23.6.12

Inn On The Twenty

http://www.innonthetwenty.com/dining.html

Biking down to the Niagara Wine region, we found a lovely B&B in Vineland and decided to look for a close by restaurant for our evening. Initially a friend talked about how amazing Peller Estate's chef is (but it was way too far) next someone else recommended the Vineland Estates view (but they were already full for a reservation) so we landed here.

APPEARANCE 
dark ruby red
We took a stroll through Jordan Hollow Park and climbed up to this little oasis. It was quite the contrast from camping areas and wildlife to little boutique city with Lamborghinis parked around.
We saw a Inn On The Twenty sign, which turned out to be the hotel area. Across the tiny street was our destination - a classy dark brick building with white frame highlights and a large restaurant serif sign above the door.

NOSE
plum, cassis
As we entered, to the left was the Cave Spring wine tasting area, with a heavy-duty white fence, and to the left was a hallway followed by a large mirror, where one can feel the intimidation of all the people inside. A smiling host greeted us from his large booth area. He had a table ready for us and we followed him in the stony main hall, a few steps up on a balcony-like spot. AC blowing over our heads, with too much space, and feeling rather watched, we asked for the patio before we were even sat. The patio turned out to be the smaller front area, before we entered.

SWIRL
hint of smoke and fig
Gentle, black mesh metal chairs and tables with burlap-like table mats, wooden salt and paper all ready to go. The light burgundy menus with gorgeous gold leaf logo looked pristine. Inside, simple and spaced out, the menu was well organized with wine matched after each dish. We decided to try out their Voltigeurs Farm Chicken matched with Chenin Blanc (a variety unique for the area) and their Willowgrove Hill Double Pork Chop with Pinot Noir Dolomite. We also ordered a Pate En Croute appetizer with the Riesling Dolomite.

PALATE
ripe tannins, medium-full bodied, dry
We hardly waited and out Riesling Dolomite came. Followed by slices of bread (two types) and a side plate of butter. Our pate arrived not long after. I was so excited as it looked like the one is France - shape wise and with the beige fat on the sides. It came with a bit of spring salad, egg, pickles, an interesting grainy mustard (looked like Dijon, but tasted a bit bitter) and a touch of volcanic salt (discovered by Cheri). Very nicely put. The pate was not as flavourful as I expected, and to make up for that, there were herbs and spices in there. We lingered on this giant piece, which came with more bread.
Next our waitress brought out two small toasts with gruyere-like cheese and an olive. Followed by complimentary salads. I think because they were hosting a wedding and ran late with the orders. We were getting full, expecting the portions would be smaller, so we cancelled the Pork main dish and decided to save a little space for dessert at the end.

We lingered on our spring leaves, goat-cheese, salads with cherry tomatoes, radish and walnuts.
The Voltigeurs Farm Chicken made its way with a moat of chill lemon poppy seed vinaigrette surrounding the chicken on top to barley pea risotto, side of asparagus and basil wine jelly. It looked  and tasted amazing. The chicken with fragile crispy skin was unfortunately a bit on the dry side. The Chenin Blanc, similar to a Riesling, was crisp with smells of apple and honey - a goof compliment to the vinaigrette.

FINISH 
lingering, a bit spicy
We lastly we were very tempted by the Dessert Sampler for Two, but this would have to wait for another time. We instead went with that days' special, as the waitress was very enthusiastic describing it. It was a mascarpone strawberry shortcake with a side of fresh watermelon sorbet. Not a big fan on the pulp of watermelon in juice, but in ice chips and presented inside in a sugar shell - it was sensual.

 Overall.. a big-hearted Cab Merlot.
  Inn On The Twenty on Urbanspoon

17.6.12

Acadia

http://www.acadiarestaurant.com/

So this was our choice for father's day. It turned out to be right during a Little Italy festival, so the streets were wild and the music was loud. Parking? Ideal for bikers. 

APPEARANCE
pale gold
On a tiny street off college, the restaurant letters inside circles are nicely organized on the white awning. Not too special from the outside - a relatively big concrete patio, not much of plants, black metal furnishings outside. Inside, long tables on one side (a bit of a cafeteria feel) but the shinning white kitchen on the side is nowhere close to hiding - proudly drawing attention. 

NOSE
minerals, apricot, peach

It was one warm day, with possibility of showers but we still took the chance and sat outside, even though a table inside the cool restaurant with wide open windows was waiting for us.
We sat down for some time, as we all got there early. We were asked if we wanted, quite a few options of, water. We just went with filtered, assuming it is the simplest. We later realized it was $18. I would argue that is ridiculous, but the bright side is that they encourage people to experiment with wine / beer.

