640518 Wed Jul 29 18:07:54 -0700 2009 62 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 4901848 Let's say... within the past year or so? It could be dessert/dinner/lunch/anything! Give the restaurant name and what the dish was. I rarely eat out (maybe like 2-3 times a year?), but the best dish i've had was the steak tartare from Canoe......... so far. Stay tuned. Wed Jul 29 18:07:54 -0700 2009 286636 goldendelicious 1 4901958 Within the last year?! None!! Looks like overall quality has gone down with the economy! However, if allowed to go back a few years, the 'Sauteed primini veal liver' at Il Posto Nuovo, Yorkville. Texture and taste, absolutely amazing! Close second was the Grilled tiger prawns with roasted baby potatoes in black truffle sauce reduction at the now closed JOV bistro. Wed Jul 29 18:50:04 -0700 2009 4901848 10810 Charles Yu 1 4902088 I'd probably say the Bymark Burger, medium rare, with fries instead of onion rings. Wed Jul 29 19:43:35 -0700 2009 4901848 202405 tjr 2 5113338 OMG! So agree! Still recall how my mouth watered like crazy after the first bite; have never experience quite the same sensation with another dish...except for the bread pudding from The Drake hotel. It was as memorable as the Bymark burger and I suspect that the only reason my mouth did not water as much was because I was already full when I ate it. Sun Oct 18 19:38:48 -0700 2009 4902088 191315 Toronto Fastfoodie 1 4902212 Within the past year, my best dish in Toronto is the Applewood Smoked Yorkshire Pork Belly with Corn Emulsion at Splendido. Wed Jul 29 20:43:33 -0700 2009 4901848 62525 skylineR33 2 4903054 This version of Splendido? I saw it was closed (I live near-by) but understand it re-opened for business last Tuesday...maybe there is an up-to-date review? Thu Jul 30 08:17:54 -0700 2009 4902212 24738 LJS 3 4903795 I tried this dish late last year at the old Splendido. I have not visited the new Splendido yet. Thu Jul 30 11:39:17 -0700 2009 4903054 62525 skylineR33 1 4902217 dinner- italian at Marcellos- penne alla vodka- my fave dessert- simple creme brulee at Ruth Chris- in my opinion the best in the city lunch- Fish Store- salmon fish sandwich- sooo good Wed Jul 29 20:45:02 -0700 2009 4901848 278698 ttran88 1 4902378 Does wine count? SWS Wed Jul 29 22:19:31 -0700 2009 4901848 50683 Splendid Wine Snob 2 4902553 Sure why not? I'll start! Had a 1990 Chasse Spleen over the weekend! Yuuuuum! Tasted refined like a first growth! Thu Jul 30 04:53:56 -0700 2009 4902378 10810 Charles Yu 3 4902783 Wine should only count if it's frozen and served in a "dish" Thu Jul 30 06:48:21 -0700 2009 4902553 41175 foodyDudey 4 4902818 Or gelatinized Thu Jul 30 07:00:49 -0700 2009 4902783 157056 grandgourmand 4 4902819 I was treated to a lovely fragolino gelato in the home of a former chef in Woodbridge- would that count :)? Unfortunately, he only made a small batch. But the Woodbridge part of the equation would mean that dish was served outside of Toronto.... I like the Singapore Slaw at Lee, and it's one of my favourite dishes of all time- but I have to confess it has been a few years since my last order. My half lobster at Starfish ( I split it with a friend) was excellent- standard, classic preparation. That was probably the best dish I've had in Toronto in the last year. Thu Jul 30 07:01:18 -0700 2009 4902783 10626 phoenikia 5 4902841 They've been serving it at Brickwork's farmers market the last few weekends. Once, Mr. Lee himself was schlepping it. Thu Jul 30 07:10:31 -0700 2009 4902819 157056 grandgourmand 6 4903463 Yes, but alas they arrived late, and I was already heading back to my car... Thu Jul 30 10:11:33 -0700 2009 4902841 19782 Full tummy 1 4902629 The best I've had this year would be Michael Stadtlander's seared foie gras paired