Tasting/Chef's Menus in Toronto - Post existing/new offers here

[ylsf]

Looking to take out some family members for a tasting menu later in February. Figured I would keep track of what I come across here and hope for some recs from other people. I find that some times the chef's menu isn't specified on the menu so you need to find out elsewhere to know it is even offered. If you have had a tasting menu at a particular location reviews are appreciated too.

All tasting/chef's menu require all patrons to participate unless otherwise noted. Prices based on what I could find as of Feb 6, 2013

(While I was typing this I decided to do a search in case I missed a thread posted and I saw this one - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/886750 by mkhall). That would be a good thread for general discussion but I thought it would be good to have more of an informational thread with an idea of price ranges and website/menu links here. I will use that thread and others to pull up details on various tasting menus on offer. I have not included wine pairing options

I have broken it down into over $100 and less than $100

Less than $100

The Grove - $50
http://thegroveto.com/menu/

Yours truly - $55 or market price? I am a bit confused by the online menu:
http://yours-truly.ca/food.html

Richmond Station - $50 per person. We did this in the pantry room with 8 or 9 people so I don't know if there is a minimum number of people. Good selection of various menu items. Served family style - http://richmondstation.ca/ - Doesn't seem to show up on their menu. Best to ask about it when booking.

Edulis - Carte Blanche menu - $50 per person - smaller, $70 per person larger
http://edulisrestaurant.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/February-1-2013-Dinner-Menu.pdf - No details there but just a listing on the menu.

Over $100
Splendido - Can't find a link to the tasting menu on the main page but through google I came across this menu which might be an older menu - http://splendido.ca/menus/tasting/ - approx $130

Canoe - $100 per person - http://www.oliverbonacini.com/OliverBonacini/media/pdfs/Canoe_Dinner.pdf

Auberge du Pommier - $100 person
http://www.oliverbonacini.com/OliverBonacini/media/pdfs/ADPDinner.pdf (1st page, 2nd page is normal menu

)

George (Falls into the over and under $100):

Five Courses 99
Seven Courses 125
Ten Courses 140
Five Courses Vegetarian 80
Also Lunch tasting menu available for cheaper:
http://www.georgeonqueen.com/menu/

Shoto - $150 -
http://momofuku.com/toronto/shoto/menu/

Colborne Lane - $99 to $140 range for 8 to 10 courses - currently $129 Valentine's day menu
Also a $179 15 course kitchen tasting menu:
http://colbornelane.com/welcome

Others:

Mentioned in another thread that ICI Bistro does tasting menu but I don't see the details on the website

To come - Chantecler - sometime this month - 2 nights a week http://restaurantchantecler.ca/

[ketzy]

Thanks for doing such a great review. I'm actually looking for for a special tasting menu next month for my birthday. I love to be surprised and entertained at the same time.

Just to let you know, Splendido no longer has a tasting menu. They are working on some 4 course menus that should be out soon.

Also Colbourne Lane, one of my favorite places, is closed now for renovations.

[ylsf]

Thanks for the updates. Yeah, unfortunately with CH it isn't easy to keep a "master list" because I can't edit the original post anymore. But useful to have the updated info about Splendido and the info about Colborne Lane which was posted in other threads here. Curious to see what takes over the Colborne Lane space, unfortunately I never made it there to try their tasting menu.

[h3llbringer]

Unfortunately, Colborne Lane is closed permanently.
http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/E...

[s0memale]

Tried doing a search, but only yielded out of date results.

With a growing dining scene in Toronto and places trying to stand out...anywhere offering some sort of dessert tasting menu? Or at least anyone know of somehwere that would cater to fit more dessert courses in?

[Charles Yu]

Great question!!
Used to frequent either 'Perigee' or 'Amuse Bouche' ( remember them??!! ) after their 9.00pm rush for the dessert tasting. Pity they have both gone out of business!

[Dean Tudor]

Charles -- Now you've reminded me of the Movenpick buffet on York Street. The buffet was tasty and reasonable in cost, and they promoted it as, First, a place to eat dinner at that time. Second, free parking for the entire evening while you went to a show somewhere downtown. Third, "free" dessert buffet and coffee AFTER the show -- you just showed them your bill when you came back.

[prima]

I would think George or Splendido would do a dessert tasting by special request.
Has anyone seen any dessert samplers, offering a taste of several desserts, recently? Beerbistro used to have a dessert sampler for 2 on their menu.

