Winterlicious 2013 – Part 1

Hey Everyone,

Today I will be talking about Toronto’s Winterlicious. Winterlicious is one of the biggest culinary celebrations in Toronto where more than 100 restaurants participate. As you can tell by the name, it is held in winter; this year it was held from January 25^th to February 7^th, 2013, and then there is a similar summerlicious event held in summer.  They have a set menu for lunch and dinner, and the price varies from $20 and above. This time, I tried two restaurants and will provide reviews for them.

1. Far Niente (Continental and more)

(Located at 187 Bay Street, Toronto)

Menu is available at:

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious/66E4E1F796291F46852570BB007266B3?OpenDocument

My hubby and I picked the $35 Dinner (plus taxes and gratuity) and my dishes were as follows:

Roasted Cauliflower Soup (vegetarian)
Hazelnut Oil, Lovage Cream
Rating: 10/10

Appetizer

Foraged Mushroom Linguine (vegetarian)
Mushroom & Parmigiano Fonduta, Spinach & Leek Puree
Rating: 9/10 (-1 for too much salt)

Main Course

Banana & Nutella S’more
Graham Crackers, Caramelized Bananas, Nutella Mousse, Hazelnut Caramel
Rating: 8/10 (It could have been better, not what I had expected in mind)

Dessert

My partner’s dishes are as follows:

Many Beet Salad (vegetarian)
Goat Cheese & Poppy Vinaigrette, Spiced Pecans
Rating: 10/10 (dressing was amazing)

Appetizer

Pan Roasted Basa Filet
Beluga Lentils, Olives, Tomato Broth, Fried Capers
Rating: 8/10 (loved the sauce but the fish was not too great)

Main Course

Miniature Abbeys Butter Tart
Maple Gelato, Sage & Dried Cranberry Butter Crumble
Rating: 10/10

Dessert

Note: Always ask the waiter if you are unsure about a dish since they work there and they know what and how a certain dish is made. Specially when you are vegetarian, vegan or have other dietary restrictions. We both had amazing time there, they took our coats when we entered and we didn’t have to wait to get seated.  Overall, I would give Far Niente a 9 out of 10 (Including service and ambience). Keep up the good work!