"1"^^ . "2012-02-06T00:00:00"^^ . . "0"^^ . "0"^^ . "4"^^ . . . "I went to Cantine Bar and Grill with a few friends during Summerlicious last year (2011), and we vowed we would return because we loved the food so much.\n\nAdditionally, the owner was so engaging and treated us to drinks at the end of the night. \n\nI am embarrassed to say that we didn't return as we would have liked. \n\nInstead, we returned for Winterlicious 2012!\n\nWhat can I tell you ... this place cranks it up a notch for the price.\nFor $25 - you get an awesome selection of appetizers and mains, as well as three dessert options.\n\nThe wine guy, Bart, who happened to be our waiter that evening, brings in an awesome selection of wines.\n\nWe chose the Bogle Merlot and Petite Sirah (sic) from Sonoma County.\n\nDelicious ... old world style wines from the new world.\n\nMost of us had the Polenta with Portabello Mushroom appetizer ... our designated driver had the Beet Salad - just in case things got out of hand with the polenta.\n\nThe polenta was melting in our mouths ... had some crisp cheese on top, and had a nice, succulent slab of portobello mushroom as the base. So many flavours - really well done!\n\nFor the mains - the designated driver and I shared two vegetarian options - the Eggplant Rollatini (eggplant rolled with spinach and ricotta - baked with red sauce and a bit of Parmiggiano) was killer. We also had the Spaghettini with lemon, leeks and carrot with a butter, shallot, olive oil, cream and white wine reduction.\n\nFantastic.\n\nThe two others enjoyed some meat main. I don't remember what it was ... but they were quite pleased with their options.\n\nFor desert, I tried the Berries with Mango Gelato. Just right.\n\nEveryone else had Key Lime Pie - and they enjoyed it immensely.\n\nThe evening was capped off with Grappa.\n\nThe service was quite good - the atmosphere welcoming and overall - Cantine is a must-go-to joint for unpretentious, good, tasty Italian food in Toronto!"^^ .