[Dean Tudor]

Lobsterlicious continues at Scaramouche, Feb 18 through 28, Mon - Thursdays only. $62 for three courses

http://www.scaramoucherestaurant.com/...

[Charles Yu]

Excuse me from going off in a tangent for a short while!
However, this always intrigues me!
I know one is not comparing apples with apples. But for a restaurant ( though high class ) to charge $62 for a lobster 3 course 'excluding tax and tips' when the total quantity of lobster offered in the 3 courses equates to only about one single dish of a 'Giant lobster 6 ways' from O'Mei where the cost is only $60 all inclusive and included an extra 3 meat courses + complimentary desserts. The cost and mark-ups of western restaurants compare to their Oriental counterpart is simply AMAZING!!!!
One could argue about labor intensive preparation, ambiance, service...etc but still?!!!
I wonder how much would Scaramouche charge for a Lobster 6 course tasting menu that include an additional 3 meat and veggie mains plus 4 different desserts??!!
Just thinking out loud! Not inviting heated debates!

[Dean Tudor]

At Scaramouche, you pay for the view and the ambiance, plus the service.

[prima]

While I like the service at Scaramouche, I also like the service at O'Mei. O'Mei offers more bang for the buck re: food, ambiance and service, imo.

[disgusti]

no doubt, but it's never nice to feel ripped off, and when you think about the amount of actual lobster being served i would think it's hard not to feel ripped off even if the view is pleasant

[prima]

While I've enjoyed the lobster and the service during Lobsterlicious, on one of my visits during Lobsterlicious a few years ago, it seemed that the amount of lobster served was on the skimpy side, and the dessert portions were on the large side, which made me wonder if the large dessert portions were to ensure no Lobsterlicious guests left hungry. The following year, the dessert portions seemed normal for a prix fixe at an upscale resto in TO.

While I haven't exactly felt ripped off, the $62 seemed a little high, especially when compared to the very generous amounts of lobster served at O'Mei. I'd rather just order a full-priced first course and a Lobster main at Scaramouche(Lobster $42
water chestnuts/shiitake mushrooms/greens/ginger sesame mayonnaise
coconut lobster hurricane broth/chili oil in the Restaurant, or the Lobster tostada in the Pasta Bar Lobster Tostada $22
avocado/iceberg lettuce/coriander/lime/tomato/jalapeno pepper) and skip dessert. http://www.scaramoucherestaurant.com/... I haven't been to Lobsterlicious this year. It's quite possible the portion sizes are more generous this year.

[Dean Tudor]

At the risk of a monster posting, here is the menu for the Allen's Danforth Steak festival, which qualifies as a Chef's Menu...

ALLEN’S STEAK FESTIVAL MENU, FEBRUARY 5-23, 2013

APPETIZERS
OYSTERS BAKED IN SPINACH JACKETS WITH BACON-COGNAC BUTTER $14.95
Cotuit oysters supplied by Rodney’s Oyster House
GRILLED COLOSSAL CHILI-RUBBED SHRIMP COCKTAIL WITH AVOCADO-CORN SALSA $17.95
LUMP CRABMEAT SALAD WITH MANGO AND MINT $17.95
PINGUE NIAGARA PROSCIUTTO WITH BOCCONCINI AND BASIL-INFUSED EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL $15.95
SMOKED SCOTTISH SALMON WITH CAPERS, RED ONION AND LEMON $14.95
OUR OWN CHICKEN LIVER AND GLENFIDDICH WHISKEY PATÉ WITH SODA BREAD TOASTS $10.50
FETTUCCINE WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, LEMON ZEST AND BASIL $13.50
RICHARD BROOKS HEREFORD BEEF CARPACCIO, WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE AND ARUGULA $14.95
JOHN W. MAXWELL DEXTER BEEF CARPACCIO, WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE AND ARUGULA $16.95

POTATOES
BAKED WITH SOUR CREAM AND CHIVES $7.25
THICK-CUT, SKIN-ON YUKON GOLD FRENCH FRIES $7.25
MATCHSTICK YUKON GOLD FRENCH FRIES $7.25
ROASTED GARLIC, AGED WHITE CHEDDAR AND CHIPOTLE MASH $7.95
PAN-FRIED SMASHED WITH PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO $7.95
GRIDDLED POTATO CAKES WITH PINGUE PANCETTA $7.95

