CLOSED: Colette Grand Cafe for Brunch (Toronto)

Brunch at Colette Grand Cafe


After Splendido closed, a place for a luxe brunch also disappeared. But, when a friend suggested visiting Colette Grand Café for a celebration, it was apparent that someone’s filling the void. At $54 a person, the pricing certainly points to luxury; but being a buffet, I had doubts whether the food could be executed with precision.

Colette’s buffet consists of two areas: cold options surrounding the bar and hot foods set up separately further into the dining room. Along the bar, there’s a seafood station, salad bar, antipasto, charcuterie & cheeses and the dessert area.

As a lover of the sea, the shrimp and crab claws peeked my interest; they were already peeled and prepped so eating was a breeze. The accompanying cocktail sauce had a strong horseradish bite and interestingly incorporated some herbs (mint perhaps)? The seafood salad of calamari, imitation crab and shrimp was also refreshing, but a tad sour.  


Within the chafing dishes were breakfast staples - eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and French toast, just a few of the options. When the fried chicken was being replenished, the smell made me take a piece. Thankfully, it tasted as great as it smelt: succulent, crispy and surrounded with a well-seasoned crust. You could make yourself a great chicken and waffles at the restaurant.


The carving station was serving a moist salmon wellington, which had nicely seasoned mushroom and spinach layers, but the pastry too thick and not cooked through so it was left as a clump rather than rising to flakiness. It was still delicious, if you just ate the inside.  


Luckily, the roast beef wasn’t overcooked, but needed a stronger rub given the meat wasn’t served with au jus (there was mustard and horseradish).


Being an upscale French restaurant, Colette’s hot buffet filled with American diner favourites was off-the-mark for me. Why make pancakes when there could have been crepes? Is chicken and waffles really the most appropriate, when mussels and frites more culturally correct?

For a country that is known for their delicious desserts, this was the most disappointing course at brunch. Although everything was beautifully presented, many simply lacked taste. Of the things I tried, the square of green tea cake was passable but the eggy French toast from the breakfast area was much better.


There was a yoghurt parfait that could easily pass as dessert – the dairy thick and creamy, fruit compote sweet enough, and granola buttery and spiced like crumble.

An honourable mention to the bread basket filled with crispy soft baguettes (went perfectly with the selection of soft cheese) and flakey chocolate croissants.


Included with brunch are all non-alcoholic drinks including coffee, tea and juices; these could easily add $7 onto any meal. I rather enjoyed the strawberry and passion fruit juice, which seemed freshly made and free of added sugars.

Overall, Colette is a great atmosphere, especially to celebrate an occasion (there were about five birthdays on our visit). A personalized card and cake lit with an impressive sparkler was a nice gesture. Despite having a constant stream of customers, we weren’t rushed and felt welcomed to sit and chat after the meal (the ideal time to enjoy their selection of Sloane herbal teas).



Service is the one area I’m glad Colette deviates from French origins. Unlike the stereotypical French reputation, the restaurant’s servers were gracious, warm, and friendly.

Overall mark - 7 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 550 Wellington Street West
 

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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

  • 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!


Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

  • DT Bistro
  • Colette Grand Cafe for dinner (coming tomorrow)




The Cantina by Campbells is giving away free soup!


Mother Nature has been kind to Torontonians this winter, yet there are still evenings when the wind picks up and an unescapable shiver runs through my body.

For those also stuck with a chill, you’re in luck if you’re traversing the Queen and Spadina area! Campbell’s has set-up a pop-up eatery at 501 Queen Street West. At The Cantina, you’ll be treated to four bowls of delicious soup concocted by the Rock Lobster King, Chef Matt Dean Pettit. A garnishes bar allows diners to add a host of ingredients to their soups to really make it their own … feel free to load up on as much fried noodles as you’d like!

Best part, if what you’ve sampled is delicious, pick up the recipe pamphlet and recreate the soup using Campbell’s broths, soups and soup kits. Attending as a guest of Foodaholic, I had the opportunity to actually cook two of the soups with Chef Pettit; aside from chopping vegetables and chicken, it was relatively easy to whip up. Now that I’m armed with chicken broth and the Thai and Rice soup kit, I’ll be attempting to recreate the Thai chicken and rice khao soi at home.


