped it.
WHOLE Fish Ceviche - probably too much for two people and the perfect amount for three or four people. I love ceviche and it was really good but Foxley's definitely tops it. It should really come in a small portion for two people.
Arbol Chili Chickpeas & Snow Pea Leaves were a great side dish for the ceviche.
I had a great tipsy and tasty experience here, but none of the dishes blew me away. My favourite restaurants in the city (my favourites are all tapas) all have one spectacular dish that keeps me coming back. I can't say that this one had any stunners. I probably missed something!