Avant Gout - Any comments?

Hi fellow hounds,

My friends and I are considering going to Avant Gout on Thursday night(Yonge and Summerhill). Reviews on Martiniboys site look good. Wondering if anyone has any comments regarding what's good and what's not here? And are reservations recommended/required?

Other suggestions included Messis (Harbord) and Cantine (Avenue and Davisville).

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Stacey90]

Too small and too close table arrangements, Too salty Food, not sure why they call it French Moroccan style… it’s all regular Italian stuff, I have been hear recently and the food is not that good and I felt the old oil taste…. The chefs take too long to prepare the dishes.

[mtampoya]

I have been there before and also thought it was okay. Nothing special. It was a bit overly priced, considering what you got. don't think it is the best creme brulee in the city, that's for sure. www.mishsplayground.com

[estufarian]

So where are there better brulees?

[dinin and dishin]

Estufarian, I took your advice and had the creme brule. I must agree with you, it was just heavenly. We actually split it and the 3 of us fought over each bite. We also shared the cinnamon ice cream, something I'd never heard of before, and it was just amazing. Interestingly enough, later the same week, I ordered creme brule at Pop Bistro. While it was good, it didn't touch Avant's.

So while I can't say I am a connoisseur by any means; I will support your claim until I find something better.

[estufarian]

Glad you liked it.
Let's hope mtampoya responds with something even better!

[as219]

Ooops! Wrong city!

I like it. Go regularly. Some Moroccan influences in the dishes (i.e. more down-to-earth food than haute cuisine).
Reservations ESSENTIAL.

And the must dish is the creme brulee. Simply the finest in T.O.

I have eaten there 3 times because it was the restaurant of choice of friends. I found the food just okay. Somehow it promises more than I think it delivers. Nothing was terrible but also nothing was superb either. Funky setting though.