Les Halles (Park Avenue)

http://leshalles.net/brasserie/

I've gone around cities testing Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation advise - impressed by his deep appreciation for local and unique. I told myself, I am dedicating my next New York dinner to his
Les Halles.

APPEARANCE
dark, aged, dark rubby

A decorative, a bit victorian typeface greeted us on the busy Park Avenue, surrounded by sphere lights and a lively ambiance. 

NOSE
cassis, blackberry
Inside, old illustrations, posters and art on the walls, fancy chandeliers, green carpet, dark wood and candle-lights. An older, dressed up crowd was predominant. It was a lot to take in, I felt a bit like I travelled back in time.

We asked to sit on their small front patio. Les Halles comes for a Parisian neighbourhood (known to be trendy, now-a-days, with a sexually-exploring crowd) and we got a taste of something similar happening here in New York.

To our surprise, we looked up that the restaurant had a change in management - so Bourdain was no longer head chef/owner. A bit of a disappointment at first but I was still curious.

SWIRL
hints of leather and anise

Our younger waitress was great, no pressure, she didn't seem to be there for how much time or money we spend - classy and old-school, I was impressed. We were informed of their prix-fix menu and then spent quite some time looking through their items. Their entertaining menu had triply illustrations which made me feel a bit uncomfortable, like people with animal faces kissing (but still kept that vintage feel.)

So we decided to try out a few things. Cheri had a glass of Cote du Rhone, while I was intrigued by their Sancerre. We asked for the Croutons de Coulommiers rotis au mile et poivre to share. Then from the fixed menu - beet green salad, followed by pork bourguignon. 

PALETTE
medium bodied, tart balance, smoke aroma

 

Our wine glasses made their way, both worthwhile but not unique nor memorable. My Loire white was light and crisp, similar to sauvignon blanc. Cheri's Cote du Rhone had hints of earthy-mushrooms on the nose, which I wasn't in the mood for. The Croutons de Coulommiers were impeccable - soaked baguette breads with brie flowing on them, glazed in light honey and black pepper. It really livened up our senses, next to their bland beet greens, with a nice touch of sweet, tangerine. 

We ordered a couple more glasses of wine. I heard our waitress recommend their Chardonnay to the table next to ours, so we went with a glass of their '09 Napa Chardonnay and young Argentinian Malbec. Next, our pork bourguignon was a bit on the dry side, in a simple, conservative tomato, garlic base - not impressed.

It started pouring on us, a good reason for cheri and I to get closer and cozier under the umbrellas. We went back in time again, it was kind of romantic.

For dessert, I heard a fried have their cheesecake so there was no way I was missing it, unless they were out of it - which was the case. So we just went with their apple cream-puff dessert with raspberry sauce - nothing out of the ordinary.

FINISH
a bit bitter, capable of being rich & full

Overall, the size of their plates, for presentation sake, was small and tight - surprising at first but typical for the time-period.

This prix-fix menu turned out to be a similar story to the Toronto summerlicious - un inspired food for the sale - giving the customer a "deal".

We made our conclusions this year, no matter how fancy the place is.

overall... an aged but confused Boredeaux blend

Gilead Cafe

http://www.jamiekennedy.ca

A friend from work pointed this place out, once he treated me a large home-made marshmallow from a jar. (an interesting combo or sweet and salty, lovely texture)
He also found their backyard BBQ one day, to which we went, a few weeks back. We dressed our own burgers and had some great fries with their homemade sauces.
This day, my sister was taking me out for my birthday lunch.

APPEARANCE
dark, unnoticeable but intriguing ruby hues
On Gilead - a tiny street off of King East, not eery but rather clean and residential. Passing by, you can see in a few people's back yards. If you don't know where you are going, you won't find it. Its a truly hidden gem. It is a small, brick building with a not-too-impressive wordmark of a jar. (they could have made it more of a graphic)

SWIRL
plum, beat, hint of strawberry
menus? waiter?
The drill turned out to be - look around all the walls, pick, order, sit down. We realized that after a few minutes of sitting on a table and looking around.
It took me some time to make a decision, because there was so much I want to try. Tempting cheese platter, BLT, egg dishes.. After asking the man at the counter for his recommendations, we decided to share the Nicoise Style Salad with Hot Smoked Whitefish, as well as their Pulled Poutine. My sis asked for their sweetest white wine, which she was told is their Pondview Estate Riesling, so she took a glass, while I tried their Kozelman Pinot Blanc. While we paid, I asked if the menu is seasonal, and hence they have the neat chalk boards. He confirmed they are. I asked how often Jamie Kennedy comes in, or does he just create the recipes then has a sous-chef making them daily. He said, he is in the kitchen right now and told me to take a peak. Unfortunately I had not done my thorough research to remember exactly what he looks like, but I like to assume I made eye contact with him. 