Campbell’s points out that soup is a dish that’s served worldwide and brings people together. As such, Chef Pettit looked globally for inspiration for his soups:

Spicy vegetarian ramen – inspired by the Japanese noodle dish where the hearty broth is just as important as any other ingredient. Visitors can top the vegetarian broth and ramen with a host of ingredients including hard-boiled egg slices, green onion, nori, bamboo shoots and carrots. Of all the soups this was the lightest and really refreshing to me.




Creamy tomato black bean taco – a Mexican inspiration using creamy tomato soup, tomatoes, black bean, onion, cumin and lime. With all the spices you can only imagine how great this soup smells! On top some crunch tortilla chips for contrast and chili lime crema.


Thai chicken and rice khao soi – my favourite soup of the night, using the soup kit (containing rice, dehydrated vegetables and spices), along with chicken broth, egg noodles, shallots, garlic, curry powder, coconut milk, mushrooms. On top tons of crunchy egg noodles that when combined with the soft noodles and rice has such a nice contrast.



Roasted beer can cream of chicken – the soup that had an unexpected kick of heat likely on account of the rub used on the roasted beer can chicken. It’s a hearty meal in a bowl made from cream of chicken, carrots, onions and celery. But, it’s the pieces of crispy chicken skin and chives on top that kill it.


 

The Cantina is a spacious brightly lit environment with tons of whimsical pictures and artwork made of old fashioned soup cans. It was from the event I learnt that the company has been operating in Canada for 85 years! A few communal tables are situated at the front providing the ideal opportunity for strangers to meet and talk while enjoying their meal.

Don’t forget to get a sticker and apply it to their mural on the wall: each dot represents a can of soup that’ll be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank. Campbell’s is aiming to give at least 15,000 cans to the Toronto charity, I’m sure they’ll reach that goal in no time. Here are the pertinent details on how you can visit the Cantina:

Date: February 2 – 21, 2016
Time: 11am-8pm on Monday to Friday and 11am-7pm on Saturday/Sunday
Location: 501 Queen Street West

I bid you good eats and remember: We All Soup!


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 501 Queen Street West

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CLOSED: TOT - The Cat Cafe (Toronto)

TOT The Cat Cafe Toronto

FINALLY! Toronto’s first cat café has successfully opened despite the red tape and hesitant landlords across the city. Having contributed to a couple failed crowd sourcing start-ups, the thought of a feline friendly café was but a distant dream. So, when TOT quietly opened on College Street, steps from the lively Kensington Market district, visiting the establishment instantly became my New Year’s goal.

After waiting so long, Toronto’s first cat café is … better than nothing, but definitely not as heavenly as I imagined. Firstly, the cats are segregated into a room beside the dining area, that you’re allowed to bring drinks into, but feels more like visiting a fancier adoption chamber than café.


During our morning visit, the three kittens were still sleeping and one of the house rules is to not wake the animals. 



Watching them sleep and not being able to play with them is excruciatingly difficult, it’s like dangling a lollipop in front of a kid. The only benefit of arriving early is there’s virtually no wait and we were able to stay in the room for double the allotted 20 minutes.


However, when the cats finally awoke, it was quite fun watching them stretch, eat and play. Ranging from 2 to 6 months, they are awfully cute and surprisingly patient with being petted by multiple strangers.  



TOT’s menu offers a selection of drinks ranging from $2 for a bottle of water to $5.15 for a large specialty drink. The Calico macchiato ($4.35 for a small) I ordered had a decent shot of espresso capped with creamy foam and a sweet drizzle of caramel. After purchasing a drink my name was added to a clipboard awaiting a call to enter the room.   


There was also a selection of sweets (cheesecake, butter tarts and cookies), fruit cups, yoghurt, veggies and dip, premade sandwiches and soup. Everything looked fine but no different from what you’d find in a cafeteria.


I really want TOT to do well… in fact, I NEED the place to succeed. So, to the owner: please do something to increase your bill totals so the business thrives (and opens more locations)! You have to make the food appealing so the café becomes a place where people stay and eat.

Given the establishment’s proximity to Kensington Market, use that to your advantage! Offer a couple of Wanda’s Pie in the Sky desserts, make toasted bagels using the wood fired ones from Nu Bagel and offer savoury easy to heat options like beef patties. There doesn’t seem to be a kitchen, could a catering service with a local restaurant work for more substantial plates during peak hours?  

Additionally, TOT definitely needs more cats, I dream about being surrounded by cats… not surrounding a cat with other people. To be fair, an employee explained they normally have five (still not sufficient) but since some were adopted they hadn’t been replaced. Which brings me to the best part of the café … you can adopt the cats!



