cava_girl

Wow! So now one of my favourite T.O. restaurants has BRUNCH?! And with an excellent prix fixe?! I know where I'm headed soon! Thanx for the update!

Looked for you after your kind msg, Renka, but we got there a lot later than expected -- sorry I missed you! I was happy to see that there was no wait at all, it being the long weekend and plenty of folks having fled to their cottages (the waitress said it had been packed the previous night, Friday). Overall, I was quite happy with my experience at Foxley and would definitley return for more tapas, if not for more wine by the glass tasting (a great selection and they're going to be adding even more). I was pleased to see a good mix of Spanish, South American, Australian, German and Ontario wines on the list (almost all available by the glass -- I love the chance to try different ones throughout the night). The menu was as I had heard and expected -- Latin with Asian influences -- and it really worked. I loved the variety (Renka's photostream above has a pic of the actual menu). A run down of our tapa selections: .:bluefin tuna tartare w/crispy capers and avocado salad (super-fresh, excellent) .:grilled lemongrass-stuffed jumbo shrimps with mango salad (delicious but only ideal for two people -- one huge shrimp for each person to peel and really get your hands dirty with; they thoughtfully brought a bowl of warm lemon water after the shrimp experience) .:lamb and duck prosciutto dumplings (great combo of ingredients but just a little too crispy/overcooked for my liking) .:grilled sideribs with caramelized shallot glaze (a winner at our table, really tender, you need to enjoy somewhat sweet sauces for this one, and again, ideal for only 2 people to dig into) .:stewed beef cheek in tomato, cinnamon and salsa verde (very tender and delicious combo of ingredients -- cinnamon and salsa verde? it works) .:braised duck leg in pomegranate reduction (another winner at our table, only complaint being that it's not really the ideal "tapa" serving -- it's not conducive to sharing) .:all 3 sides of asian greens and steamed rice (excellent flavours all around) The service was friendly and very professional. For a place that just opened last week(!), I was very surprised at how smoothly the entire evening went. The ambience was cozy and just what I expected from a local neighbourhood bistro. The decor is simple, while being warm, inviting and modern. I love the contrast of the exposed brick wall with the modern finishes throughout the space. Rustic v.s. modern chic -- and a great use of the long narrow space (reminiscent of many of the small bistros, bars and retail spaces in Soho, NYC). I enjoyed my Foxley experience and would definitely return. Especially since they'll be adding more wines to the menu and opening a large patio out back in about a month. This is really a great new addition to the West End -- and definitely ideal for bar-hopping in this up and coming 'hood (some ventured in for drinks at the bar and the high tables at the back after 10pm). I doubt it will be long before Foxley is packed every weekend. Just remember that they don't take reservations (though the bar is great for checking out their wine selections while you wait!).

I find that the best things about Mildred Pearce are the service (impeccable every time I've been there), and the Sunday brunch (every person I've taken there has been totally impressed). I just checked out their site and read the news that after 17 years, they are actually closing their West End digs in July, and re-opening in a new location in October of '07. For updates on the opening, they invite you to join their mailing list. http://www.mildredpierce.com/ I'm looking forward to seeing what they cook up. And where exactly they'll end up...

I did a search on here for the new Foxley Bistro at 207 Ossington, south of Dundas, but didn't find anything. Apparently, the owner/chef is the same one that used to run Tempo on College (trendy sushi joint in Little Italy). Just wondering if anyone has been there yet? I just called them and they don't take reservations (from what I've heard it's quite small, so I hope the wait won't be too long tonight)... they also mentioned that they're opening a huge backyard patio in about a month. From what I've read on-line, they are offering a tapas-style menu -- Latin with Asian influences. Would love to hear about particular menu recommendations, if anyone here has had the Foxley experience... Thanx.

Sho-Dan the website: http://www.sho-dan.com/ There are now two. Meh… ←

You mentioned that Billy the chef from Shodan is now at Taro. When I lived in Mtl, Shodan on Metcalfe was one of my favourites. I used to frequent it quite a bit between 2000 and 2002.... but is it still around? And if so, what's become of it now that Billy is gone? I'm a Sushi fanatic and out of the loop on the Mtl sushi scene these days, but will be living there for 3 months in the near future, so this forum has been helpful so far.... any news on Shodan on Metcalfe would be greatly appreciated. I've searched the forums but haven't found much in recent posts. Thanx.

