Which Toronto Restaurant?

[battleofthebulge]

OK we have one available slot to take parents-in-law to dinner when we're in TO for Christmas. Currently Starfish is favourite, but we've been there before and we like trying new places.

Last time's blow-out was Perigee but by the end of course 7, when everyone had each of the four different dishes per course described to them, plus the wines, we all wanted rather more eating and relaxing and a lot less pfaff. So, nowhere pfaff-y. We like Crush, and JKWB (going there the following night). Also, the buck is now much stronger against sterling so we won't be throwing money around.

Any ideas for a place that has excellent wines, very good food, nice people, and doesn't take itself too seriously?

Sarah

[SarahB]

What about Cowbell?

1564 Queen West

416-849-1095

[SarahB]

What about Cowbell?

Someone else would be better qualified than I to say whether the wine list is excellent or not, but it certainly has everything else you've listed.

1564 Queen West

416-849-1095

(Edited to apologize for the double post. Cold, yucky morning = clumsy fingers.)

Edited November 22, 2007 by SarahB (log)

[battleofthebulge]

Oh - very interesting! Nice line up in the kitchen and front of house.

The wine list is v different - first time I've heard of a Cote du Rhone selected by someone called Kermit!

I hear there's an ice storm on its way, so do wrap up warm!

Sarah (in sunny London)

[merlin]

... first time I've heard of a Cote du Rhone selected by someone called Kermit!

←

As in "Kermit Lynch"?

If so, pretty good indication of a good recommendation.

[battleofthebulge]

... first time I've heard of a Cote du Rhone selected by someone called Kermit!

←

As in "Kermit Lynch"?

If so, pretty good indication of a good recommendation.

←

Err no - Kermit Lunch!!

2005 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Sélectionnée par Kermit Lunch, Rhône, France $55

Presume that's a typo!

[estufarian]

Cowbell didn't impress me. IIRC maybe 20 wines on their list (and only 1 red and 1 white by the glass) and the food was competent but ordinary. Service was VERY casual. My summary was a good neighbourhood place.

As an alternative, consider Globe Bistro. A bit more upscale and an extensive wine list with prices reasonable by Toronto standards (most less than double retail). I've just realized (not intended) that the chef at Cowbell left Globe 'suddenly' within a month of opening. Globe has local ingredients (where it makes sense) and consistently comes in around $200 for two (all-in) as long as you don't go too crazy with the wines.

[IndolentAgain]

If you liked JKWB then Thuet was one I tried last time and enjoyed immensely. Again a bistro style with a more classic starter/main menu. Good cooking and wine list.

We will be there over new year and just trying to figure out where I want to try this time (post coming soon no doubt).

[jenc]

I'd recommend Globe over Thuet. Mind you, I had dinner at Thuet over two years ago now. I wasn't highly impressed, considering the price tag.

[sadistick]

I'd recommend Globe over Thuet. Mind you, I had dinner at Thuet over two years ago now. I wasn't highly impressed, considering the price tag.

←

Never been to Globe - But my thoughts exactly on Thuet...for that price...Noooo thank you!

[battleofthebulge]

Thanks everyone for your ideas - seems like Globe Bistro is going to be first past the post.