663971 Sun Nov 01 17:14:09 -0800 2009 13 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 5147809 All I wanted for my 30th birthday was dinner at Black Hoof....but now I've realized my birthday is on Wednesday and Black Hoof is closed. So, I was wondering about other options? If you couldn't go to Black Hoof, where would you go (sticking to a similar price point)? I'm thinking of going to Weezie's but there's not much in the way of cocktails there it seems? I haven't been there, but I've been meaning to try their mac and cheese. Hoof Cafe isn't open yet, is it?? Sun Nov 01 17:14:09 -0800 2009 37472 ggom1 1 5147886 Here's a link that may help. But from your post, it's not clear what exactly you're looking for in terms of a comparison... is it the charcuterie? Cocktails? Atmosphere? http://www.blogto.com/toronto/the_best_charcuterie_plates_in_toronto/ Sun Nov 01 18:00:05 -0800 2009 5147809 166161 SMOG 2 5147991 How about Harbord Room? Cocktails and they have a charcuterie plate up too if I remember correctly. Sun Nov 01 18:54:32 -0800 2009 5147886 16075 deabot 3 5149415 Amazingly, I faced the same dilemna last week. We wanted some Hoof on Tuesday and went to Harbord Room instead. Atmosphere is similar to the Black Hoof but a bit more polished and the kitchen has its own space. Charcuterie was very good with a great chicken liver mousse and a cool deep-fried egg--though they don't have any of the dry, cured meats you get at the Hoof. Burger is very good and duck confit gnocchi is also excellent. We were drinking beer so I can't comment on the cocktails but the list looked pretty good. Perhaps take a look at this list on their website and decide based on that. Mon Nov 02 11:00:18 -0800 2009 5147991 60536 Carruthers 2 5148440 I'm not totally sure what I'm looking for myself. Atmosphere first, then cocktails, I think - I'm more flexible with the type of food served as long as it's interesting and good (can't really think of anyplace else where I might be able to get a spicy raw horse sandwich). Thanks for all the suggestions! Mon Nov 02 05:16:40 -0800 2009 5147886 37472 ggom1 1 5148249 Try Cowbell. It's a smallish place with a focus on working with local farmers and ingredients. I think it's in the same price range as the Black Hoof. It's too bad you can't go where you want for your birthday. I've really enjoyed my meals at the Black Hoof. Sun Nov 01 22:11:35 -0800 2009 5147809 262600 chefhound 1 5148445 I love the Black Hoof, but honestly I think the best charcuterie is at Cava. They offer tapas you can share. The atmosphere is more restaurant than cocktail lounge. Mon Nov 02 05:22:41 -0800 2009 5147809 292028 dubchild 2 5148470 I'll second Cava. It definitely is more restaurant, but still casual enough to fit in the same category. The food is definitely interesting. You'll probably end up paying a little more, but not a substantial difference. Mon Nov 02 05:44:53 -0800 2009 5148445 166161 SMOG 1 5148653 Buca will do the job, a ton of cured meats and good drinks. Mon Nov 02 07:08:14 -0800 2009 5147809 117944 gastronom 1 5150248 If you like small plates then Torito might be another good pick. They aren't known for cocktails or charcuterie per se, but since you suggested you were open it is a great atmosphere, casual but festive, good wine list, jamon! Mon Nov 02 14:40:40 -0800 2009 5147809 60563 Rabbit 1 5150349 Sorry for hijacking but....is black hoof closed every Wed? or are they closed for a specific period of time? Oddly enough Wed is my birthday too...but other plans prevents me from going there for dinner that night (well that and the place is closed). I was thinking maybe sometime this weekend. Mon Nov 02 15:23:35 -0800 2009 5147809 34604 sweetie 2 5150572 they close on tuesdays and wednesdays. on the plus side, they're open on sundays and mondays when a lot of restaurants are closed. i was there this past sat, and because of the halloween parties, the place was unusually quiet. the fois gras pb&j was divine. Mon Nov 02 16:47:21 -0800 2009 5150349 17778 Kasia 3 5151082 Fois gras pb&j? I think I just drooled on myself. It's funny - except for Cava, I came up with the same places as everyone else :) I'm planning to head over to Black Hoof on Saturday, so I think I might be adventurous and try someplace totally new for my birthday - looks like Cava or Weezie's depending on where my appetite leans. Thanks everyone! (lol advance happy birthday sweetie - maybe I'll run into you at Black Hoof) Mon Nov 02 21:00:25 -0800 2009 5150572 37472 ggom1 3 5153830 thank you Tue Nov 03 18:55:17 -0800 2009 5150572 34604 sweetie