quote:

Originally posted by grossie:
I was recently in T.O for a hockey tournament (sorry I didn't call, guys, too much hockey, too little time) and I feasted myself at an establishment called called "For Your Eyes Only". It was quite a treat, IMO.

And how was their wine list? Any Italian beauties, or was it all Bulgarian old-vintage?

Well we went to Scaramouche last Saturday and it was excellent. My only gripe was the portion of my lamb was small for the price. Otherwise the service, flavor of the food and ambience were excellent. There was quite a few tables bringing in their own wine. The table next to me had '95 Cheval Blanc and '86 Leoville Barton. The corkage fee was $30CDN. The '97 Masseto we brought was stupendous in every way. I will put an updated tasting note in the TN section.

IW

I'll be in Toronto end of this month. Anyone have any updated recommendations for good restaurants downtown?

Not much going on in the Toronto restaurant scene of late. The high end segment has been taking a hit in the recession; Truffles at the Four Seasons is the latest closing. So, unless you have particular preferences (such as Asian cuisine which Toronto does well), I'd go with the same recommendations as before.

2 nights ago a very nice meal at Messis on Harbord. Had the BC halibut with prawns paired with a Fielding Estate riesling from Niagara. Very nice sauces, perfect seasoning. The halibut was just a tiny bit overcooked. Could have better stemware. Overall a nice place, but I sure did feel old walking through campus on the way there!

Tonight a fantastic meal at Nota Bene. Starter of soft shell crab on a cucumber vinaigrette salad. Paired with Megalomaniac riesling 2007 (Narcissist I think). Very nice. I had the roast Tawse lamb special which was heavenly, paired with a Tawse pinot noir. The pinot did not quite have enough fruit or acidity to hold up to the lamb, but was otherwise okay on its own. In retrospect would have gone with merlot. Nice restaurant, attentive service. Very accomodating as they were willing to serve half pours of the wines by the glass. Nice stemware.