VEGETABLES AND SALADS
ASPARAGUS STEAMED WITH LEMON BUTTER OR GRILLED WITH BALSAMIC GLAZE $8.95
RAPINI SAUTEED WITH EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AND GARLIC $8.25
CREAMED SPINACH WITH BUTTERY CRUMBS $8.50
ROASTED ANCHO CHILI ONION RINGS $7.95
GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS WITH WORCESTERSHIRE GLAZE $8.50
ROASTED TOMATOES WITH STILTON $8.95
FENNEL SLAW WITH LEMON AND DILL $7.95
BLOODY MARY SALAD $8.95
CAESAR SALAD WITH SHAVED PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO $11.95

SAUCES
BÉARNAISE $3.95 WILD MUSHROOM, THYME AND MERLOT $3.95
SHALLOT AND PORT $3.95 HORSERADISH CREAM $3.95
HOUSE-MADE LAGER-MOLASSES STEAK SAUCE $3.75 ROQUEFORT-CHIVE SAUCE $4.50

THE STEAKS
GUIDELINES: MOST BONE-LESS STEAKS ARE CUT-TO-ORDER AND THEREFORE MAY BE AS LARGE AS YOU LIKE. MINIMUM AND ADDITIONAL OUNCE PRICES ARE POSTED. THAT WHICH YOU DO NOT FINISH WILL BE CAREFULLY PACKED FOR HOME.

STEAK TARTARE – GROUND-TO-ORDER SIRLOIN, SERVED WITH EGG YOLK, CAPERS, PARSLEY, RED ONION AND ANCHOVY.
JOHN VANDENBERG, GREENSVILLE, ONTARIO; BELGIAN BLUE; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
HAY SILAGE, CORN SILAGE; AGED 35 DAYS. Appetizer $15.95 Main Course $27.00
PATRICK McCARTHY, KOBE CLASSIC BEEF, CAMROSE, ALBERTA; WAGYU-ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, WHEAT, CORN, OATS; AGED 21 DAYS. Appetizer $20.00 Main Course $36.00

STRIPLOIN STEAK – ALL ARE CUT TO ORDER.
BERETTA ORGANIC FARMS, KING CITY, ONTARIO; PIEDMONTESE-ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC- FREE;
FEED GRASS, OATS, RYE, BARLEY, CORN; AGED 35 DAYS. $44.00 per 10 ounce; $4.25 each additional ounce.
RICHARD BROOKS, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $40.00 per 10 ounce; $3.75 each additional ounce.
JAMES DYMENT, DUNDAS, ONTARIO; ANGUS, HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $40.00 per 10 ounce; $3.75 each additional ounce.
EXCEL PACKERS, SCHUYLER, NEBRASKA; USDA PRIME; HEREFORD; FEED HAY, CORN; AGED 42 DAYS.
$46.00 per 10 ounce; $4.50 each additional ounce.
JOHN W. MAXWELL, WYATT FARM ORGANICS, FLAMBOROUGH CENTRE, ONTARIO; DEXTER; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, AGED 28 DAYS. $42.00 per 8 ounce; $4.50 each additional ounce.
NORTHFORK BISON RANCH, STE. RÉMI, QUEBEC; AMERICAN BISON; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 21 DAYS. $45.00 per 8 ounce; $4.95 each additional ounce.
LARRY POWELL, FISHERVILLE, ONTARIO; ANGUS-HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 46 DAYS. $42.00 per 10 ounce; $3.95 each additional ounce.
HENRY TRAYNOR, BLACKSTOCK, ONTARIO; LIMOUSIN; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
ALFALFA, BARLEY; AGED 32 DAYS. $42.00 per 10 ounce, $3.95 each additional ounce.
JOHN VANDENBERG, GREENSVILLE, ONTARIO; BELGIAN BLUE; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, HAY SILAGE, CORN SILAGE; AGED 35 DAYS. $40.00 per 10 ounce, $3.75 each additional ounce.
REG WOODWORTH, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HIGHLAND; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 28 DAYS. $40.00 per 8 ounce, $4.25 each additional ounce.