SWIRL
honeysuckle notes, slight nuttiness
Unlike the repetitive awning wordmark, the single sheet menu had a simple A inside a glassmark print shifted on the different menus - a nice touch, I thorough. All was well organized. We were told about their Acadia Tasting 5/9 course, as the price was reduced by a bit. We should've probably went with it, but we though it would be a lot of food. So we instead ordered two of their sides to munch on, before mom and dad arrived - Acadia's Cornbread and Wild Rice & Quinoa Pilaf. They took some time to arrive.

PALATE
smooth, silky, luscious
Once all 6 of us gathered, we decided to all order separate drinks and share a bunch of plates, as a matter of fact all the 5 main plates (Pickerel, Albacore, Veal Cheek, Salmon and Artichokes) and 2 of the appetizers (Maryland Pawn and Anson Mills Grits). I ordered their '11 Norman Hardie Pinot Gris and had a taste of their sweet '09 Ravine Riesling and citrusy '10 Smoke & Gamble Chardonnay. My Pinot Gris had hints of limestone, a light, floral nose and smooth palette. I was quite happy, especially seeing quite a few local beers and wines on their menu.

Honestly, every single dish created an experience of its own. They were all extremely well cooked, presented and combined with all other flavours on the plate. If I was to pick out the most memorable ones, they would be the Anson Mills Grits (a melody of oyster, shrimp, hint of ham and pimento cheese creating a puree-like dish, beautiful texture) and the Lake Erie Picherel (tender filet embraced in a unique grape-mustard sauce, succotash mix and two fish boudin spheres). I must add, the table's favourite was the Wild Rice Pilaf - good amount, easy for sharing and an interesting combination of raisins and pecans.

FINISH 
long, intricate with slight citrus tones
Next time I will try their Acadia Tasting 5 course meal.
Acadia is not the place to go to, unless you are an enthusiast of flavour experience and a true believer that less is more. This was some of the most beautiful food I have had on Canadian soil, as well as some of the smallest sized portions.

Overall.. a delicate, beautiful Chardonnay.
Acadia on Urbanspoon

13.6.12

Mill Street Brewpub

http://www.millstreetbrewery.com/
http://toronto.millstreetbrewpub.ca/

Working in the distillery, its hard not to hear about this place. I once went for drinks after work and I was very curious to come back.

APPEARANCE
dark, hint of brick
On Pure Spirits Mew and Tank House Lane, the distillery is the perfect place for this delightful brewery/restaurant. Brick walls make a great background for the red-wooden logo. Black & red umbrellas and flowers in the front patio are very inviting to everyone.I got there 15min earlier, was given a cell-phone like beeper and was told there is a 20min wait for the patio which was realistically 40min. The weather was great and the beeper worked all around the distillery, so you are alright if you want to explore.

NOSE
blackcurrant, pepper and spice

In we went, and what a long walk to get to the back patio.. we passed a bright sunny bar area, a few large brass kettles behind glass like monuments in the middle, an area with awesome graphic wallpaper and finally the back patio. I loved the lively ambiance all throughout and surprisingly I didn't get a corporate feel at all, apart from my feet feeling it.
We were seated at two wooden tables, side by side, next to a wall made of brick-looking pieces of wood, overlapping randomly and sticking out. The best part of that wall was the heat it radiated after the sunset.

SWIRL
vivacious, hint of plum
Our waitress was quick to greet us, and we knew what we were having - a pitcher of Wit. This Belgian style, unfiltered, wheat beer is smooth and refreshing served with slices of orange. All of you, not-too-much-beer-fans, this is a way to get hooked. But I ordered too quickly. Flipping through the menu, their Wednesday special is Flat bread & flight of 4 brews.
Our waitress was super cool and knowledgeable. I was curious to ask her about the building, as rumor has it - it is not their primary brewery. It turns out only two brews are produced there. Their main breweries are in Peterborough and Ottawa. It was a long wonder on my side as regards to my dish this evening. All dishes are made with beer. After asking for recommendations, although unsure, I ordered the Herb Marinated Chicken Wrap. Cheri and Valya ordered her first recommendations, which they wanted straight from the beginning, Flat Iron Cobb Salad and Ontario Pulled Pork.
Our pitcher came quickly with the awesome Wit beer.  It was a bit of a wait for the food but I am not surprised, with the amount of people there. The weather was perfect - the sun had set and there was a light breeze.

