canadian-eh

I have never found Rahier to be a "friendly" experience. But for a time, the cakes make it worth the effort and lineups. Recently, a new place opened with quality at least equal, if not better. And as there are few lineups and according few staff, the service is always friendly. And appreciated. However, its not a place for bread (they resell Ace). You might consider ordering in advance too as the items available for "unreserved" purchase may be light from time to time (especially early in the week). Its: Fleurdelys Patisserie Phone: (416)545-0509 2046 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4S 1Z9 Since its inception, I see no reason to deal with Rahier. And lets just say the Dufflet's stuff doesn't even merit any discussion. Try this place - you won't be disappointed.

Long Beach Resort is definite competition for the Wick and somewhat more casual so its a little better fit to the "west coast experience". Had a family party at the Wick in a private dining room last night to celebrate inlaw's 50th anniversary. It went great - the food, wine, service etc were PERFECT. They handled 26 adults and 12 kids with great style. Foccacia buns for kid's hamburgers only "complaints" from a few little ones but that's nothing. The Wick's food can challenge anything in a bigger city which considering the distance from Vancouver is saying something. And the staff actually enjoyed serving the kids unlike many restaurants in Toronto were my very well behaved son is just tolerated. Even the 2 BC wines we served were liked by all - their wine list was extensive but really light on wines I know - in Toronto, the selection of BC wines is poor so pre-event tasting was limited. I trusted the Wick's sommelier and was not disappointed. However, the markup on their list is a little generous - by my count about 350%. Had lunch at Tough City Sushi - on the back deck, yesterday. Noticed same faces from diner at the Long Beach Resort. Its quite a finite eating scene here in Tofino but in comparison to when I first came 10 years ago, a much more enjoyable vacation.

Thanks Fat Guy, your report on Long Beach Lodge was spot on. We had a very nice dinner there last night - good food, fair prices, friendly service. I was most impressed with the care she obviously took in the vegetables - good presentation, excellent taste. And given this is high season, it was nice to report a full house! With people dining the great hall and at the bar as well. Hopefully, this new addition to the coast will enjoy some success and give the Wick some competition. After many years of an annual family gathering here (Pacific Sands), it was very pleasant to have a nice place for an afternoon or evening drink too - the place we stay (next door) has zero restaurant and bar. I will share my find of last year - Tough City Sushi. Had lunch and found it to be a nice addition to the town. Good sushi, good service and an interesting tin toy collection. However, after years of the hippy bakery, I will give it a pass.

Fat Guy claims there are 5 top restaurants in Tofino BC. So the Pointe and the Long Beach Resort are 2. I have 5 more days here and doing the 2 above today and tomorrow.