Coming from the Toronto Humane Society, these cute balls of fur are in need of a loving home. What a great opportunity to spend time with them to access their temperament; if you have children they can even come along to get acquainted with the cat.




Although, TOT didn’t live up to my dreams, I nonetheless enjoyed the visit. Given I can’t have a cat at home, playing with one elsewhere is the next best thing. Unfortunately, bringing home a kitten would be one take-out item my husband wouldn’t be pleased with.

How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 298 College Street


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CLOSED: Cresta Restaurant (Toronto)


When I think about Pastizza, thoughts of delicious pizzas and an impressive bomba come to mind. Their funky name was whimsical and aptly describes the restaurant’s menu. It has since been re-branded as Cresta, to better showcase the restaurant’s focus of bringing California wines to Toronto (Cresta Ridge is where the owner’s winery is located). Otherwise, management and Chef Tri Tran remains.

Their menu has changed, evolving from one predominantly comprised of starches to include more starters and mains. Cresta's menu has trended towards upscale mains such as lobster spaghetti, seared scallops, and rich meats. Yet it's good to see less pricey items such as delicious pizzas and sharing plates are still offered.

The appetizers are great for sharing, the salumi ($15) a combination of charcuterie, cheeses, and fruits. Aside from a mild blue cheese, ultra creamy brie, and prosciutto, there are unique additions including a flavourful foie gras sausage and a firmer cheese topped with spicy truffle paste.


Marinated in harissa, a roasted red chili paste, the grilled octopus ($15) had a fair amount of smokiness and heat. With plenty of pieces of seafood, the dish could even work as a light main given it’s accompanied with fingerling potatoes and braised cipollini onions. Although the octopus was tender, cooking it a touch less would help retain more of its juices.


Cresta's pizzas are tasty as ever: the thin even crust wispy yet has a crispy base to resist sagging. The outer edges left thicker to remain chewy and act as the perfect vessel for dipping into chili oils (not immediately brought to the table but is available upon request).


The margherita ($18) is simple - topped with fresh plump tomatoes, plenty of fior di latte, fresh basil and a light dusting of parmesan – yet has a well-rounded taste and allows diners to enjoy each ingredient. On the other hand, the prosciutto cotto ($22) is intensely flavoured on account of the pungent gorgonzola, generous layer of salty prosciutto, chili and woodsy mushrooms. While I could easily eat an entire portion of the margherita, the prosciutto cotto is best enjoyed by sharing.  


Vegetarians can rejoice, Cresta has a selection of hearty meat-free dishes! The crispy zucchini ($9) is wonderful for nibbling, coated in seasoned cheesy bread crumbs but still juicy due to the squash.


The vibrant roasted heirloom beets ($9) could easily work as a salad, sitting on a bed of sautéed greens with a light lemon thyme dressing that subtly contrasts against the sweet beets.


To go with the steak or lamb, the mushroom and onions ($11) would be a decent side, tossed in a light creamy sauce with the sweet mild cipollini onions balancing the meatier mushrooms.


Yet it’s the brussel sprouts ($10) that were the most impressive. Our server explained they’re quickly blanched in garlic oil, giving the sprouts a crispiness reminiscent of roasting but keeps the center firm, while infusing the vegetable with a lovely garlic essence. Tossed in a sweet balsamic glaze, it's delicious and would be fantastic on pizza (with pancetta and parmesan) or even tossed into pasta.


Finishing off with an artfully presented house made gelato, the orbs of ultra-cold creamy salted caramel, French vanilla and chocolate gelato were rich and delicious. As if it weren’t enough, two decadent truffles adorn the plate, so creamy they’re best eaten with a spoon.


Normally not a fan of coconut, the warm rice pudding would be worth ordering again, the coconut’s sweetness combined with saffron gave the dessert a lovely aroma and a sweet & savoury quality.


Cresta’s food is of course made for pairing with wine - I tried a robust 2013 Noble Tree cabernet sauvignon ($14) that paired nicely with the acidness from the tomatoes and vegetables.

Yet, the restaurant’s cocktails are great for starting and ending the meal. A boozy walk through an orchard ($13) having the fruity essence from the apple cider, but made richer from the dark horse rye and bitters mixed throughout. Since the nutmeg is sprinkled on top of the foamy egg whites, it reaches the nose releasing a lovely scent with each sip. Although the Islay holiday ($14) sounds like it’s a “hair on your chest” drink, comprised of Tromba tequila and Bowmore scotch, it’s surprisingly refreshing due to the grapefruit juice. I dare say it’s even an easy going drink.