with a beautiful Niagara mead. It was incredibly delicious. Served at the Globe's evening with Michael Stadlander. Thu Jul 30 05:43:48 -0700 2009 4901848 259720 haggisdragon 1 4902773 Good topic. I'd have to say the best thing I ate that I didn't cook myself this past year was the couscous with lamb merguez and vegetables at Djerba la Douce. Not the fanciest of dishes by any means, but so satisfying to eat and with great depth of flavour. It was the perfect plate of food to have on a cold gray winter day as well. Close second would be the gambas al ajillo at Torito. Thu Jul 30 06:44:41 -0700 2009 4901848 224715 dxs 1 4902891 Poached Dutch white asparagus with local ramps - Splendido I cannot tell you how delicious this was. Perfect texture, lovely asparagus flavour with the hint of ramps. And while it was done simply, it displayed the combination of ingredients to their best. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlunar/sets/72157618101743212/ Thu Jul 30 07:25:56 -0700 2009 4901848 14940 jlunar 2 4904742 Yes, I agree, a great dish, but someone in another thread called it incredibly bland and boring. Goes to show you how differing opinions can be. Sorry I'm greedy, can't just pick one..... honey fried oysters @ Magic Wok truffle scented ratatouille @ Splendido boudin of rabbit @ Deluxe king mushrooms @ Ematei Thu Jul 30 16:28:01 -0700 2009 4902891 14629 aser 2 4906077 I've got to second this choice. I loved that dish so much. Isn't it funny that there was a dish of caviar and Wagyu on that same menu, but the winning dish consisted of just veg? Hey Splendido is getting a lot of votes this year! Fri Jul 31 07:43:49 -0700 2009 4902891 136066 graydyn 1 4903014 Here's a thread on a similar topic, posted last August: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/544526 Will be interesting to see if it's mostly the same dishes and the same restaurants mentioned in the current thread, a year later! I noticed at least Starfish and Bymark have been mentioned both years. Thu Jul 30 08:06:41 -0700 2009 4901848 10626 phoenikia 1 4903039 I really enjoyed the lamb hot dogs and Wensleydale Cranberry cheese I bought at Alex Farm Products in Manulife Centre. Thu Jul 30 08:12:50 -0700 2009 4901848 155466 canadianbeaver 1 4903441 At Nota Bene, a chilled zucchini soup which came garnished with sun-dried tomato pesto, croutons, and a drizzle of grassy e.v.o.o. So refreshing, so flavorful, so delicious. (And I am not a vegetarian.) Thu Jul 30 10:06:48 -0700 2009 4901848 88766 suddenly susan 2 4903787 Steak Tartare at Bistro 990 and truly amazing Liver & Onions at the Scaramouche "Pasta Bar" Thu Jul 30 11:36:08 -0700 2009 4903441 78717 pearlD 1 4903831 Single Best Dish? Wow, that's a tough one... I'd have to go with something from Nota Bene... perhaps their Crab Cake I had last year. One of the best crab cakes, if not THE best I've ever had: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bokchoi-snowpea/2815217217 Thu Jul 30 11:49:35 -0700 2009 4901848 201877 BokChoi 2 5157002 Too bad, it doesn't seem to be on their menu anymore: http://notabenerestaurant.com/menus/ Wed Nov 04 19:29:09 -0800 2009 4903831 1088164 meowx2 1 4903932 Most memorable when I came across this thread was the stone-pressed grilled game hen I had at Zucca. Of the few "high end" places I went to this year, this was the one that stood out for me. Writing this makes me want to go there again. :) Thu Jul 30 12:19:05 -0700 2009 4901848 123543 Pincus 2 4904414 Here's another vote for the liver and onions at The Pasta Bar of Scaramouche. It's a simple dish, but few get it exactly right - and, in my view, none in Toronto better than Scaramouche, though Pastis Express comes close. Just $26 at Scaramouche, which is a pretty good price at a fine-dining joint. And, of