Special 50th Birthday Dinner - need ideas!

[ciaociao]

I am in charge of selecting a restaurant for my mother's 50th birthday party in a few weeks. I am a student so I am looking for something classy but affordable on my student budget! I am hoping to find somewhere elegant and fairly quiet with bistro-type food. Downtown location is preferable. We will be doing dessert and champagne at home so I am looking for great apps, mains and a bottle of wine for around $50/person. So far, I have thought of Bistro Tournesol, Batifole and Mildred Pierce. Any comments on these would be great plus any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

[TwinklyTerrapin]

Batifole is easy to get to by TTC and all the appetizers and mains are the same price ($8 and $16, I think) so there wouldn't be too much sticker shock when you get the bill. Also, the food is great.

[KMary]

I would suggest Pallucci restaurant on Mount Pleasant--not quite downtown. Mount Pleasant and Davisville area. They offer pre-fixe menus starting at $35 per person including hors d'oeuvres! Depending on the number of people, they have a private dining room upstairs with a fireplace, TV, etc. I think for anything over 30ppl, they'll close the main floor for you. I ate there once and the food was great, the service was great--surprising in that neighbourhood!! Check out their website: pallucci.ca

Hope that helps!

[ciaociao]

Thanks for the ideas! I read about Quince in Toronto Life and it sounds great. It isn't downtown but it is on the subway line, which could work out fine. I haven't been able to find a website for them though. Does anyone know if they have one? Alternately, can someone fill in any info on the menu, price etc.?

[hungryabbey]

never been myself, but heres the website http://www.quincetoronto.com

[nummanumma]

Le paradis is right price -wise but I wouldn't call it elegant. quince would fit the bill, but is not downtown. Biff's?

[dlw88]

If your mother has never been, Mildred Pierce is a fantastic atmosphere. It may run you just over the 50 mark.

[ciaociao]

Nope - never been. It is definitely on the short list =)