Bellwoods Brewery

http://bellwoodsbrewery.com/

Cheri and I had passed by this place on our search for the Lower Osslington Theater, a few months ago. We enjoyed our musical and left promising ourselves to come back to this lively, up-and-coming area soon.

APPEARANCE
dark, brick-red with a unique label (using one of the latest graphic trends)

A large open patio, beige fence, laughter and lots of people, it is a hard spot not to feel the energy from nor envy those lucky to be sitting. Today, through the fence blades, creatively carved watermelon heads were stabbed, for no good reason. The front is really a concrete slab with random chairs, just as random tables and a few BBQ benches. Their small logo is easy to miss - a circular screen hanging over the edge - just a red bell, no explanation.

SWIRL
an impressive combination of red fruit and 
some blackberry
On the side is a cleared out narrow area for those in line and at the end a symbolic white door, completely useless in the summer, as both ends are open. It has their word-mark in shinny gold adhesive on the glass as well as their bold hours of operation. The main room is full of frames and chalk-boards. All the way in the back, the large beer kettles behind glass really add to the feel. For those fascinated to enjoy their view, there is a secluded bar area on the second floor, overlooking them - quite charming.
We put our names down and were told its about a 20min wait. In the meantime we went to the upstairs bar and explored the set up. Their beer menu chalk-board hung from the main room, facing the patio. Above was a stalked white material, I believe they pull over the patio's wooden frame in case of rain.

NOSE
opinionated notes of pepper and anise 
coming through
We were sat on one of their BBQ benches just before we started getting eager. Its neat how they use them as social tables, the couple next us was totally on a first /second date (probably not too fun for them). As we waited for our friends, we were handed small wooden clip-board menus. I loved the idea, with the paper cropped rough and close on one side. The menu consists of 2/3 beer and some food near the end.
We had previously read in a Neighborhood's publication that they have about 10 house-made crafts, but their Russian Imperial Stout sounded above worthwhile. It turns out its a winter seasonal beer. Too bad, my russian would've killed to have some of it. Instead he got a Pub Cider. I started off with their Grizzly Beer and a side of their popular fries.

PALATE
an initial overload of aromas, not well balanced, but overall lack in nuances to define character
Our beers arrived in no-time. All beers, except for the simple cider, come in tulip goblets which nicely compliment their bold bell logo, stamped right in the middle. My Grizzly brown ale was hoppy and bitter with strong floral, pine nut, fruit aroma.. I couldn't pick out any chocolate notes as the menu promised, but it was a mouthful. Strong and opinionated, it was begging for a creamy brie to help it go smoothly down. Turned out the Cider was not home-made but from Spirit Tree. It had a bit of spice, but overall Cheri was not impressed (to be honest, I think it kind of turned him off ciders for some time). Our friends arrived and we were all quick to order.
They were not too impressed by the lack of dishes. Either way, they asked for their board of meat, and we were close to asking for their cheese one but after seeing the tiny amount other tables receive, we were discouraged. Cheri and I asked for their fries and for their Wild Salmon dish.
The meat board arrived, again, not as much as our friends had hoped for. Their fries were definitely their main inexpensive sensation. They came covered with graded toscano cheese and sent of rosemary and thyme. Even the couple next to us commented. The fries were gone in no-time and we ordered a few more. Next, we tried their Roman Candle IPA, even-though we probably should've gone for the balanced Witchshark IPA. The Roman Candle was bitter and slightly resinous, indeed. The strong senses overtook the full nose of pine and tropical citrus. Again, it was really a lot of handle in a sip.
Our Salmon took some time. It came in a very gourmet arrangement and dish, very unlike this casual miss-matched pub-brew, I think. Uncut rapine, buttered spring radish, rhubarb made a nest of flowers and plants for the small filet. The best part was the ginger hollandaise sauce. To be honest, I was not impressed. The salmon filet was raw on the inside and the grassy vegetables were hard to chew. I appreciate the presentation but there should be a balance between form and function.

FINISH
an energizing aftertaste, a bit bitter 
but unique
We'll probably be back for some of their winter seasonal beers, but this time we'll just stick to appetizer-snacks. As much as we appreciate their quick, short menu they should invest more time and energy into the food section.

Overall.. a blend of mainly Zinfandel and some Syrah (from a New World Californian winery)

Spice Route

http://www.spiceroute.ca/

Who would have known... We were invited to a restaurant right next door to Ma Cherie's work. Passed by it multiple times, but did not even consider going in. In retrospect, I think it was probably because it is only really open during the day. There were also some scantily clad women making their way inside on a few occasions I noticed visitors.

APPEARANCE

luxury enforcing label for a light blush wine, with the typical quote"goes well with spicy asian food"

Looks like a private club...maybe an upscale lounge. We found it hard to believe it was a restaurant. Of course there is a small menus by the door, but still... a low hanging porch covering a dark passage to a door  (a portal itself is a masterpiece: aged wood with iron bindings) water flowing on the side, no front windows to show what is happening on the inside: a touch intimidating and club-like.

NOSE

slow to come to definition, a sweet rose-turkish delight hint, some strawberry
Quite a different picture on the inside. Flowing water behind the bar, smiling waiters and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is distinguishably eastern with an area of low ottoman-pillow chairs. We chose to sit outside and ended up separated by a wall from a puffing and huffing busy King Street. Our table was under an over-sized awning. I personally hate painted brick as a choice of exterior facing material and we sat right next to a wall finished in black, although neatly painted, brick. Felt a bit out of place for me. Bamboo and plaid surfaces were more fitting- hard to miss. The best part was the addition of water again - open concrete outdoor aquarium with koi fish, the water kept on circulating - a sound suiting the busy atmosphere.

