mkjr

You must not have left California very often, then, because there are entire sections of the US which are immersed in frying oil. And fried twinkies, funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc. were not invented in Canada... ← I agree.

I am not sure if BFB or Araxi's is what you are looking for (I mean both are Fantastic! but I would not place either in the "simply prepared food" category IMHO as both are really fine dining and meticulous in quality and preparation), although that being said Araxi's will not be an option anyway since its closed until May 18th. Perhaps Hy's Steakhouse or Carumba. Both are good and simple. I think that BC wines will be at both but no where as extensive as BFB (although you should seek details in the forum regarding a cautionary note on same). I think both Hy's and Carumba can accomodate persons who have consumed a lot of vino and may get a little loud....as I think that you are alluding to in your post.

Turley Wine Cellars make big, powerful, high octane, old vine heavily extracted zins and petit syrahs from California. Not usually the best food wines according to "experts" but I usually ignore such mis information. Not aware of any coming into Ontario, but I know the SAQ gets some. I buy from Vancouver where I have been getting the wine for over 10 years now. The come in between 15.5 and 16.9% alcohol so a few glasses can do lots o damage.

what about Lee instead? I had in mind a wine bar with good, interesting small plates. Someplace to relax and have a good time after walking around the City all day. thanks for your suggestions so far. ← I would say not Lee......if small plates is what you want, I would still go to JK's the only issue is timing and no reservations allowed. JK's is in the St. Lawrence market area and you could walk around, check things out and stroll down a little early for dinner to avoid any rush. I would also consider Crush Wine Bar. Jamie used to work at Marquis Wine Cellar in Vancouver before leaving to Willis in Paris and has an amazing wine list with some steals www.crushwinebar.com. There is no place that I am aware of in Vancouver like it. Both are, based on my opinions and as you know with opinions, everyones got one. I would still go to Splendido for top quality and go for the smaller menu but hey, that is me........ I would also bring a nice big bottle of Turley also....again but hey, that is me.

Yup...yawn.....

I like the King Edward. The Royal York is nice but small rooms for the cash. The Grand is nice but the area is a little shabby (although the same could be said for the area around the King Edward and the Royal York). Your choices are good for dinner. I would have a back up because the JK's wine bar does not take dinner reservations and can be busy depending on the night (they allow BYOW also if you are into that which I am), only Jamie Kennedy's Restaurant takes reservations for dinner and they are different (including in terms of cost). There are a few threads on the other places so no need to repeat my 2 cents (i.e. Splendido et al.). I make brunch at home so I can not help you there.

So true....you will recall (or perhaps not) that Happy Days stayed on the air well after Fonzie jumped the shark....I avoided the show last night despite getting home and having people leave messages noting that I should watch the same. Watched the Jays eek out a win agains the Red Sox instead and called it a night after the Flames, sadly, went down in flames.

I agree on all points. Mexi Cali was good when on Arbutis before the building had a fire and is still very good now for what you pay.

Saw this too. Hmm.... restaurant make over is working at the place on Front and Jarvis. Perhaps this is a new one to look out for....will have to remember the name...it is next to Jason George.

Earls and new just do not seem to go together. Am I missing something?

Good to hear. It must be hard with so many strong opinions out there. A cocktail at the glowing yellow bar is always a good choice, even more so when the drinks are made by Sterns.

Mark Squires' forums or "ebob" at www.erobertparker.com Always nice to hear when good years stand up for so long.

That is it. I have to get there one day. I only live a few blocks away.

funny for all the ideas people do realise that Spice Islands is closed on Thrusdays.....or at least when I lived in Dunbar they were.

You people make me laugh sometimes.

That is nice to hear the price came down. $60 was very high. $40 is high but reasonable. Did you ever post any TN's on Ebob on the burg? Would be curious on your thoughts.

If the OP is not here in June I would put Canoe as my next choice (after Spendido for its special menu) for what the OP is looking for as they can confirm that the tasting menu is probably what they are looking for (although Canoe is a cab ride away). I think Canoe is very good and the tasting menu at $100 for about 7 courses is a very good price. Regional is IMHO fairly hard to come by for what ever reason but I think that Canoe anytime or Spendido in June would be well worth it. FYI, when I checked Spendido's site a month or so ago, they noted that at the end of each month they would do a BYOW evening with a theme, i.e. California, Burgundy....etc. and a special menu would be prepared and BYOW would be free that night? Not sure on the details but now that the Canadiana menu is up I do not see the BYOW information.

I think that Mexi Cali works. I know that Lee the owner makes very good southwest mexican food for a very good price.

I will be there. I was actually looking to see what BYOW dinner they had and saw that. It looks amazing. Cheers.

We will just have to agree to disagree as they say although it is just my opinion which the OP can take or leave for what its worth. If your timing is right I sugest that you DO look at Splendido http://www.splendido.ca/main.php?a=news&p=e1 as this will certainly fit your bill as the menu is entirely Canadian themed in June with the exception of the copper river Sockeye which runs in Alaska but close enough.

nothing much positive comes from these threads. just people fighting back and forth. let the fireworks begin as another wrote.

Just be warned that "award winner" equals high mark ups. I have never eaten there but I did want to try it one day. I first asked for the wine list, looked at the prices and left. Not on my dine I said. I would second Spendido. I was there three or so weeks ago and brought in two bottles with me and the food was killer.

Thanks. I will know to avoid it. The new show has never held my attention for the entire show, local chefs or not. If Gordon Ramsay or Anthony Bourdain were the iron chefs that might change things. Love Bobby Flay and Mario Batali and love each of their places in NYC, especially recently at Babbo as I am salivating just thinking about the mint love letters and the beef cheek ravioli there. Oh well, each to his own.

Do you mean Ontario VQA wines? I thought there is still BC and Ont. VQA? Have they come up with a national standard yet? In any event, I like the wines in Ontario, although there is lots out there that is much less than some of the prices I have seen. Nationalism is not at any price.

There is a diner on King just near Sherborne. A friend who is a huge foodie swears by it but since they are only open in the a.m. I can never get there. Wish I knew the name.