hungryforquality's Profile
Parkette?
Picking up the thread, Joanne Kates raved about the pasta and salads, not so much about everything else in last weeks Globe & Mail
Decent restaurant downtown
Absolutely loved Forte. Great, imaginative food. Professional, knowledgeable service. Sleek decor. I hope they're still around, because they never seem to be busy in the evenings.
Buca opening soon?
Well, since you asked......
First course, we (four of us) shared a selection of three salumi, heirloom tomato salad, and a dish of gnocchi (melt in your mouth variety) in a light tomato sauce with basil.
Mains were orata in a light lime reduction, pasta with artichokes and octopus, and afunghi pizza. All were excellent. Recommended wine was, I believe a Majus (?) at $45 and an excellent value.
Incidentally, the sommelier was from a town in southern Italy called Matera, which was a favourite stop of ours on our last trip. If you're planning a trip to southern Italy, I highly recommend it. Sorry for the travel advice on a food blog.
Desserts were a selection of three gelati (salted almond, milk and honey, butternut squash) and a boozy cake in zabaglione plus a glass of Italian dessert wine that our waiter convinced us to order and we didn't regret it.
An absolutely delightful evening.
Buca opening soon?
Absolutely superb! Closest thing to authentic southern Italian cooking we've enjoyed since our trip to Italy last year. Simply prepared, fresh, wonderful flavours, Enthusiastic staff, helpful but not exactly gourmands. Still we had no complaints about the service. A delightful evening and definitely will return. No signage, so get good directions. This kind of great, authentic Italian needs to be supported by this city.
RHUBARB RESTAURANT
We stayed at Sir Sam's Inn this weekend and thus had an opportunity to try Rhubarb, thanks to this thread.
An absolutely delightful evening. There is something quite magical about this place. The room itself is best described as upscale rustic, the view is quite outstanding. I just felt utterly relaxed from the moment we entered. Service seemed easygoing, yet quite professional and knowledgeable.
The menu had several daily additions, and as we were a group of four, we were able to try most of the daily items. The portions were quite generous. A duck confit appetizer with orange chocolate sauce was easily a meal in itself, as was a scallop and shrimp appetizer..
The strengths of the menu items were the meats, rack of lamb, duck magret. The fish courses, halibut and arctic char were dry, and will be avoided next visit.
This is by far, the best dining we have had in the Haliburton area.
By comparison, the dining room at Sir Sam's is quite competent and still worth a visit, but there just didn't to be the passion and ingenuity that we saw at Rhubarb.
By the way, Sir Sam's Inn is still a great getaway. Wonderful staff, wonderful setting.
PHIL`S BBQ REALLY DISAPPOINTING
Feel like a ninety minute drive?? Mad Michael's in Midland will give you a friendly atmosphere, great BBQ, and Michael will bring out your food from the kitchen and sit with you if you invite him (unless he's taken the day off). His PASSION for the food shines.
The Explorers Café
'smatter of fact, we ate there Friday night. It's a regular stop for us every summer,we have a cottage nearby.
Casual, laid-back atmosphere. Friendly, attentive service. The chef likes it spicy, so if that's not your forte, advise your waitress.
I agree with Iseaborn, it compares favourably to a good bistro in Toronto.
Would also suggest Mad Michael's for superb BBQ and the Library for higher end dining.
A decent lunch in the Beach - is this possible?
I've always enjoyed the Firkin. Nothing fancy, but pleasant staff and a kitchen that always delivers excellent quality and the chef is willing to accomodate any request.
Greg Argent's new Resto, Forte - Review
Once again, I'm reminded why chowhound.com is my favourite link. Thoroughly enjoyed dinner tonight at Forte, based on the above recommendations.
Warmly welcomed on arrival which is always a good start.
Caesar salad had a great kick to it with a wonderful dressing that was powerful yet not overbearing.
My wife's salad (was it the frisee?) was quite detailed and imaginative with it's presentation and while she enjoyed it immensely, she regretted that there were not a lot of options in the salads on the menu for those who are careful with their caloric intake.
The skate was off the menu because of "endangered species" issues and was replaced with scallops. Still a superb dish.
Cod was superb and I'm a real softie when it comes to the accompanying scalloped potatoes.
The beef tenderloin and frites were outstanding but beware of the price point which, as I recall was over $40.
My duck breast and confit was the overall-rated winner. Perfectly prepared, the confit was surprisingly moinst, the accompanying lentils were in a lovely broth.
The lemon meringue did not excite us, but the banana and chocolate flan delivered a whole host of flavours with each bite. Marvellous.
Service was keen and enthusiastic but we felt that the waitress still needs a little more time to familiarize herself with the menu. Of course that is not surprising, given that the place just opened 2 weeks ago. Still, given the price point..........
Overall, a lovely wide open, upscale venue, imaginative creations, great flavours.
Will they survive in such a large space and in today's economics?
I'm hopeful .
Leg of lamb?
I had the Costco leg of lamb ( one hour of indirect heat on the BBQ) and thought it was excellent, but I don't consider myself much of an expert. Anybody else tried it?
Need alternate to North 44, help!
Scaramouche, no doubt in my mind. Same price point and a guaranteed winner. Food, ambience and by far, the best service in the city.
Mad Michael's - BBQ near Midland
Thank you, thank you Chowhound. Mad Michael's was an absolute delight. Atmosphere was low-key charm, Mrs. Mad was delightful to talk to, and Mad Michael's energy was infectious. And the food was superb. I had the pulled lamb which was moist to the last bite and the smoked flavour kept overwhelming my taste buds right to the end. The sides were above average and not a disappointment. Nothing like it in T.O. that I've come across including Phil's. Worth the drive from Toronto, but I've scored anyways, because my cottage is 15 minutes away.
