Dad's 60th Birthday Dinner

[Touring]

Hi all,

Just wondering if I could pick your collective foodie brains.

I'm looking for a restaurant for my dad's 60th birthday dinner. We'll be a party of 7 and my dad is a food snob...not surprising since *I* must have gotten it from somewhere.

It doesn't have to be overly fancy but the food has to be good (i.e. well cooked and good quality ingredients). He's loved C Restaurant, Araxi and Chambar out in BC and Scaramouche and the Black Hoof in Toronto, among others.

We're aiming for a Canadian/North American or French-ish menu (e.g. steak, game, fish/shellfish), and the venue shouldn't be too stuffy (e.g. Splendido), noisy and casual (e.g. Black Hoof) or corporate (e.g. Canoe). The option of a private dining area would be nice too, so we wouldn't feel overly self-conscious taking pictures of the big day.

Any suggestions? Auberge, Biff's, and George were a few I thought of. Le Select kind of gets noisy and Loire has received mixed reviews. Lastly, I know it's corporate and overpriced, but maybe North 44 since I'm assuming the food should be at least good and service decent?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

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Splendido
88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5, CA

North 44
2537 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4P 2H9, CA

Le Select
432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V1E3, CA

The Black Hoof
928 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[prima]

I would skip Globe Earth. Conservative (on the verge of boring) menu for a food snob's 60th birthday dinner. It's a place I generally save for dining with plain eaters.

George would be at the top of my list. You might also want to consider Pastis.

If you and your dad are open to Portuguese fine dining, Chiado is a nice place for birthdays, and they serve steak and shellfish.

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George
111 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M5C 1S2, CA

Pastis
1158 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W2L9, CA

[Vinnie Vidimangi]

What does your father like to eat?

[prima]

He likes to eat duck, seafood or lamb at the restaurants I recommended.

What do you like to eat, Vinnie?

;-)

[peppermint pate]

Ha - I was just about to post and to ask Vinnie if he was asking about your dad, Prima. Funny.

Agree that Pastis is also a good choice - it has a celebratory feel to it. Butter poached lobster and the liver are amazing. Profiteroles for dessert.

[prima]

;-)

Haven't tried Pastis' take on butter poached lobster yet. Adding that to the wishlist. Thanks for the heads up, peppermint pate ;-)

[peppermint pate]

Of the ones you've mentioned, I like George the most. It has a very special feel and I've always enjoyed my dinners there. The other option I'll throw out is Beast - it's definitely not stuffy or corporate. It's on the casual side, but not noisy. No private room but I can't imagine you'd feel awkward about taking pics in there - they are very friendly and accommodating. Most of all, the food is sensational and you could consider doing one of their "whole beast" menus for the occasion.

[JennaBean]

George is my go to fine dinning in the city but from what you describe above I would suggest looking at Globe Bistro on the Danforth as an option. It is not a fine dinning as George and has a Canadian/local inspired menu.

[estufarian]

I think you need somewhere 'special' for this occasion.
Check out Blacktree in Burlington. (or perhaps Eigensinn Farm if its open right now).

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Blacktree
3029 New St, Burlington, ON L7N, CA

[Herb]

If he liked Black Hoof he might like Woodlot.

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The Black Hoof
928 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

[miranda]

Mistura and Canoe are good choices and I also like Opus in Yorkville very chi chi Miranda

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Mistura
265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R1J9, CA

[todc1996]

have you been to globe earth?
sounds like it could be what you're looking for.
i would avoid north 44....

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globe earth
1055 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2L2, CA