It's becasue we're all just a bunch of poutine eaters. ← Oh wow! Thanx for posting that [good thing I can read French sans probleme!]. I had no idea that the high-end restaurant scene was suffering in Mtl... it's been a few years since I have lived there. I am shocked to read about some of the other restaurant closings on these forums, too, now that I've been researching for places to visit next week. Thanx again for sharing the article.

Wow. I can't believe it's gone. I used to know 2 people that went on and on and on about this place. If it was so great, why did it disappear? That's too bad. Was planning on checking it out during my visit.

This is very sad news to me, as I have nothing but great memories of this wonderful place. I also believe that I may have encountered the best sommelier ever there, not to mention how fabulous the service, food and accommodations were. Very sad news indeed. cava_girl

hmmmm...it's been a while since I've purchased it, but next time I'm at Bruno's in the city I'll check on that and confirm here. cava_girl

Yes, I have found tomato paste tubes at both Pusateri's and Bruno's...and I'm sure that I've seen them elsewhere in T.O. I'll re-post if I remember where... cava_girl

Ooops! Just noticed that you had referred to a "schnaps" variety of this liqueur. Thought you were asking about pure Cachaca. Then my answer to that is: Anything's possible! (sorry -- not into schnaps -- and have never heard of a Cachaca-related one). Bonne chance, cava_girl

hmmmm...good question, Carswell: Does it smell like apple? I don't think so. It's one of my fave drinks...I discovered it while living in NYC for the last 3 years and it instantly became one of my fave cocktails. It's possible that on its own, it would have an apple aroma to it, but each time I've had it, the only scent I've experienced is the yummy aroma of plenty of freshly squeezed limes (the way it should be prepared -- don't ever let anyone make one for you using that pre-mix lime junk!). I've had the same problem trying to find Cachaca in T.O....and Montreal, for that matter...and I've tried Martinik and was not moved by it at all. Almost too fragrant. I'm afraid that for now, the remedy is to make a Gotham (or at least NY State) invasion and stock up!!! I intend to do that in December...and will surely stock up on the fantastic array of Cava selections while I'm down there, too! Nothing beats Astor Wine + Spirits at St. Marks Place! (kick-butt Sake selections, too!). Bonne chance...and pleeze, all of you Cachaca lovahs: If you find some of the good stuff on Cdn turf, do let us know! cava_girl

You guys are great! Thank you soooo much for all of the hot leads! cava_girl

I received an invite to the upcoming Wines of Chile wine tasting event in T.O., but unfortunately, will not be in town for this one. I'm looking for recommended resources (on-line or print) for similar events in T.O. -- for special, annual or in-restaurant wine tasting events. Any hot leads would be greatly appreciated! Thanx, cava_girl

Thanx to jfl91 and wizpers for your input on Daylight Factory. I'm so glad to hear that it's definitely worth checking out. We are indeed looking forward to it! cava_girl

I walked by today and it looks gorgeous! Was on my way home from work and they were just setting up the outdoor patio for dinner...this one is definitely on my list of new places to invade! Has anyone been yet? Thanx, cava_girl

Since it seems that Daylight Factory just opened a few hours ago... ("OUVERTURE - MERCREDI 21 SEPTEMBRE 2005"), I am very curious to hear comments by anyone who may have been at the opening or has plans to visit in the next few days. I've heard much about it and I will be visiting Mtl very soon...and though I used to live in the Belle Provence, my fiance has never been (incroyable, I know!). ;-) So I'm scoping out your helpful forum for all kinds of goodies -- there are some hot leads on here these days! Looking forward to input on Daylight Factory... Merci, cava_girl P.S. Is Kaizen Treehouse still around -- and still recommended?