BONE-IN STRIPLOIN STEAK – 16 OUNCE
WAYNE FREY, MILLBANK, ONTARIO; ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN, CORN SILAGE;
AGED 28 DAYS. $42.00

TENDERLOIN STEAK – ALL ARE CUT TO ORDER.
ATLANTIC MEAT PACKERS, SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND; ANGUS; HORMONE-FREE; FEED GRASS,
HAY, BARLEY, SOYBEANS, POTATOES; AGED 28 days. $40.00 per 8 ounce; $4.25 each additional ounce.
BERETTA ORGANIC FARMS, KING CITY, ONTARIO; PIEDMONTESE-ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC- FREE;
FEED GRASS, OATS, RYE, BARLEY, CORN; AGED 35 DAYS. $44.00 per 8 ounce; $4.75 each additional ounce.
JOHN W. MAXWELL, WYATT FARM ORGANICS, FLAMBOROUGH CENTRE, ONTARIO; DEXTER; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY; AGED 35 DAYS. $42.00 per 6 ounce; $4.75 each additional ounce.
NORTHFORK BISON RANCH, STE. RÉMI, QUEBEC; AMERICAN BISON; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY; AGED 21 DAYS. $46.00 per 6 ounce; $5.15 each additional ounce.
LARRY POWELL, FISHERVILLE, ONTARIO; ANGUS-HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN; AGED 46 DAYS. $42.00 per 8 ounce; $4.35 each additional ounce.
SCOTCH MOUNTAIN MEATS, MEAFORD, ONTARIO; ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, ALFALFA, FIELD PEAS, SOYBEANS; AGED 32 DAYS. $40.00 per 8 ounce, $4.25 each additional ounce.
HENRY TRAYNOR, BLACKSTOCK, ONTARIO; LIMOUSIN; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
ALFALFA, BARLEY; AGED 32 DAYS. $42.00 per 8 ounce, $4.35 each additional ounce.
JOHN VANDENBERG, GREENSVILLE, ONTARIO; BELGIAN BLUE; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
HAY SILAGE, CORN SILAGE; AGED 35 DAYS. $40.00 per 8 ounce, $4.25 each additional ounce.
REG WOODWORTH, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HIGHLAND; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 28 DAYS. $40.00 per 6 ounce; $4.75 each additional ounce.

BONE-IN TENDERLOIN STEAK -14 OUNCE
RICHARD BROOKS, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $46.00

RIB-EYE STEAK – ALL ARE CUT TO ORDER.
JAMES DYMENT, DUNDAS, ONTARIO; ANGUS, HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $42.00 per 12 ounce; $3.50 each additional ounce.
EXCEL PACKERS, SCHUYLER, NEBRASKA; USDA PRIME; HEREFORD; FEED HAY, CORN; AGED 42 DAYS.
$48.00 per 12 ounce; $3.95 each additional ounce.
NORTHFORK BISON RANCH, STE. RÉMI, QUEBEC; AMERICAN BISON; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY; AGED 21 DAYS. $44.00 per 10 ounce; $4.25 each additional ounce.
LARRY POWELL, FISHERVILLE, ONTARIO; ANGUS-HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN; AGED 46 DAYS. $42.00 per 12 ounce; $3.50 each additional ounce.
REG WOODWORTH, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HIGHLAND; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 28 DAYS. $42.00 per 10 ounce; $3.95 each additional ounce.
JOHN VANDENBERG, GREENSVILLE, ONTARIO; BELGIAN BLUE; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
HAY SILAGE, CORN SILAGE; AGED 35 DAYS. $42.00 per 12 ounce, $3.50 each additional ounce.

BONE-IN RIB STEAK
BERETTA ORGANIC FARMS, KING CITY, ONTARIO; ANGUS-PIEMONTESE; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, OATS, RYE, BARLEY, CORN; AGED 35 DAYS. $48.00 per 18 ounce.
RICHARD BROOKS, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $42.00 per 18 ounce.
JOHN W. MAXWELL, WYATT FARM ORGANICS, FLAMBOROUGH CENTRE, ONTARIO; DEXTER; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, AGED 28 DAYS. $44.00 per 14 ounce.
SCOTCH MOUNTAIN MEATS, MEAFORD, ONTARIO; ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, ALFALFA, FIELD PEAS, SOYBEANS; AGED 32 DAYS. $42.00 per 18 ounce.
HENRY TRAYNOR, BLACKSTOCK, ONTARIO; LIMOUSIN; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY,
ALFALFA, BARLEY; AGED 32 DAYS. $44.00 per 18 ounce.
REG WOODWORTH, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HIGHLAND; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 28 DAYS. $42.00 per 14 ounce.

