mkjr

I guess it must just be my security settings since I only get the splash page.

I attended at Kultura for dinner with a group last week. I live just down the street but had not heard that this place had opened. Its on the south side of King east of Jarvis. The rooms were fantastic (never made it up to the third floor), in particular, the dinning room set back on the second level with the sky lights really made this one room unique as compared with any place I have been to. The lines were sleek and although the dining chairs are the fancy type that I do not normally like, they were surprisingly comfortable and did not present you with any awkward feeling while dining (there is nothing worse sitting on a fancy chair and feeling as though you are a few inches to low to eat or to far away etc.). The staff in the stairwells was a little interesting/creepy but it was OK. Watch out for the perfectly clean plate glass sheets that are on one side of the stairwell as that is not the entrance to the stairwell as I saw two people walk straight into the glass (including me but that may have been for other reasons as you will see below)....perhaps this is the reason for the staff in the stairwell? The restaurant concept appeared to be a communal tasting menu. Since we were with a larger group I did not know what such a meal would cost and there is no menu at the restaurant's website when I looked after (arghhh! - although they do have a little fancy intro, I would have thought a PDF of a menu and wine list could very easily be added http://www.kulturarestaurant.com/ - oh well, such is life - I did not see if a menu was posted by the door either, which I think although restaurants do not think this is classy, I find that I will walk by a place that does not have one to avoid the awkwardness of asking staff at the front for a menu and then for a variety of reasons the place is not what I am looking for in terms of cost, style etc. and have to leave - perhaps on my walk to work this morning I will see if there is one posted). Although it appeared as though a course was grouped in threes, things just came out when they were ready. I liked staff giving the descriptions of what we were eating since you would think it was one type of cuisine and then it would taste like another type - Edamame in a black bean sauce for example. I really liked this and I think that the concept worked well. In our case, I think there was about 3 sets of 3 dishes group together with deserts but as the dinner went on so too did the number of refills of wine that I had. Also, I did not snag a menu so for me to get into exactly what we ate may be a little bit hazy, but I recall everything that I had was very good. I do like communal dinning though so you have to like it also. I think that this concept will work well with even number of dinners and in smaller groups but this did not seem to work as well with our larger groups since there was really no way to know how many people were to share one plate (i.e. at our table of about 9 people). For example, there was a cool temperature noodle dish with a mustard and pepper sauce (which was very very hot and I like things spicy but this was damn hot) and there were about 4-5 nicely presented and tied bundles of noodles, however, we did not know how many people were to share this (i.e. was it to be shared with 3 or 4 or 5?)? They had brought a good number of them to the table but I could not do the math. So I just ate what I thought was for me and that seemed to work. One time a plate came out and I did not get to try the dish so we had to ask for another - which they were very willing to do. I suspect this is a big group thing and for 2 or 4 this format would probably not be an issue. As larger group dinners go this was a very good one. I am very used to the beef, fish and chicken and I very much hate them - and let me tell you I see this at too many places. This was a very nice change. However, as larger group dinners go, I am used to private functions being private, and not semi-private as seemed to be our case due to the layout of the place (and I think they tried to do another set of covers at around 9:30 after us) - I have no idea what the arrangements were so this could be purely as a result of our own planners. After dinner we were shuttled to the downstairs bar area, which had now become very busy, so there were no places for our group to sit and people decided to leave and go to another bar for additional drinks. I stayed since I was within walking distance and had more drinks that I should not have had. I really liked the wine glasses used to serve us. Nice size bowls and I did not get the feeling they were industrial strength (i.e. half a centimetre thick). I was probably one of the un-hip people in such a hip bar but in any event I would venture back with my wife as this is so close and they seemed to have a number of wines by the glass (I think the mix killed me when I started into the single malts that night though). I also did not get a chance to look at the wine list so I can not advise on any gems or value etc. and since I buy a lot through agents and have a pretty good idea what is out there I always like to see if something comes into the city that I have not yet got my grubby hands on. We did have a Bogle Chenin Blanc with dinner - not sure on the red. It went well with the food but you can not get to pricy and exotic with a big dinner. As I noted, as group dinners go this is up there as one of the better ones I have had in a while (last good one was the Earth Day Gala dinner with Michael Stadtlander). I liked the dining concept at Kultura and the room was very nice. I would have to check on the price of things to see if I would venture back on my own. Will certainly check out the bar for drinks again though. That said, I can not advise on matters of cost, value or wine selection. Sorry.