PALATE
supple and round, hint of iron
The food was nicely arranged, nothing too special. My Marinated Chicken Wrap was better than expected. The cucumber tortilla was warm and crispy. It started with sweet notes followed by spicy ones. It was the tomato avocado salsa and chipotle mayo that spiced it up, while the chicken, brie, and green onion balanced it out. I think the sauce in there was the beer ingredient or the chicken marination (or so I'd like to think because otherwise I got the only dish no the menu without beer in it). My side of hand-cut fries were great.
Cheri's Pulled Pork sandwich was really big and to be completely honest, smelled like blood to me. The smoked jalapeƱoand the smoked Gouda was hardly noticeable but the apple-cabbage slaw was a really nice touch.
Valya was very happy with her Cobb Salad, but I was too full with my dish to give it a taste. The dessert list looked decent but not for today. 

FINISH 
smooth with a hint of chocolate
Overall, I was happy with the food and the service. I would love to try that recommended Flat Iron Cobb Salad, or the Fish and Chips, or better off that 4 brews deal on a Wednesday! Also, their Coffee Porter sounds almost dessert-like.

overall.. a flavourful Shiraz 
Mill Street Brewpub on Urbanspoon

7.6.12

Ciao Wine Bar

http://www.ciaowinebar.com/


I have heard of this place as an alternative to the lovely Caren' wine bar. We decided to try it out on a late Thursday evening.

APPEARANCE
light, rich, bubbly

The large orange Ciao script type over the entrance is um-mistakable and overwhelming. The small patio on the side is very cozy looking, but it had just rained.

NOSE
lively
, intense, melon, fresh cut grass
As we entered, there were stairs going down with a legitimate amount of space around a pool table. On the main floor there were quite a few tables, with a bar area as a second open-concept level. Very spacious. We called in for a reservation so they sat us down quickly. As they realized we would ideally want to sit outside, the hostess offered we sit on the main level by the patio, as the tall narrow blind-like doors are open - so that we are under the roof but still feel the wind and watch the by-passers.
There is some heavy investing done in the interior of this place, I guess to match the cruising Maseratis. The most impressive part are the spot lights over the tables - large, wooden organic vases turned upside-down; underneath - tables and sofas with coarse wooden frames. And throughout, black ribbed, pillar ambient lights stood out and added even more interest.

SWIRL
very promising, hint of pineapple and toast
The menus were single string bound, cardboard covers with a mechanical stencil typeface (not their best choice), definitely have a look going for them though. Inside - simple and elegant. And the best part is Da Vinci's opening quote: "The discovery of a good wine is increasingly better for Mankind than the discovery of a new star."
All this makes this place perfect to impress someone, but how about the food?

Our waitress was young and polite, a bit on the rush side.
I find it a bit odd that people are expected to know what they will drink right after sitting down. We took our sweet time as I am keen on trying to create a harmony in my palette. A glass of French Gamay Lapierre 2010 for Cheri, a 2010 Niagara Colineri Pinot Grigio for me and a Formaggi Salumeria to share. Oh wait, if the waitress recommends to go w the meat and cheese meat platter because it is the same cheeses but different amounts, I'm in.

PALATE
dry, semi-sweet, a bit bitter
We waited a bit long for the wines, but glasses of water and fresh focaccia arrived instantly. Pre-cut on a lovely wooden board it came, with a side of jarred hot peppers in oil accompanied by an adorable wooden spoon and parmegiano in a salt-shaker. For a restaurant with an Italian name I was expecting a more flavorful parmegiano than that. (this was the powder, regular stuff you get from the grocery store)
The wines arrived. My Giorgio was a beauty - a complex nose and luscious texture, while Cheri's Gamay had a very heavy nose and a light texture.
Our Prosciutto + Formaggio plate: a few cubes of cheese (brie, gorgonzola and asiago), a line up for sliced prosciutto and hot salami accompanied by grapes, a few slices of fig and apple. I don't meant to be overly-critical but it was nothing impressive flavour-wise nor presentation-wise.
Next we ordered a glass of Inniskillin Vidal Icewine and a Muscato Piedmont Italy to go with their recommended Dark Chocolate Baci Bombe. Our waitresses described this dessert as a giant Ferrero Roche. She was correct and it was very good indeed. But I did not enjoy it quite as much as that Muscato - beautiful nose, floral, light and semi-sweet. Left a beautiful finish in my mouth. The ice wine was a very intense - maple, sweet syrup.

FINISH
unpleasant, overrated
Great wine selection, decent dessert.. if I'm coming in another time I till try out an actual heavy pasta dish or, as a friend mentioned, their Gorgonzola pizza.


overall a glorified sparkling Moet & Chardon Brut
beautiful, snobby package, disappointing product
Ciao Wine Bar on Urbanspoon