103315 Tue Aug 02 21:14:32 -0700 2005 8 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 559759 I'm planning on going to Jamie Kennedy's wine bar for the first time next week (for my birthday). I've heard that the food's not as good if he's not in the kitchen. Any thoughts on this or the place in general? Tue Aug 02 21:14:32 -0700 2005 0 Cammers 1 559760 From my experience JK seems to work most of the lunches but few of the dinners - but I do like the food there (at lunch or dinner). I fully recognize that when it comes to food there is not an absolute measure of what is good or not good so naturally others may not agree. If you can wait 2 weeks JK's formal restaurant should be open in the adjacent room (which was used for catering), then you will be able to make reservations and the atmosphere will be more like a "regular" restaurant. It will be interesting to see if Jamie works more evenings in the new place. Tue Aug 02 21:59:43 -0700 2005 559759 0 George W. 2 559868 If you review this board you will find enough glowing reports recently and in the past to justify going for a meal. Thu Aug 04 14:23:15 -0700 2005 559760 0 Maureen 1 559762 Everytime I've been to JK (six times to date) the food and service has been nothing but excellent. I've only seen Mr. Kennedy once during my visit. CD Tue Aug 02 22:35:18 -0700 2005 559759 0 Cody 1 559772 I agree with Cody. I've been four or five times and have only seen JK once. We always sit at the bar and chat with the chefs while they prepare the dishes. We've never had bad luck there, the food and service is top notch, and consistent. Wed Aug 03 08:19:04 -0700 2005 559759 0 Saucy Jack 1 559773 Always had great food & services whether Jamie is there or not. I seem to have had better luck than the others as Jamie has been working a number of times I've been there. Wed Aug 03 08:22:47 -0700 2005 559759 0 Pebbles 1 559824 Although the service is very good (I had the pleasure of sitting at the bar and beside the exterior kitchen in the two times I went), the food was "merely" good. Both times Mr. Kennedy wasn't in the outside kitchen, so I can't really comment on if the food is better or worse when he is around. Wed Aug 03 18:57:36 -0700 2005 559759 0 Curtis 1 559828 i'm always an advocate for this place and i'd like to think that i have good taste. i have only seen jamie kennedy at the restaurant once so far and he didn't touch a single item in the kitchen. at one point i got excited because he had the chef's uniform on but all he seemed to do was conjure up the next day's menu. my experiences have been great so far, having said that i've never had him cook for me. i actually just went tonight and my only complaint would be that the small scallops were overcooked, but our large one was perfect. the food has been fabulous as long as there have been good menu items. some nights the dishes can be either unadventurous or just too simple. but i'm very happy with the chefs there. i think you'll be very happy :) i'd be more worried about the wait. Wed Aug 03 21:27:57 -0700 2005 559759 0 pinstripeprincess 1 559842 Other than the New Years celebration there, I and my friends ahve never had a bad experience there, regardless of whether Chef was there or not. I doubt very highly that you will be disappointed. I didn't know that he is setting a formal dining area int eh space next door, though - very interesting! Any word on what he's planning on serving there? Thu Aug 04 01:56:43 -0700 2005 559759 0 DAB