NOSE

some light truffle and meat aroma
We took our wines and sat down, in the table area with a delightful wall of window walls on one side and their main wall with adorable, colorful jars on the other. Light, birch tables everywhere. We made our own addition with my flower bouquet.
Our wine glasses were custom Jamie Kennedy ones - simple, elegant, smart location for pouring measure purposes. My sister's Riesling was nowhere as close as she expected. My pinot blanc was floral with a light aftertaste.

PALATE
fruity, soft, delicate
Our meal didn't take long. The waiter left it for us with cutlery, request for pepper and a brief explanation. To my surprise the plates were small, the salad looked a bit crammed and tight. It was delicious, with mayo-mustard cream sauce, bard-boiled eggs, red onion slices, hint of anchovies, and much more. The pulled pork poutine came with aged cheddar and their fries had the usual rosemary salt coating.  Very saucy, a bit spicy, and topped with green onion. We enjoyed our plates for some time. I don't remember any music playing, but there was some chatter as the place was lively.

FINISH
light all-spice, beautiful aftertaste
There are so many dishes worth coming back for, apart from actually recognizing Jamie Kennedy next time.

 overall... a one-of-a-kind Pinot Noir

Peter Pan

www.peterpanbistro.co

My second and last place to check out during this year's Summercilious.
We randomly decided to try it out for our Saturday lunch. To be honest I was always intrigued by the place, because of it's name and location but the long white table cloths and wine glasses intimidated my friends last time and we never made it inside.

APPEARANCE
pale, hint of green
A small, cute corner restaurant in the heart of Queen West, leon-lit name, some plants seen though the reflective glass front.

SWIRL
mineral acidity, hints of tropical fruit
Once inside, it is definitely not intimidating. Yellow walls, some paintings, round chairs and white table cloths on one side, dark-red walls, custom-made angular booths with mirrors on the other side and along the bar. Quite the contrasting mix of styles - adult & child?
We had made a reservation earlier this morning, so we were asked to sit ourselves on the back patio - which is kind of hidden and out of the way, through a dark tunnel. Once there it is small, intimate and cosy. Again, flowers and lots of green, not very maintained, but natural. There was a tall, old staircase in the middle, leading to nowhere (really) along Peter Street - perhaps where Peter Pan learned to fly.

NOSE
light, herbaceous

We sat down at a relatively small, circular table near the street side, with the sun peaking through the leaves. We picked our items out of their fixed menu. I asked for the Wild Mushroom Strudel, while cheri got the Sesame Chicken Salad. For our main, I got the Chilled Poached Salmon, and cheri had their Southern California Soft Taco. To go with our food and this warm, sunny Saturday afternoon, I decided to ask our waiter of his advise. He didn't have much of an opinion when it came to wine choices, just said the obvious. So I went with a glass of Lindesmans Semillion Chardonnay, while cheri had a class of Argentinian Malbec.
Not a long wait at all, we got water instantly, followed by warm slices of bread and our wines. Our waiter was a very simple, humble guy (casually dressed too) and not much into talking, but did a great job keeping our meals coming throughout. I can't complain. Our charming (at first) spot turned out to be very noisy with the bus de-tour on Peter Street. 

PALATE
crisp, clean, racy acidity
My Mushroom Strudel was pretty good, however a lot more pastry than filling. I think it was microwaved and the tarragon sauce was a bit too intense for me. Cheri's salad of mixed greens topped with chili glazed sesame chicken was great - light, tender and flavorful. Our mains arrived soon after. My Salmon was really chilled ( I guess for convenience purposes) I was not a fan of that, especially having the skin left on it. (grossed me out a bit) The grilled asparagus was the best part. There was also a small pile of pear, mango mix - refreshing, I enjoyed its addition. Cheri's California Soft Tacos with pulled smoked chicken was impressive, unlike its presentation. Cooked in a root beer BBQ sauce and with cheddar and guacamole, I wished it was more than just one. Accompanied with a side of plain mixed greens, the chicken was a bit dry.
Lastly, we ordered our desserts. I asked for the waiter's advise and he pointed me to the Chocolate Fudge Brownie and cheri - their Tiramisu. And so, they quickly made their way to us. Nicely presented with flower leaves on top, my brownie was probably store bought (or so I hope). It was dry, bready, cold and tasteless. Cheri's tiramisu was a bit too mushy, but overall pretty good. (perhaps home-made)

FINISH
sour, undeveloped
All bus noise was an obvious accident waiting to happen. And it did next day - the result was a TTC buss crashing into a building just a few meters down the street. A necessary evil, to save the cute, back patio ambiance.
Any restaurant wanting to do well, should put their best foot forwards on Summerlicious. I don't know why they wouldn't?! Microwaved and store-bought dishes are out of question. - that is my advise for naive little Peter Pan.

overall... a typical Sauvignon Blanc.