Keep in mind "expensive" is relative and personal. I suggest you Google the places, which can provide you with prices and other details to form the range you can work with as some of these places can get up there. I will note that I find prices about 15-20% higher here in Toronto at the mid to higher end restaurants and factor the extra 8% provincial tax (GST is a given) that sadly finds its way on the bill here at restaurants its a little more cash for a night out (add about 35% with tip is my rule of thumb to what is listed). Some places that I have been to many times for business lunches have mains in the $30-$40+ range that just lack much value and I would avoid them. No mention needed as I am sure you can find them and PM if you want me to send them to you. To add, Canoe is quintessential Toronto for the "business" lunch and unlike any place I know in Vancouver for the same and is a very interesting scene. There was a very interesting article in the Globe ROB magazine a few weeks back regarding the same that was spot on. Do dinner at Spendido (note it's closed on Sun. and Mon. and go with the tasting menu - sadly you will miss the 5 year anniversary menu) and lunch at Canoe and another dinner at Perigee ( - although Scaramouche is also very good and allows BYOW which is a very nice thing on the pocket book) although this is my 2 cents and you will need to pick a few a place and go and form your own opinion. My tastes are very different from others so take my advice how ever you want but if we are listing credentials, I have been to both Per Se and TFL and Michelin starred places in Europe and other well known places in NYC and other states in the US for what its worth and I am not really a fusion fan also for what it is worth. As another noted, so little time so much to eat. Reminds me of my last trip in Charleston SC. *** note I have added that I am really more of a wine nut ****

I thought there is a way for a private person to sell through the BCLD depending on the age of the wine. This is very old so I could be wrong. I thought it had to be 10 years or older?

This is nothing that you could not find from other posts I have provided and as such my list is not changed by this response so please feel free to look at them as there has been ample requests much like yours (perhaps they should be merged...Jake?). Canoe is a good shot. Note, as Toronto is not the "east coast" I think that you might be looking for something that does not exist. For example, you may want to stick with Vancouver and places like Joe Fortes, Kettle of Fish, "C" for seafood as I have yet to come across any such as these - although Starfish is very good and Rodney's is also good although you can get those at home. Splendido is is the best meal I have had in either city (born and raised in Vancouver and lived in Toronto for 5 years although still visit regularly). I think if you are looking for the Lumiere type dinner go to Susur (Perigee based on advice of others since I have not been) but neither are my cup of tea since lately my fix for the same has been satisfied through my trips to Per Se (and no place it Canada that I have been to has matched yet - I have not been to Stadtlander's Eigensinn yet so who knows). Most places are much more spread out in Toronto and I think you may have to take a cab or two while here since I would not advise relying on your feet as this is probably to restrictive to get what you are looking for. Check out Ema-Tei to compare as this places is as good, if not better, than comperable Japanese places in Vancouver.

$279.95 here in Ontario. I have seen it as low as $125 in Calgary but on average its around $160. I am sure you have friends in the city that can pick you up a few.

Ditto to all above also.

I changed my reservation last month from 4 to 3, so you really only need one (this was our second trip with a friend and the fourth had to cancel). I guess they are fine to make this change but not from 4 to 2. You could always post for the extra on this board. I recall as long as the downsize is made 72 hours in advance you do not have to pay the $150 per person.

I did like this also very much. I am amazed that they are not allowed flames. I had no idea.

If this is special then I would definately post in the Pacific Northweat forum and California forum also. I find the locals can debate the best of much better than I could in the Vancouver forum (I have done the drive about 10 times but still does not make me an expert in each area). For example, when I go to the bay area I go to http://www.zacharys.com/ Zacharys pizza, which I think is the best, although that is just my view and I have not been to all of the places that claim to be the best. I am sure they would debate the issue to the point where you can choose one and be happy (but you might be unhappy if you went to the one I suggeseted). Cheers and enjoy the trip.