PORTERHOUSE STEAK – 24 OUNCE
WAYNE FREY, MILLBANK, ONTARIO; ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN, CORN SILAGE;
AGED 28 DAYS. $50.00

SIRLOIN STEAK
RICHARD BROOKS, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN;
AGED 35 DAYS. $34.00 per 10 ounce.
JOHN W. MAXWELL, WYATT FARM ORGANICS, FLAMBOROUGH CENTRE, ONTARIO; DEXTER; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, AGED 28 DAYS. $36.00 per 8 ounce.
REG WOODWORTH, LYNDEN, ONTARIO; HIGHLAND; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED GRASS, HAY;
AGED 28 DAYS. $34.00 per 8 ounce.

PRIME RIB - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY. DOUBLE CUT, BONE-IN, 18-20 OUNCE
LARRY POWELL, FISHERVILLE, ONTARIO; ANGUS-HEREFORD; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, CORN; AGED 46 DAYS. $48.00

“KOBE KORNER” – THE WORLD-FAMOUS “WAGYU” BEEF
Please note: Due to its extremely high fat content (20-25% as opposed to U.S. or Canadian Prime at 4-6%), Wagyu beef is best treated like Foie Gras and seared in a very hot pan and served rare. It is not grilled.

STRIPLOIN STEAK – CUT TO ORDER.
PATRICK McCARTHY, KOBE CLASSIC BEEF, CAMROSE, ALBERTA; WAGYU-ANGUS; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE;
FEED GRASS, HAY, BARLEY, WHEAT, CORN, OATS; AGED 32 DAYS. $60.00 per 6 ounce; $9.25 each additional ounce.

TENDERLOIN STEAK – CUT TO ORDER
OAKLEIGH RANCH, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA; WAGYU; HORMONE AND ANTIBIOTIC-FREE; FEED BARLEY, WHEAT, CORN,
ALFALFA; AGED 21 DAYS. $85.00 per 5 ounce; $15.00 each additional ounce.

FRESH FISH STEAKS – 8 OUNCE, With Béarnaise or Lime-Orange Vinaigrette
AHI TUNA – JAPAN $38.00
SWORDFISH – FLORIDA $34.00

[shekamoo]

I dont understand how this qualifies as anything other than a 'menu'. Not being snarky, please explain

[Dean Tudor]

It's a "special", runs only three weeks each year, a Chef's Menu, not a tasting menu...but you can get a taste of several different steaks during the course of one night...

[TeacherFoodie]

Under 100 - Scarpetta (4 course 69 pp, 5 course 79 pp)

We absolutely loved our meal here. It is rare for me to love every dish, but I did. Service was amazing.

http://www.scottconant.com/uploads/me...

[prima]

Recently enjoyed the 5 Course $99 tasting menu at George. Loved the Dungeness crab/basil/avocado/grapefruit/pomegranate/red quinoa salad, and the espresso Bavarian with Italian meringue, chocolate ganache and mini donuts. The service was excellent, too.

[Dean Tudor]

Quince has a rijstaffel, 4 times a year...$55 a head..March 6 is next one...

http://www.quincetoronto.com/uncatego...

[TorontoJo]

Enoteca Sociale does a $50 or $70 tasting in these cheese cave. 8 - 10 people max in that space.

And to second/third the comments about Edulis above -- it's wonderful.

[Dean Tudor]

Chef's menu: Bloom http://www.bloomrestaurant.com/ in BWV offers a different menu each month, celebrating a different Latin American country. Usually $25 for three courses, a bargain.

[Dean Tudor]

Bloom: Venezuela is the next theme, begins Feb 19

[msprnt]

what does edulis' tasting menu look like usually? what does smaller and larger mean? more courses or serving sizes? i'm heading there tomorrow and i'm excited!

[fickle]

We were at Edulis last Friday for their truffle inspired tasting menu. Our menu was priced at $70/person. We had olives stuffed with anchovies and hot peppers, homemade bread and butter, lightly smoked herring, shaved black truffle and goose fat crostino, wild side stripe shrimp in a chorizo broth and celery root purée, celery root "risotto" with bone marrow and black truffle, veal trio (tongue, belly & sweetbreads) with roasted carrots and parsnip purée, soma chocolate mousse, pine nut shortbread and saffron blood orange and baba au rhum to finish. Some dishes were served family style, others were individually plated. All of them were delicious. Enjoy your dinner tomorrow night!

