My friends have heard me describe O&B restaurants as dependable but rarely exciting - and usually overpriced for what they offer. So, when I was invited to dinner at La Plume, I went for the company, not the food. Much to my surprise, the meal was solid… easily one of the better O&B experiences I’ve had!

Their prix fixe menu ($55 for two courses; regular prices listed below) is also very reasonably priced, and it let me order both dishes I had my eye on. It turned into a very beef-forward evening.

I started with the beef tartare ($22), made traditionally with chopped beef mixed with Dijon mustard, shallots, capers, and parsley. Instead of mixing the egg yolk in, it’s thickened into a silky spread and placed on the side so you can control how much richness you want. My favourite bites were the ones where I could smear a bit of yolk and top everything with a garlic crisp.

I loved the carb selection of bread and root vegetable chips so you can switch up textures as you go. A side of pickles helps cleanse the palate and makes the dish feel less heavy.

The flat iron steak frites ($42) was well executed for a table of twelve. The steak arrived cooked to a perfect medium-rare and was surprisingly tender for such a lean but flavourful cut. You choose a sauce (béarnaise, shallot jus, or herbed butter), and I went with the jus - rich and savoury without overpowering the meat. It doubled as the perfect dip for the fries.

La Plume’s thin fries remind me of the golden arches, but with a stronger potato flavour and far less salt. They’re delicious. So much so that we started the meal with an order of their truffle fries ($12) to share. In my books, there’s no such thing as too many fries.

Sadly, Bonne Nuit, their upstairs speakeasy, was closed for a private event. Still, the main floor wasn’t a bad consolation prize. As the night went on, the lights dimmed, the music picked up, and before long we were standing, mingling, and ordering another round of cocktails to wrap up the evening.

Consider me converted: La Plume is one of the better O&B experiences I’ve had. Good food, fun energy, and a surprisingly solid value.

Located in Union Station, Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House is not the easiest place to find. Most eateries are found on the lower levels, but Blue Bovine is situated street level with no storefront. The easiest way to locate the restaurant is head to the Front and Bay Street corner, look for a large bronze bull statue, and walk up the steps through those doors.

Their happy hour menu, available weekdays from 3pm to 6pm in the lounge, is a big draw for tourists and commuters alike. By the time I got there at 5:30pm, the place was bustling and in full swing.

For those who are peckish, the happy hour menu includes a good selection of sharable plates.

The Chef’s selection maki roll ($16) arrived as a run-of-the-mill spicy tuna. For a restaurant that touts itself as a “Sushi House”, I’m surprised that the rice was too cold and pressed into such a thick layer than the tame tuna filling became lost. Perhaps leaning into the “Steakhouse” side would be better.

Certainly, the wagyu beef slider ($10 each) was more impressive. The beef patty was flavourful and juicy, but complimented nicely with crisp lettuce, tomato, and sauce. I instantly wanted to order the larger burger ($45) after the slider.

The karaage chicken ($14) was substantial compared to other options. Chunks of dark meat was lightly breaded and fried. While not outstanding, they were at least hot and hearty.

In fact, get an order of the karaage or sliders and tack on the truffle fries ($12) to create a full meal. The fries were crispy, hot, and had a prominent but not overwhelming truffle taste. A fancier chicken fingers and fries perhaps.

If the duck spring rolls ($14) were crispier it would help provide the crunchy contrast that’s needed to combat the ground duck filling. While it was light and fluffy, there wasn’t much but the ground meat, so the spring roll felt mushy. Adding Peking duck accompaniments into the filling like carrot, scallion, and cucumbers may help.

For those who are standing around with their drinks, the big eye tuna tartare ($12) and prime steak tartare ($12) are easiest to eat having been pre-scooped onto thin crispy crostini. Both were nicely seasoned. Yet, the fried garlic slivers topping the tartare, which is a powerful tasting ingredient, does make both proteins taste similar.

The ½ price bar special, includes almost the entire menu except for select wines. Still, even being half off, cocktails ring in at $11-$15 and large glasses of wine around $22-$25. Hardly budget but at least keeps the drinks at a reasonable price. Pregame or post-work, I can see why Blue Bovine draws a crowd. Now go find it. 

My last visit to Fring’s was shortly after it opened. After hearing all the hype about the restaurant, I had to experience it in person, secretly hoping to get a glimpse of Drake. Since that first weeknight visit was so busy and loud, I readied myself for a night of drinking and music. Strangely, this return Friday visit was much quieter: we were seated at the bar (surrounding areas had some empty tables) and there was no live performance. Alas, there was still no Drake.

• Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
• 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
• 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
• 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
• 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
• 10 - absolute perfection!

• Fring's visit (2014)
• Cactus Club Cafe

• Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
• 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
• 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
• 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
• 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
• 10 - absolute perfection!

• Union Social Eatery
• The Wilcox Gastropub