SWIRL

syrupy sweet, light hints of black tea
Our waiter was very prompt and appeared knowledgeable. He suggested sharing for our group of four and gave us a rundown of their their best options. As we started looking around, we noticed a few bachelorette parties occupying nearby lounge-like areas. There was lots of laughter and carrying conversations so this secluded patio was lively and a pleasant place to be. We ended up ordering Surf and Turf (wasabi and Kobe beef sliders), Sweet and Sour Pork (neatly complemented by pineapples), Cantonese Chow Mein and Tempura Calamari and Rock Shrimp. We also ordered a bottle of Hakkaisan sake.

PALATE

cold, bites the tongue at the beginning, medium-to-full bodied
First our Cantonese Chow Mein made their way. It was delicious - crispy noodles tangling around shrimp, chicken, squid, bok choy, etc. Even the pickiest of us made their way around the seafood, as the aroma took over the table. Next, the Surf and Turf - we always wanted to try Kobe beef and finally we did even though it was in tiny sliders. Hard to judge how sensitive and tender this meat was comparing to high quality beef - it was definitely enjoyable, but I would not say the taste was “to die for”. The wasabi tuna sliders were definitely an essence, with alfalfa leaves sticking out, they were tender and a tad spicy. All 4 sliders came with a side of yams and chipotle mayo, to make up for those disappointed in the size. We quite enjoyed the Sweet and Sour Pork - the pork and peppers bathing in sweet and sour sauce, but to our disappointment only garnished with a pineapple skewer on the side. A bit heavy on the sauce, but cooked to perfection - this plate was shared quickly and gone in no time. Soon after we were brought the “chef’s compliments”. We were disappointed to find out how uninventive this dish was - four pieces fried bread with a simple tomato paste - a nice gesture, though. Tempura Calamari and Shrimp came battered with a side of lemon scallion aioli which added interest to the dish.

We concluded our dinner with a few desserts: Tangerine Brownies, Ginger Creme Brulee and Apple Spring Rolls. Out of the three, I would definitely recommend to try the brownies - a very delicate, smooth taste with a hint of citrus - would be nice on a colder day as well. The brulee was less exciting, but had an interesting spicy twist to it - just enough to accent without overtaking the palette. As for the rolls - a very predictable pastry, the strawberry compote on the side helped brighten it up. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but a safe choice for someone not looking to experiment.

FINISH

sweet at the end, not much of an aftertaste
Quite an impressive location and interior. Nicely themed - chic asian/eastern. I just wish the food was matching in the chic-ness a bit more - more experimentation and perhaps a few more turkish-eastern dishes. Not to say this place should not be visited, I would just recommend it for a lounge or a social drinking experience and snaking, rather than for a foodie dinner.

And by the way, a way more casual entrance/exit does exist from the patio!

Overall.. a not too balanced Rosé - a bit heavy in smell compared to its light body. To be enjoyed with a cube of ice!

The Works

http://www.worksburger.com/

Cheri and I decided to spoil ourselves on our bike ride home, after our weekly beach volleyball. Cheri had previously checked this spot out with a coworker - randomly seeing it from the street. He was eager to bring me here ever since.

APPEARANCE
bright, new, fresh, entertaining label
The Works is new to the St Lawrence area - taking over the corner of Wellington and Church, across from Toronto's flat-iron building. This area needed a more reasonably priced spot, which is not Pizza Pizza. A bit after we arrived, their brightly lit patio area became our top prize. 

NOSE
citrusy, apple, honey
Entering, the main room was transparent - divided by low cubicles of fenced wire. The interior was put together in the chaos of walls from scrambled brick chunks, copper pipes everywhere, industrial lights and an imposing metal dimensional W, suspended by chains. Hip spot, part of the gourmet burger trend invasion, no doubt. We breezed through, following the hostess, as we made our way up a long staircase.

SWIRL
pear, mineral in character
Their second floor patio kept consistent with the heavy interior - bar made of scrambled brick locked in concrete, metal tables and a daring metal roof frame. Their menus are like old brochures - dark paper, loaded with information and their bold stencil serif typeface filling all the space it can. Can't argue that fit a lot of information on one tabloid piece of paper. It went over the steps of ordering a burger. Our appetite was too pushy to wait for us to go over it all.

Step 1: we decided to go all out and pick their Lean Domestic Elk
Step 2: we went for a topping of Neil Young (one of their 10 favs)
Step 3: whole wheat bun 

Step 4: side of Spicy Die Cut Chips and a side of Cucumbers
Step 5: enough already

It didn't take long for our water to arrive - arrive in style - a large-liquid-measuring-cup style, that is. Not many burger joints let people indulge in beer, so we had to take advantage - a Mooshead IPA, please!
As we waited and froze on their windy patio, we enjoyed the view and vibe of the area. Also, I was quite entertained by their salt and pepper shakers - faking to be lightbulbs. In the waiting, I indulged myself on a trip to "Ladies Waste Removal", right by the "Family Compost Zone" - that would all be by their take-out zone.

PALATE
crisp, well balanced, full-bodied
What is inside Neil Young, you may wander? Well that would be grilled eggplant, avocado, salsa loco, and feta. Our waitress seemed to have picked a white bread bun for us, but we didn't even realize until half-way though. The Elk was really not game-y nor bloody (thank god) but rather tender and lightly smelly. The burger was really great. I quite enjoyed the side of those spicy, crispy chip-fries. As for the cucumbers, lets just say do not order fresh veggies in a burger joint. They were old and dry… probably filtered the fridge for a good day.

FINISH
sweet and refreshing

We definitely had a great time - quite enjoyed the spot. We need to try it for a sunny lunch, for surez. Also, plenty of topping combos to try.

Overall.. a new-age unoaked Chardonnay