Category Archives: Restaurant review

Toronto Favourite: Buca Restaurant

Posted on March 22, 2012 | Leave a comment

Perhaps the magic was in the company I had. In addition, the people at Buca create a wonderful dining experience through warm, attentive service, amazing creative food, great wine pairings in a relaxed, vibrant and sociable setting. Earlier this month, I brought three friends for a post ballet bite and drink. We ordered 4 pizzas and each of them was outstanding. I ordered the octopus and clam pizza.

What a clean and interesting combination of flavour with the bold tomato sauce, a touch of roasted garlic, octopus and clam offset with a bit of parsley. Of course, the super thin, crisp crust is just the best. The favourite of the table was the funghi, which we all agreed was ‘to die for’ with the buttery, sweet combination of mushrooms paired with the perfect cheese. I just love this restaurant!

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Posted in Restaurant review, Toronto

Scaramouche Lobsterlicious

Posted on January 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

I had the privilege of being taken to Scaramouche last night for Lobsterlicious. It was a fabulous dinner. Started with the seared scallops with blood orange and avocado. Proceeded to grilled lobster with hurricane coconut broth and finished with rum panna cotta with mango sorbet.

Scaramouche had been a topic of discussion with a friend who went to chef school over the weekend. He does not like the restaurant although he does go for business dinners. I gathered that he feels the restaurant is dated.
I must say that I disagree with that opinion. I feel that Keith Froggett is exceptionally talented in the way he brings out the best of flavour and texture in the simplicity of his dishes. Even at a quick chef’s station at What’s on the Table, a fundraiser for the Stop, community food centre, he delivered a delicious, perfectly dressed raw tuna taster. I have used and recommended his most requested hummus recipe many times and am always amazed at how simple and exceptional it tastes each time. And of course, I have an exceptional meal and service experience each time I to go to the restaurant.
Perhaps the dining room has a bit more of an old school feel to it, but that is a good thing, because you can actually hear your dinner companion!

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Taro’s Fish, Toronto

Posted on January 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

I enjoyed a wonderful sushi lunch with a friend today at Taro’s Fish (800 Sheppard Avenue East 416 730-8555) on Craig Harding’s recommendation from his Chef’s Picks in the Globe and Mail. It really is the perfect spot to go when making a trip to Ikea.

Taro’s Fish is more of a fish and sushi retail and wholesale store, but you can perch on their lunch bar for a quick bite. We ordered the spicy tuna roll and spider roll. Both were absolutely delicious. The tuna was very fresh and tender with just the right spicing. The spider roll was crisp and tender all at once. The selection of Japanese and other asian beverages was very interesting. They stock the Japanese version of Gatorade, called Pocari Sweat. We had an Urban Zen green tea, mango and aloe vera drink that was so tasty! I usually skip beverages with sugar, but this one was worthwhile and very enticing with it’s flavour and unique texture.

The store looks to be an outstanding place to purchase fresh fish to cook at home, to order a sushi platter for a party or just take out some sushi for lunch or dinner. I would highly recommend it and would love to go back! I agree wholeheartedly with Craig Harding that it is one of the best sushi lunches in town.

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Posted in Restaurant review, Toronto