A muffin to go is the restaurant’s last parting gift; the salted caramel chocked full of walnuts mixed into a cinnamon laced batter and finished with a salty crumble.



Located on a quiet corner by the St. Lawrence Market, wine aficionados need to venture south of Front for Cresta’s Californian Italian experience. 

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10*
Disclaimer: The above food items were provided on a complimentary basis. Rest assured, as noted in the mission statement, I will always provide my honest opinion. 


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 118 The Esplanade

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

  • 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!


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Kintori Yakitori (Toronto)

Kintori Yakitori Toronto

If you’re a grazer and fancy eating small portions of food while drinking, Kintori Yakitori is an idyllic dining experience. Think of the restaurant as the Bar Raval of the Japanese scene – order a few items (most dishes are sold in single units), chat whilst enjoying a drink, then order some more. Repeat until you’re full and satisfied.

As Kintori’s name would imply, yakitori is what their known for – in the strictest sense, skewered grilled chicken products. In reality, the restaurant’s menu encompasses many other proteins and vegetarian ingredients as well.

The gyu-tongue kushi ($3.80) was fantastic, a thin slice of flavorful tender beef with a slight springy bite. The dish offers such a rich flavour in a delicate way.


We tried two meat and onion options. The grilled spring onions interlaced with the chicken thigh in the negima ($1.80) provides a slightly sweet and fresh contrast. While the scallion sauce covering the beef ($3.20; negi shio gyu) was much stronger – if you enjoy the ginger and onion oil that accompanies Chinese boiled chicken, this is very similar.


The chicken wing ($1.80; tebasaki) was delicious, especially in the winter when the craving for BBQ starts to creep in. Of all the meats, this had the most prominent hint of smokiness, the end product of cooking the yakitori over Binchotan charcoal that Kintori imports from Japan.


Although chicken meatballs ($1.80; tsukune) sound rather plain, the meat mixture was nicely seasoned and when combined with the caramelized glaze quite tasty.


Kintori provided me with my first experience with numerous chicken innards ($1.80 each). Despite the scary veiny looking exterior, the chicken heart (hatsu) was the best of the bunch and reminded me of a tougher gamier squab.


The chicken gizzard (zuri) is what I like to think of as the bubble gum of the offal world; it’s good if you can stand the bouncy texture. Despite having a delicious sweet and salty tare glaze on top, I regrettably couldn’t stomach the chicken liver (reba) – it’s quick change in texture becoming almost powdery and foamy is so different from the whipped mousse normally eaten.


At times, Kintori also offers kushikatsu or skewered deep fried delights on a specials menu.  The quail eggs ($2; uzura kushi age) and the bacon wrapped asparagus ($2.50) are heavier than the grilled options but has such a satisfying crunch from the panko crust. They went particularly well with beer, the malty bitterness of the Asahi black ($8) a nice combination with the grease.


An order of the house made pickles ($3.80; oshinko moriwase) is a good idea, the lightly marinated burdock root, cucumbers and napa cabbage works to clean the palette. If you can stand the saltiness, the nikumiso kyabetsu ($3.80) could also work, the cabbage “salad” accompanied with a strong miso pork sauce for dipping.


Should you need something more substantial, Kintori also offers noodle dishes including the ramen from Kinton downstairs. To keep with the grazing theme, we had the yakionigiri ($3), a grilled sticky rice ball with a smidge of preserved plum in the center providing a salty sour kick. I thoroughly enjoyed the crunchy smoky exterior, which reminded me of the crust that forms at the bottom of hot pot rice.


For a savoury end, the delicate dashi maki ($5.30 for 6 pieces) is nice, the egg’s texture light and moist. Meanwhile, if it’s sweetness you crave, the nouji cha crème brulee ($5) was also enjoyable. The roasted green tea taste was quite pronounced … I could see the matcha remnants on the bottom of the ramekin.


With all the options, it may be difficult to decide what to order. Kintori has an omakase ($17.80) menu where they’ll serve you a selection of what’s fresh and delicious. Considering Chef Hiroki Takai has been specializing in yakitori since he was 18, I’d say the restaurant knows a thing or two about what to try. 

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 668 Bloor Street West, 2nd floor
 Website: http://www.kintoriyakitori.com/

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System

  • 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!


Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:



KINTORI YAKITORI Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato