anyone been to Lalot lately?

[nummanumma]

This was an old fave of mine, but i haven't been in awhile (distracted by new choices!)...I was wondering if anyone had been lately and if they were keeping up the very good food at reasonable prices?

[KitchenVoodoo]

I've been several times recently and I think it's an under-rated gem in a sea of mediocrity. By now I think I've sampled 70% of the menu and LOVED every single thing. The service is prompt and kind - where else do they ask you if they can hang your coat for you when you walk in? The food is special, and very good indeed, and the owners care about what they are doing, so for me, the prices are more than fair. I have introduced at least 6 people to Lalot and everyone has loved the food and gone back for more.

[cello]

Just thought I would let you know, in case you are not aware already, last night was Lalot’s last night of business. Owners decided to close shop & a new martini bar is going in.

[charxchar]

That's disappointing. I loved the food at Lalot (esp. the hot pot dishes) but the atmosphere was abysmal - it was like dining in someone's basement. Does anyone know where I can get really good Vietnamese hot pot (the catfish and ginger chicken) comparable to Lalot's in Toronto??

[Fwagra]

I had a very enjoyable meal there some time ago. Very, very tasty.

BUT... the portions were unbelievably small. I mean small. Like microscopic.

If you want to eat enough food you're looking at at least $60 pp, which is pricey. But, then again, the food is very delicious. And who says you shouldn't pay a lot for Asian food?

[nummanumma]

Agreed- after repeatedly paying little for the same thai food in various places (lime comes to mind, and 50 million others just like it), at this point, I'd rather pay a lot for some great Asian food.

[vorpal]

While I think a lot of Asian restaurant fare is underpriced in the city, I don't think you should pay a lot for Asian food unless it is somehow unusual or exquisite: the ingredients are typically cheap and not difficult to come by. It's not like we're having things like foie gras or expensive wild game most of the time when it comes to Asian cuisine. I can concoct a delicious and entirely authentic Thai meal for four for under $20 at home; why should a restaurant be justified in charging $200+ for a similar experience if it wants to survive the Toronto food scene?

[troutpoint]

Is this the Asian place?

[nummanumma]

yes the place I was wracking (sp?) my brain to think of the other day-

[FlavoursGal]

Funny, I'd been thinking about Lalot recently, too. I haven't been in about two years. I loved the food, but the last couple of times I was there the service was so slow, with the meals dragging on so long, that I think I subconsciously took it off my list.

[nummanumma]

yes I think the last two visits I had (also about 1 1/2 years ago) were sliding into poor service, and prices were rising. I don't know why i started thinking about it again.