course, the setting and the service helps elevate the dish as well. Thu Jul 30 14:28:25 -0700 2009 4903932 25418 juno 1 4904588 Butter-poached lobster with English pea and chantarelle risotto at Splendido. And yes, since they re-opened. Thu Jul 30 15:27:41 -0700 2009 4901848 29140 childofthestorm 2 4904596 sounds delish! Thu Jul 30 15:30:34 -0700 2009 4904588 10626 phoenikia 2 4906223 Like the tlook of the 'new' Splendido, bu the one specific review I saw so far suggested than dinner for 2 would run $350. Was this your experience? Fri Jul 31 08:36:45 -0700 2009 4904588 24738 LJS 3 4906279 Um yeah that was my review. It was an anniversary dinner and we had foie gras, lobster, 6-week aged rib steak, a couple of pastas, sparkling wine, an $85 bottle of red, and dessert. Basically we ate everything that was expensive and profoundly rich on the menu. $340 with tax and 20% tip. You could easily go there and spend $125-$150 for two, which given the Michelin star quality of the food and service I think is well worth it. Fri Jul 31 08:52:41 -0700 2009 4906223 29140 childofthestorm 1 4904903 For me, it was the pan-seared marinated duck confit with mandarin peel with seared foie gras I had at Lai Toh Heen on their summerlicious menu. It was served with saffron fried rice with diced shrimp and scallop. It was delicious. Thu Jul 30 17:31:48 -0700 2009 4901848 98493 JamieK 1 4904918 dessert - apple tarte tatin from Quince Thu Jul 30 17:36:49 -0700 2009 4901848 70876 LemonLauren 1 4904947 The dish I'm still thinking about from the past year is the Blaff à la Martiniquaise I had in May at Le Paradis. The broth was so satisfyingly spiced and the seafood was very fresh. (Caveat: I have yet to eat at Starfish or Bymark.) Thu Jul 30 17:50:08 -0700 2009 4901848 55773 missmu 1 4911559 Anago from Zen. Sun Aug 02 16:46:52 -0700 2009 4901848 11750 fickle 1 4912183 I feel that my choices sound pedestrian compared to many of the other recommendations here, but I have to say that I can't decide between the beef brisket poutine at Jamie Kennedy Gardner and the perfectly flavoured, delicate, melt-in-your-mouth beef rendang at Matahari Grill. Sun Aug 02 22:12:52 -0700 2009 4901848 75881 vorpal 1 4913023 The one that's sticking in my mind is the Salmon Niçoise À la Constance at Weezie's. Delicate, balanced, with just the right amount of bang. I titled it "À la Constance" as the woman has a real knack for nuance. Mon Aug 03 08:58:58 -0700 2009 4901848 12072 Googs 1 4915557 Hot tonque on Brioche at the Black Hoof. (Close seconds: the Dizi at Pomegranite, the Beef in Chilli Oil at BSRJ, my first fatty at Caplanskys, and most everything else I've had at the black hoof) Tue Aug 04 04:55:45 -0700 2009 4901848 247771 DoNutAlter 1 5111691 The Raw Horse Sammy at The Black Hoof. Sun Oct 18 03:34:48 -0700 2009 4901848 88766 suddenly susan 1 5113499 Chaumer Pudding at Grace. Sun Oct 18 21:06:09 -0700 2009 4901848 226450 Notorious P.I.G. 1 5113932 mmm, I love thinking about great meals. I'd have to say that in the past year my two best dishes have been the duck dish at North 44, and the fried perch at JKWB yum! Mon Oct 19 07:10:51 -0700 2009 4901848 527706 joellita 1 5113998 fried eggplant @ cava Mon Oct 19 07:38:13 -0700 2009 4901848 254962 Arcadiaseeker 1 5114444 The pansotti alle noci at Positano, an absolutely perfect dish in my opinion. Mon Oct 19 10:03:40 -0700 2009 4901848 1116833 Boodah 2 5114477 I also forgot to mention the Cubano sandwich (called "the cuban") at Fresh Wood Grill, it's greasy and smokey and fantastic for what it is. Mon Oct 19 10:14:05 -0700 2009 5114444 1116833 Boodah 1 5114760 The Young Chow fried rice at ABC Bakery, 3618 Victoria Park Ave. A meal in itself, just like mamma or grandma used to make, if she was Chinese. Awesome with Sriracha