Montreal foodie Toronto virgin

[maisonbistro]

Will be in Toronto Wednesday night, staying at the Fairmont Royal York and would like some dinner recommendations. Price range up to $50-60pp, not including wine- preferably not french fare (I am coming from Montreal after all)- and not fish/seafood as I am deathly allergic.

Any places come to mind right away?

[justxpete]

Beast (meat), Marben (on it's way back), Viktor (can be interesting at times)... and swing by Le Gourmand for the best chocolate chip cookie in the city (despite that the middle is undercooked... frequenltly), and yes, Richmond station is good as well.

[kwass]

I like their peanut butter cookies even better than their chocolate chip cookies!

[JennaBean]

What are some of your fav places in Montreal? I always find that's a good starting point to get a sense of what you might like here.

[maisonbistro]

I didn't think it worthwhile mentioning Montreal faves- since I wasn't sure people responding would know them. I love Holder (and I just checked out Richmond Station - seems a bit similar in nature?), I despise Toque, love authentic Thai or Indian (and I mean authentic) have enjoyed a meal or two (!!!) at Tuck Shop, love Mas, Laloux.

Please help!!!!

[bytepusher]

In addition to Richmond Station, Bannock and The Gabardine are reasonably close and have a similar vibe to Holder.

New Sukothai location is about 4 blocks away basically on the same street (good, authentic Northern Thai).

[grayelf]

I know the OP is mainly looking for dinner, but we had a lovely breakfast at The Gabardine (mentioned above by bytepusher) in early December. It is indeed very walkable if you are staying at the Royal York.

[JennaBean]

I think that both Richmond station and The Gabardine would make you happy. I presonally find Bannock ok but too much of a chain feel for my likely.

[grayelf]

That's valuable feedback, JennaBean. I was considering Bannock for our December trip till I realized it was part of a restaurant group and the fear of chaininess set in :-).

[maisonbistro]

So, we ended up deciding on Richmond Station. I have to say, I was very disappointed- and would not return. Appetizers were fine- even good- as was the service up to that point- then, it all went downhill. I don't consider schnitzel to be worthy of a TC Ca winner, nor the price he was charging- but we tried it anyways because, well, it had to be "special" right? Yeah, heavy, greasy, very poorly cooked- unseasoned....

I had beef two ways. One way was part of a NY strip, sliced and the other way was supposedly short rib- didn't look like short rib- and tasted like boiled beef. Not braised, boiled.

There was absolutely nothing that would make me go back and spend money there again. Nothing.

[brushfire]

toronto has such amazing thai and indian food! sorry to hear about your experience

[MissBingBing]

Richmond Station is close by.