104514 Mon Dec 12 21:58:24 -0800 2005 3 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 566381 Can anyone recommend fine dining restaurants with tasting menus other than Susur, Perigee, and Avalon? Thanks. Mon Dec 12 21:58:24 -0800 2005 0 Kevin 1 566387 SPLENDIDO does one of the best 'food and wine pairing' tasting menu in town and their services are top notch. You can check out their latest menu at www.splendido.ca. SCARAMOUCHE and CELESTIN both offers one, but I would rate them just a notch below Splendido. THUET'S tasting menu can be great but I find it a touch too expensive. Furthermore, their eractic service, especially when the wife starts yelling at the ataff, can easily offset and spoil an otherwise enjoyable and tasty meal. If you wanted something more cutting edge and less traditional, there are the Rubino brothers' RAIN for 'Asian fusion' or LUCE for modern Italian. However, I found both their food presentation more impressive than the taste. SENSES tasting menu is also very interesting. Food presentation is outstanding and the food can be both delicious and challenging ( depending on how 'fusion' the dishes are ). In a way, I would call it Toronto's 'Poor man's' version of 'El Bulli'. Lastly, there are two very good bistros in FATCAT and AMUSE BOUCHE who also offers good and interesting tasting menus. However, they are 'Bistros' and NOT fine dining high end establishments. So, expect both service and ambiance to be less formal. And, by the way, you can also try out Sushi Kaji's 'Japanese' tasting menu!! Can be a most enjoyable experience! Mon Dec 12 23:06:55 -0800 2005 566381 0 Charles 2 566482 I totally agree with Splendido. Been there 3 times and it has always been fantastic. Definitely the best dining experience in the city. Avalon -- over-rated L Tue Dec 13 18:00:15 -0800 2005 566387 0 Lou 1 566515 I’d recommend you check out Sasi Gourmet Thai restaurant. I was recently a guest at a tasting dinner there and the food was incredible. Sasi is a master thai chef and she made us some really unique thai dishes that are unlike anything I’ve had around the city. If you get the chance try the spiced shrimp coulis and the braised curry lamb with peach – it’s thai food with a twist that brings it to the level of haute cuisine. I came across Sasi through this review by a food critic: http://www.dine.to/page.php?PageID=232&RecordID=222 If you’re interested try and get in touch with the restaurant because they only offer the tasting dinner specially to those on their list. Happy eating! Link: http://www.dine.to/page.php?PageID=232&RecordID=222 Wed Dec 14 08:46:43 -0800 2005 566381 0 Cam