sauce...eat in or take out--$4.50. Mon Oct 19 11:57:17 -0700 2009 4901848 11490 Yongeman 1 5114909 Here are my three.... Hot tonque on Brioche at Black Hoof - winter '09 Pacific Halibut with curry onion fritters and sweet corn foam at George - summer '09 Green and white asparagus salad at Ame - fall '09 Mon Oct 19 12:45:53 -0700 2009 4901848 13707 JennaBean 2 5115144 Great topic! Here are my thoughts: Lobster Poutine @ Bymark (picture: lobster, crispy fries, drizzed in Bernaise saucce) Hard to pick a main but I'd say Kobe Beef Burgers at Trevor or any pasta at Terroni (low-end) / anything at Celestin Coconut Cream Pie @ Scaramouche .. it's legendary. Wines (not available at LCBO): Hamelin Bay Rampant Red 2006 @ Bymark or Bogle Phantom 2004 @ Trevor Enjoy! Mon Oct 19 13:52:24 -0700 2009 5114909 214686 juneplum 1 5115851 -chocolate lourd at Simple bistro -the donuts and the braised beef at George -every truffle at Soma -sweet breads at Cava -huevos ranchero at Frida's This is tough, I feel like I'm leaving something out. Mon Oct 19 18:22:23 -0700 2009 4901848 292028 dubchild 1 5116928 My most memorable dish this year at a Toronto restaurant was at Globe Bistro. The Smoked Ricotta Gnocchi. Heaven on a fork. Tue Oct 20 08:20:42 -0700 2009 4901848 27348 Hondapendragon 2 5126586 this sounds amazing. Fri Oct 23 18:55:01 -0700 2009 5116928 42693 chalenegirl 1 5117372 At a Toronto Restaurant? The beef carpaccio at Mistura. Perhaps the perfect example of this dish in my opinion. The best dish I've had this year? The pulled pork poutine at the Harbour Diner in Hamilton. Tue Oct 20 10:33:20 -0700 2009 4901848 12664 Mike from Hamilton 1 5118802 Either the stuffed pig's snout on "happy" cabbage (for two? not if I have anything to say about it) at the Black Hoof or red beet risotto at Mistura. Tue Oct 20 19:59:50 -0700 2009 4901848 60536 Carruthers 1 5120062 Spring time, at the Four Seasons, Avenue Rd, Toronto. Bruschetta, Tandoori Chicken, Organic Greens, Avocado, Mango, Tarragon Dressing, Cilantro Chutney, Naan Bread. Excellent food, excellent service. Wed Oct 21 10:49:34 -0700 2009 4901848 121815 lamaranthe 2 5126643 The last ones were an oyster chowder, follwed by salmon quenelles with fennel in cream. at Bistro Camino, A $9 lunch! VVM Fri Oct 23 19:28:06 -0700 2009 5120062 16181 Vinnie Vidimangi 1 5128392 Fav dish - but unfortunately they have taken it off of the menu - is the gnocchi at The Rosebud with braised oxtail. Sat Oct 24 18:10:06 -0700 2009 4901848 17146 thebutcher 1 5173387 Sadly or not, the tastiest thing I've had in this city is the Black Camel pulled pork sandwich. Wed Nov 11 12:36:31 -0800 2009 4901848 1123682 miketoronto 2 5174128 The steak tartare at Weezie's is extremely memorable. Wed Nov 11 16:25:54 -0800 2009 5173387 100701 millygirl 3 5174205 I concur. Possibly the best version I've had in the city. Wed Nov 11 16:56:07 -0800 2009 5174128 157056 grandgourmand 4 5181010 That's quite an endorsement coming from you, grandgourmand, considering you grind your own at home. So happy you like Weezie's. Sat Nov 14 07:47:18 -0800 2009 5174205 12072 Googs 1 5174150 The wagyu burger at Nota Bene. Wed Nov 11 16:33:27 -0800 2009 4901848 93263 Yum2MyTum 1 5174877 The Crispy wokked squid with caramalized peanuts at Colborne Lane I had this week was exceptionally good. The bison at George as also well good. Best dessert was a lemon tart at Scaramouche, but when I went back last week, they didn't have it anymore! Thu Nov 12 00:23:21 -0800 2009 4901848 244658 stonedtoronto 1 5175415 I've got simple tastes: - smoked turkey sandwich at Caplansky's - pulled pork sandwich at Beer Bistro - fried shrimp at Joso's Best dessert - 1985 Warre's Vintage Port at Scaramouche (is that a dessert?) Thu Nov 12 07:51:33 -0800 2009 4901848 93053 MeMeMe