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| - I love Actinolite.
This restaurant is an experience. If restaurants are to be likened to forms of media, a typical restaurant is a trip to the movie theatre, and Actinolite is to experience fine art in a lovely gallery. The latter may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if "portion size" and "getting super full" are among your priorities for going to a restaurant. (And if you do, there's nothing wrong with that!) But for those who are looking for an experience; something to challenge their perception of what food is, and what it can be, Actinolite is worth a visit (or five).
Actinolite's focus on fresh, local, and high quality ingredients means many of their flavours are evocative of nostalgia and intense Canadiana. I've had many dishes here that have evoked strong memories of my childhood, reminding me of aromas and flavours I haven't experienced in decades. This probably makes me sound crazy, but I've had meals here that have brought me to tears.
They are absolutely fantastic with dietary restrictions. I have celiac disease and always do a perfect job of adapting dishes for gluten-free diets and avoiding cross-contamination.
The courses are beautiful, the wine is perfectly selected, and if you're looking to have a cozy drink or two, their cocktails are surprisingly unique and among the best in the city.
Service is warm and personable on a level I personally didn't expect for a place with such refined, artful food.
This is not an inexpensive place to eat, but the experience is worth every penny if you can afford it. I've been several times and plan on returning as much as I can.
Actinolite is a special place, and our city is lucky to have it.
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