"2012-02-11T00:00:00"^^ . "3"^^ . "I decided to check this place out for its winterlicious menu.\nAs we entered the doorman opened the door and the hostess welcomed us and checked our coats.\n\nOur reserved table for two was located in a cozy corner all the way in the back of the restaurant by a window and fire place. The cushiony seats, oversized table, tan leathered walls and dim lighting set the mood for an elegant evening out.\n\nOur waiter greeted us and went over the specials on the menu and even pointed out a full menu of vegan dishes. For drinks I wanted something fruity but non alcoholic. I inquired about what virgin cocktails they had and the waiter said he'd whip me up something special if I liked. I was all for it.\n\nHe later returned with a beautifully presented virgin martini complete with bow & arrow! It was fruity tasting just as I liked with notes of pineapple and raspberry.\nHe also brought out a basket of chewy bread dotted with specks of sea salt and butter.\n\nThis is what I ordered from the winterlicious line up\n\nMarinated Winter Kale Slaw Salad - tossed with Hemp Seeds, Walnuts, Raisins, Sundried Tomatoes and Avocado in a Creamy Lemon Dill Tahini Sauce with Shaved Apple (vegan)\nI decided to try the vegan app just out curiousity and seemed pretty interesting. I did enjoy all the contrasting flavours, bitter kale, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, creamy tangy dressing soo many different flavours yet they all worked and tasted great together. \n\n10 oz Char Grilled New York Striploin (21 Day Dry Aged) w/ Cremini Mushroom and Herb Pomme Puree\nThe steak was cooked perfectly but there was soo much gristle/fat around the steak which I didn't expect especially for a place known for its quality steak. Even the taste of the steak wasn't very exciting. The pommee puree was creamy and plain tasting as well. I enjoyed the mushrooms though they were the most flavourful part of the dish soaked in a delicious reduction.\n\nChocolate Peanut Butter Bombe\nMilk Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, Chocolate Glaze and Caramelized Peanuts\nIt was basically a chocolate mousse with a suttle peanut butter flavour in the background. I was hoping for a more intense pb/choco kick but it was much more mild and airy than I expected. However I had no problem devouring it all.\n\nPumpkin Cr\u00E8me Brulee\nCr\u00E8me Brulee infused with Spiced Pumpkin Puree and Garnished with Maple Shortbread\nI got to snag a bite but from my winterlicious date. The taste reminded me of warm pumpkin pie filling. Too sweet for my liking but still yummy.\n\nAlong with dessert I wanted to order a cup of tea. I inquired what flavour of teas they offered and the waiter said we have 50 varieities of loose leaf teas and brought over a tea menu! It was like tea heaven!\n\nTibetan Tiger - A Dessert Tea - Black Tea Echoing Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel and Butterscotch. \nLove love loveee this flavour tea soo delicious you could really taste the different notes the tea!\n\nOverall service was top notch, our waiter was very charming and attentive never letting a glass go empty and checking on us after each course was served to make sure we were satisfied. Food wise I found everything mediocore, I came with really high expectations as this was the higher end winterlicious offerings however it didn't live up to what I had anticipated. Our waiter informed us after seeing my delight over the tea that they do have a tea room which he even pointed out to us as we were leaving so I will definitely return to check that out!"^^ . . "1"^^ . "3"^^ . "2"^^ . . .