If in Healdsburg, also consider Bistro Ralp. I also forget the name of this little mexican restaurant just off the main plaza that was fantastic and cheap. Make sure that you try some Tandem Winery Pinot's while at the little local plaza shop on the west side of the square and Tip Top liquor is a good stop for some interesting wines. I suspect that you may need to post in Cali and other forums to get the musts. So many places to choose from a so little time. I would die to do the trip that you are going to again. Keep in mind also that I would stock up at Larry's in Seattle (or Anecortes to you probably know where) with wine on the way since it shall be much cheaper that the BCLDB.

I suggest that Joe Fortes would be able to accomodate as I have been there with a young one (not mine but anothers - 18 months old) at lunch and they have done very well, even with the little one fussing around the oyster bar et al.

I remember Lick's used fresh beef many years ago (read over 15 years ago so far as I can recall so I could be wrong) when I would come to Toronto to visit my relatives (we would go to the one in the Beach on Queen which was very good as far as I remember and my uncle always raved about them). I returned to Lick's about a year ago after moving to Toronto and Lick's was not very good at all. Seemed like the old patty made from 100 cows beef. I have yet to find a good burger in Toronto although I like the burger's at Roxy's and Apache Burgers. Hero's are marginal and taste too processed. Anyone been to Shake Shack in NYC or the Burger Joint in the Parker Meridian Hotel in NYC that can advise on a similar place in Ontario? Perhaps there should be an Ontario burger thread. I know the Vancouver thread has a burger club?

Other than charity auctions that are hit and miss, there are no commercial auctions in BC. Ontario just started commercial auctions done through the LCBO a few years ago and they work well, however, I do not see much old "Ontario" wine though. Perhaps BC has something in the works. I would contact wineries directly who may be willing to sell things directly out of their libraries.

I think that Rodney's would be fun also. I also think that a place like California Sandwiches is an interesting stop (only been to the location on the Queensway)....hot chicken with cheese and mushrooms is what I order at least once every two weeks! Dipamo's for ribs is an adventure although never been to the new location up on Eglington and could be worth a visit. Mexi Taco at 828 Bloor Street is great for authentic mexican...I was the only Gringo in the place last I was there. Also check out Verveine Restaurant on Queen which is very good food and a very well priced wine list and Lolita's Lust on Danfort (which if you are going up I think that Avli is a top Greek place that is not too run of the mill but something that Toronto is very unique for). I have posted before about top places for tasting menus etc. before but I would go to Splendido or Canoe for this one without hesitation.

Just dropped a reservation for 4 at 10:00 p.m. on August 17th through open table for anyone interested.

Hiro at King and Jarvis. Agreed Canoe over Bymark (also get the feeling of better value at Canoe) but the cocktails at Bymark are better. Both wine lists are off the chart in price but they got some good stuff if price is no issue. The tasting menu looks good at Canoe and the one thing that annoys me is they "claim" all at the table must order....this is partly true but if you want it do not accept push back even if others are not.

Pottery Barn carries Spiegelau. They have many locations in the GTA. Prices are pretty good and you can catch a sale. BTW, Riedel bought Spiegelau a few years back and I am surprised they have kept both lines for so long - I thought Spiegelau would fade away. I like Spiegelau for every day stuff but the Riedel S series are great and if I could affort them I would use them every day. Just the big burg and vintage champagne in those.

I still can not figure out how this happens but a few stores got a few cases of the 2002 Spottswoode Cabernet in. Price is not too bad at $124 given the US release price of $110 back in September of last year. Picked up two bottles. No note of its release at all. Strange.

LOL....you always crack me up.

I would check out the Vacheron or the Albert Mann. The Prieur is always a good bet but for that kind of cash I am buying more Loring and A.P. Vin from Calgary for 10 bucks more a bottle instead. Pretty thin in the Califonia department. Can not help with NZ of Australia since I have had very few from there.

Watch out Jeffrey Chodorow....here comes Rob Feenie.

Second set of 2005 Bordeaux Futures are out. I am sure they are moving fast at these prices.... http://www.vintages.com/futures/bordeaux-f...2005_list2.html

nice...I have friends from Victoria that have called Vancouver..."Couver" for as long as I can remember (read about 15 years). Sorry, tis not a "TO" thing I second the Lobster Man for oysters.

The Zagat review (see separate thread) indicates that dinner for one with one drink (doesn't apply here I guess) and tip is $166. That's not right, is it? Isn't it more like $250? If it really was $166, I think I'd drag the kids to the B&B after all! ← Just call them. Its $300 or more now.