Marie Belle (Nolita or Soho) makes a Spicy Hot Chocolate that includes chipotle. Here's a description from their site: "The Aztec Spicy Hot Chocolate is made with a medium dark chocolate (63% cacao content) from the finest cacao bean from Venezuela flavored with a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and chipotle. This hot chocolate is rich, adventurous with a spicy flair. It is divinely decadent and supremely simple. Just add water to conjure up a full flavored cup of true European style hot chocolate or refrigerate and it transforms into a dark Creme de Chocolat, perfect alone or in pies." I haven't tried it, though I have had their other hot chocolates and have found them to be dee-lish (especially if you have a mini froth maker for added consistency). Additionally, if you're craving some milk/dark chocolate made with spices such as masala, curry, and quite possibly chipotle, they carry a line of chocolate bars that are absolutely phenomenal. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the company that makes them, but they are not by Marie Belle -- though definitely stocked at their Soho location. http://www.mariebelle.com/ I'm addicted to MB! cava_girl

Does anyone know if the cafe area has opened yet? If so, has anyone been to it yet? I'd love to hear about the menu and atmosphere. Thanx! cava_girl

Ah, yes, nondoctor, thank you for posting that for those who may not have read about the reservations policy. I had indeed had a look at JK's site before heading out that evening, and was inspired to call ahead and ask if it would be smarter to arrive super-early or later on, around 9pm. I was told that the shortest wait would be around 9pm, so we arrived then....and was told in person that it would be an hour and a half wait. I don't mind not having a set reservation at all. I've lived in Europe and love the idea of sitting at a bar in a restaurant, enjoying my drink and conversation with my guest(s) while waiting for a table. In fact, it's a leisurely pace that I wish was the norm in North America. However, not being able to actually sit and relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the same restaurant that you're going to dine in, is a bit irritating to me. Especially when the choices in the area are really not *that* great (a few pubs, a large beer hall, a couple of tiny bistros with no bar to sit at, and of course, The Old Spaghetti Factory) -- I have to shudder at the thought of starting out my evening at any of those spots before embarking upon a very fine dining and wine-tasting experience at JK's. It just kills my mood. Again, I loved JK's -- I just wish they'd find a solution for all of us very patient fans, since there is no option to sit at the bar and enjoy their inexhaustible wine list (and we were indeed patient -- an hour and a half in a tourist restaurant's bar, waiting for my cell to ring -- is not something I've been willing to do before!). I do hope to hear of improvements, as I have friends visiting soon who are eager to have a JK experience of their own.

You're welcome, ademello. I'm glad to hear that the info on the Tony Aspler site was correct. I'm surprised that the official site for the wine fair doesn't have any '05 dates posted yet, but I guess they'll be changing that soon...now that they've confirmed it. Enjoy! cava_girl

According to www.tonyaspler.com, the Montreal date for 2005 and the venue details are as follows: California Wine Fair April 21, 2005 (Trade tasting by invitation only; Consumer tasting, 7–9:30 p.m., Le Windsor Hotel, Montreal) More info: Rick Slomka, California Wine Institute, 905-336-8932, rick.slomka@sympatico.ca Apparently, Quebec City's venue details are to be confirmed. The date set for that city is April 20th. Hope that helps! cava_girl

Hey Jake: Thanx for asking about my experience at JK's Wine Bar last night. I'm still in the process of moving and my 'net connection is sporadic, so I'll have to log in again in the near future and give you more of a detailed review re: the actual food and wine. Suffice to say that my date and I did thoroughly enjoy ourselves, the food, and the numerous 3oz wine tastings (deee-lish!)...but I can't say that I thought our 1 1/2(!) hour wait was worth it. Would have been O.K. if we'd at least had the option of having drinx at their bar while waiting, but the entire bar is taken up by people dining...and there is absolutely no waiting area. So their somewhat lame solution is to have folx wander the area looking for a bar to wait patiently at (cheezy tourist pubs all around), staying on the alert for their cell phone to ring. Wasn't very impressed by that, but it really is my only complaint...that and the fact that the hostess was super-snippy, and the sad news that they had run out of Jamon Serrano by the time we were seated. Still, the amazing selection of wines more than made up for it! If I think of more details worthy of relaying, I'll definitely post them. Looking forward to perusing the T.O. boards for some hot leads when I have the time.

I see that the last post about JK's Wine Bar was last April... Has anyone been there more recently than that? I'm back in T.O. after a very long absence and I'm looking forward to checking it out tonight. Does anyone know if the wait is still considerably long on a Saturday around 9pm? ...and more importantly, is the food still as good as was reported when they first opened? I'm definitely looking forward to the massive selection of wines by the 3 + 6oz servings! Thanx in advance!