Lady Marmalade

http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/

People have asked me what my favourite restaurants are, and strangely enough I never wrote about them. Perhaps, its some kind of selfish back thoughts, that I like to keep them gems untouched. Or perhaps being afraid that my benchmark places might end up disappointing me for whatever reason. Either way, I have decided to start.
On my way to the beaches, if I ever have over an hour and an appetite, I am coming in. (not to mention, if I feel like spoiling myself with the city's top bennies)

APPEARANCE
light, bright
Light green and yellow front with well-tracked, hand-painted, elegant serif type and always a long line, you can't miss this little hub on Queen East. Recently they have started opening their windows, hopefully soon enough they'll figure out a way to make all front window panels retractable.

SWIRL
pear, floral
As the line gets shorter and you enter there is a curtain, to separate people in line from drooling on others' food, or giving them looks. To entertain the hungry crowd there is a wall with all kinds of small local artists and events happening. On top of that, the walls inside have local art. This time there was some really neat photographs with perspective lines of thread on top and some 3D photo collages. The green walls everywhere and energy of people give this place the feel of spring morning. My favourite part of this place is that no two chairs match, same goes with their cutlery and there's also a variety of tables.

NOSE
light honeysuckle, hints of apple and mineral
The long line realistically took about 30min - not bad, at all. Once we sat down menus were quickly given out to us. They are rather flimsy, and these were also wet. There has always been a doodle-like portrait at the front, a bit too tight around the edges. Cheri is convinced its Muammar Guddafi, but our waitress didn't seem to think so. We saw a special on their little chalk stand-up board - french toast with banana caramel so we had to give it a shot. Also, to share, one of my favourites -Brie, Avocado, Bacon Benny. My other benny recommendations are the Ham, Red Option and Chipotle Mayo and the Cheddar, Bacon and Mango Salsa.

PALATE
medium-light bodied, light acidity, smooth
Their caramel banana french toast seemed to be too popular, so we went with their second best option - Chocolate Raspberry. Getting our food took some time, no matter how long it would've been, its worth the flavour. The hollandaise is just the perfect texture, the eggs are just the right amount of solid & liquid and the brie, bacon, green onion and avocado just make it above and beyond. With a pinch of paprika/chipotle (perhaps a bit on the stingy side), a side of home-made fries and a small bowl of salad this is all I can ever ask for.
We had never tried their french toast, and what a mistake that is. With a few fruits on the side and a side of maple syrup, this chunk of sweet goodness is not to miss. I kept on wandering how this dish was possibly made - there wasn't a single dry or undercooked part, also hardly any air inside. This bread was made to be a fresh toast (not just a last minute decision) and my assumption - it just came out of the oven. It was a generous chunk, definitely for sharing. A bit on the heavy side though, with chocolate chips and berries inside, topped with chocolate syrup and raspberry jam.

FINISH
sweet notes of flower and light spice
Energizing like spring - the bright, local, small community feel together with mouth-watering food draws me to Lady Marmalade again and again.
As for the line, there's always one.

overall.. a warm, aged Riesling with a soul.

Pure Spirits Oyster Bar

http://www.purespirits.ca/

Summerlicious in Distillery!
I really wanted to try the Boiler House but two days in a row they had a private function, so as recommended by them, I booked our reservation with their sister company.

APPEARANCE
dark, deep
Quite a few people cramming by the front of this brick and dark green building. A large metal cut sign above, although I am normally not for stencil type at a gourmet restaurants. After saying we have a reservation, we passed all the people standing around and entered through the double wide open door.

NOSE
raspberry, hints of plum
Inside brick, wood, black counter tops - looking great. A bit of a cellar feel, from the grungy lights and the racks of bottles on the wall. We were given a spot outside.
The patio is the perfect proportion - definitely not tiny European style, but rather laid back enough to notice but not be in people's conversations. Again dark tables, shiny chairs, big umbrellas and flowers on the side.

SWIRL 
spicy notes, bits of bitter chocolate
We were given their well-put menus with the logo debossed on the black leather covers. We enjoyed reading about the different oyster descriptions, described as if wine. They sounded very intriguing, and could be ordered in singles. Definitely worth going for a night to taste them all.
The summerlicious menu has a wineglass closeup photo on the back and front, a bit random and hard to notice.
I ordered their Grilled Calamari to start and Atlantic Salmon Fillet after. Cheri had their Mixed Garden Leaves followed by a Grilled AAA Alberta Striploin. Our waitress said we can wait up on desserts for now. They also had a special short wine list. We ordered Jackson-Triggs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc for our appetizers followed by a glass of JT Reserve Merlot to go with Cheri's stake and a glass of Woodbridge Chardonnay for my salmon.
 
