324784 Sun Sep 10 21:00:13 -0700 2006 12 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 1866996 Has anyone been and can tell me what the food/drinks/atmosphere is like? Thinking of going there for my birthday in a month. Sun Sep 10 21:00:13 -0700 2006 15482 NovoCuisine 1 1868091 Atmosphere is excellent in terms of aesthetics. Food also very good. I was there with a group of ten people and their approach was interesting. Basically, the server came to the table and said that they were going to order everything for us, and bring out things one by one all night. They did have some concern for dietary restrictions (when told that there was a vegetarian at the table, they asked if that person ate fish; also, one of the dishes was a fried tofu number). Anyway, it was like going to Lee, but without seeing the menu (which I've heard has happened at Lee, BTW). Ultimately, I see the logic behind this approach, but I'd have appreciated being asked about it rather than being told that's what was happening. I suppose we could have objected without any problem, but it was kinda weird. Also, Kultura's self-proclaimed concept is that they present food from many cultures. I have to say that I expected a broader range of representation - our theme seemed to be primarily Asian with some French bistro/American in the mix - a lot of meat. In this case, a little more juxtaposed ecclecticism might have been in order, epecially since they were calling the menu shots! All told, my food rating for Kultura is 7.5/10. Drinks and wine list are good. This is a great place to go for a birthday or for anything involving a group of good friends. Mon Sep 11 13:27:20 -0700 2006 1866996 19212 sweetspotlee 2 1868738 What price point is Kultura at? Mon Sep 11 17:50:32 -0700 2006 1868091 13175 xtal 1 1868759 Because we were in a group, and I never saw the menu (or the bill), I cannot really speak to the prices. Furthermore, I don't know if the portions they served us were the regular sizes... anyway, there's a menu w/ prices on their website (www.kulturarestaurant.com). My sense is that the prices lean toward high-end. Mon Sep 11 17:58:43 -0700 2006 1866996 19212 sweetspotlee 1 1868842 You can be sure to spend probably $60 for say 5 to 6 plates for food. Mon Sep 11 18:27:00 -0700 2006 1866996 27866 TOfoodie 2 1868894 how many hungry people would 5-6 plates of food serve? Mon Sep 11 18:47:53 -0700 2006 1868842 26815 hungryabbey 3 1868929 I'd say if they're really hungary then 1 person should budget at least 5 dishes for themselves. But it really also depends on which dishes you order. The pork is very filling, as is the jamacian chicken. My favourite dishes are the lobster ravioli, the samosas, the shrimp and the chicken schnitzel...but all are very good. The fish and chips are also quite nice and filling. To eat all that myself would mean that I'd be rolling myself out of there. I typically have my favourites and maybe the glass noodles to share with a friend and I'm full. So 5 to 6 dishes for 2 people would be fine, or 1 very hungry and big eater. Mon Sep 11 19:00:53 -0700 2006 1868894 27866 TOfoodie 4 1868939 haha okay good advice. Mon Sep 11 19:02:55 -0700 2006 1868929 26815 hungryabbey 5 1868942 ;) Mon Sep 11 19:04:41 -0700 2006 1868939 27866 TOfoodie 1 1877655 Thanks for the responses! Doesn't seem unreasonably priced.. not looking for the BF to spend a fortune on my birthday (he hated Lobby and Ultra the last two years ;) Thu Sep 14 23:00:15 -0700 2006 1866996 15482 NovoCuisine 2 1879285 I do think that you'll really enjoy it and would love to hear how you enjoyed it. Fri Sep 15 18:00:25 -0700 2006 1877655 27866 TOfoodie 1 1913048 Joanne Kates has a write up on Kultura in the Globe today. She takes a swing at the self important servers but is generally positive about the food. She says the space is gorgeous but does label it as a bit of a hangout for "those who want to be seen" which automatically puts it a little lower on my list. Sat Sep 30 13:54:33 -0700 2006 1866996 15937 Aardvark 2 1924318 On my visit (pre-Kates) I found the servers extremely knowledgeable (a rarity in Toronto). I choose knowledgeable (even if self-important) as a great improvement on ignorant (far more common alas)! And the food was excellent - as was the wine. Best opening in 2006 IMO. Thu Oct 05 08:15:58 -0700 2006 1913048 11134 estufarian