PALATE
full bodied, a bit still, dry
Tap water and bread quickly arrived on our table. With a basket-like fold, the buns were warm and fresh served with creamy, light, salted butter on the side. Our appetizers didn't take long either. Cheri's Salad was worthwhile thanks so the nice touch of smoked almonds and the sweet champagne vinaigrette. I had a little trouble eating my calamari as they were hardly cooked. There was a heavy grill/smoke smell but if I was to have any unpleasant thoughts, I wouldn't have been able to get through. I have to add though, I am not much into chewy cartilage kind of textures.


Next came my salmon with a chiumichurri baked glaze(a bit burned) on top of a crispy polena, with a side of garlic vegetables all in soubise sauce. Overall great, but salmon a tad overcooked. My Chardonnay was better than I expected - flowers, pear, and spice. Cheri's striploin was a beauty - tender and juicy, it came on top of mashed potatoes, vegetables  in sweet balsamic sauce (vincotto). His Merlot was heavy with hints of raspberry, blueberry and bits of spice. Cheri left a bit of it, and I finished it off with my Decadent Chocolate Mousse. It was orgasmic, especially since my mousse came in a dark chocolate shell on raspberry jam and a few sprinkled peppercorns - the wine was a beautify match. Cheri had their gelato, and he was quite happy.
 
FINISH
smooth, lasting
Throughout, we couldn't help but notice the big, strange, orange plastic containers with gas on every table, but we never saw them work.
The patio was even better at sunset and after a few glasses of wine. 

overall.. a unique Malbec.

Saving Grace

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/savinggrace

We came here back in the winter, 15min before opening and entered as it was unlocked. We were quickly asked to leave and didn't make it back until now.
This time we came after 11 and it look 30min to be invited. Oh and the common etiquette is that you put your name on the clipboard hanging on the inside front frame - wait list.

APPEARANCE
medium-light golden, attractive
Outside bright, highlighter pink and green with contrasting details and a right-on green bench. This place is hard to miss - there are people always standing around. After almost being skipped, as the waitress felt like reading the list the opposite way, it was our turn.

NOSE
butterscotch, stuffy - needing air
Inside, very simple and trying to look bigger than is - white walls, black lamps and a large mirror. It reminded me of a fitting room, especially being warm and stuffy. That might have also been because we were sat on the small top floor overlooking everyone. All I have to say is, thank god for the high-ceilings adding some space and air.

SWIRL
hazelnut, hint of cinnamon
Setting down, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath.
Cups with steaming ice and a charming airtight glass water bottle came on our table. They gave out either this type of a bottle or a wine olive-green glass one, both pretty cool.
I asked for the Strawberry-Agave Shake. We were quick with our food order, feeling a bit exposed to ally eh other waiting outside. I was hoping to have space at the end for that popular French Toast with Caramelized Bananas, as we really felt like something more substantial before. We got their Rajasthani Eggs and the Old White Cheddar Sandwich.
As we waited, I noticed the cute chalk-board with a version of the menu on the wall. I  kind of wished I read it earlier. A bunch of people were having the iced fresh ginger, looked interesting. Also, we were entertained by the sun revealing the previous store sign underneath in front of us.

PALATE
smoky, spicy, smooth texture yet drying
My shake came warm and I was ready to whine for ice, but it turned out that there was a big cube near the bottom. The shake was too think to let it swim out though. It was that same steaming ice, making my drink ice-cold in a few minutes. I was quite happy and impressed; it held the chill for some time. It was a bit sweet, but the light yogurt base was a great balance.
Next came out plates. I started off with half of the Old White Cheddar Sandwich. It came well toasted with grill marks, a spring salad and their house potatoes. The bread added a lot of interest to this dish, as it was whole-wheat raisin with a few walnut pieces. The insides were tomatoes, avocado and a yummy rosemary mayo. The cheese only got a bit of attention, competing with all the tastes going on, but overall it was delicious and a bit heavy.
The Rajasthani scrambled eggs had a very spicy red-onion, tomato chickpea masala. There was also a side of herbed, corn paratha and a side of potatoes. The cilantro and sour-cream were essential in my tolerance of this dish, but still not enough. Rajasthani is definitely not for my tummy in the morning, but I it has a hidden purpose - to make you sweat so that this room no longer feels warm or stuffy.

FINISH
hint of melon-pineapple and freshness
I wish I had space for dessert, perhaps next time I will sharpen my sweet tooth from the beginning.
Whoa, getting out makes you appreciate the breezy cool weather outside, even if it is mid 30C.

overall.. an intense (stifle) Chardonnay