[msprnt]

that sounds amazing! did you need to give them a heads-up a la "pre-order" before you went?

[pinstripeprincess]

we were a large group so we automatically had a tasting menu. for a group smaller than 5 (or 6... can't remember) you can order a la carte.

they offer two "sizes" - 5 courses for $50 and 7 courses for $70. ours was higher because of the truffle inclusion. they were very good about food preferences and allergies. if this is what you're interested in, do tell them in advance.

[estufarian]

When I went, the truffles were clearly NOT French (or Italian) but probably East European - very little truffle aroma.
Also the tasting menu was served (for us) 'family style' - one platter in the centre for 4 people.
Is this still the situation? For me that doesn't 'qualify' as a 'tasting' menu, just a prix fixe!

[pinstripeprincess]

they were quite clear in prior conversations about where the truffles were from. it was changing every 4 days.

it is not a traditional tasting menu... i don't even think they actually call it a tasting menu but for these purposes i'll describe it as such. it is not a prix fixe to me since it was chef's choice and the dishes weren't necessarily on the menu.

[msprnt]

thanks guys!

I'll ask about the truffles' origin before deciding which way to go. definitely would want something more aromatic and punchy. would the 7 courses typicially include an additional starter and dessert? i guess that's something i could ask.

we're a party of 2 and share all our dishes anyway, so we wouldn't mind "famliy style". looking forward to it!

on the topic of edulis, has anyone been to their sunday brunch feast? i don't remember reading about it on any of the threads.

[fickle]

I didn't organize our outing but I think the only thing we specifically requested this time was the herring because it was our favourite from our last outing there.

[msprnt]

There was no truffle tasting on Friday night, but the truffle menu was available. It was possible to supplement the carte Blanche with items from the truffle menu. We decided not to do so and got the large carte Blanche. The order may be a bit off. most memorable were the herring and veal dish. We thought some of the waits between dishes were quite long (~20 min). This included 6 savoury dishes and a dessert:
0) anchovies stuffed in olives with crouton
1) herring and creamed potatoes
2) chanterelles and duck terrine with smoked apple sauce
3) halibut cheek and pork belly and consommé (forget what that was)
4) foie gras toast with duck hearts and porcini
5) veal sweetbreads and tongue with gnocchi
6) partridge
7) airy custard with citrus jelly and crouton

Anyhow, we figured we would go with the smaller menu if we were to come back.

[hungryabbey]

We also felt that at times the wait was excessive. And for us, the dishes came usually one at a time between the two of us, so the meal ended up feeling very long

[ylsf]

Thanks for the write up. I was wondering if I decided to do it whether or not I should do the small vs. large. ... Now, I am wondering if my guests will appreciate this menu.... or a variation of it... is there a lot of variations from menu to menu for others that have had this on other days? I think it would be better if my guests didn't know what they were eating (i.e. duck hearts) :)

[JennaBean]

Acadia $69 I believe for five courses.

[akhorasanee]

Hi i was wondering if you have ever had the tasting menu here and if you would recommend it... I'm trying to decide between the tasting menu at campognolo and acadia....I've been to both and enjoyed both but was wondering which tasting menu was better...Thanks

[TeacherFoodie]

I have never been to Acadia, but I have had the tasting menu twice at Campagnolo and enjoyed it very much.

[crawfish]

Campagnolo - $50 person. Selections from the evening's menu, I think we had 6 or 7 courses. It was excellent!
http://campagnolotoronto.com/menu-2/

[LearningHow]

In response to your question about Yours Truly, the regular 4-course menu is $55 (not really a tasting menu, you get to choose what your item is in terms of what the main ingredient is -- you just don't know how it's going to be prepared).
The Carte Blance is the tasting menu. 15 to 20 courses at Market Price (I've heard it usually is around $90 or $95 or so?)

[Charles Yu]

Though 'non'western' but I would add Sushi Kaji's $125 Omakase to the list!

[ggom1]

Japango (http://japango.net/) and Yuzu (http://yuzunohana.ca/) also have omakase ($80). It's been years since I had omakase at Japango but I enjoyed it.

And Beast (http://thebeastrestaurant.com/?page_i...) does tasting menus (doesn't have to be a whole animal dinner, you can work with them to decide what you want). Costs vary but I think minimum is around $65 for 5 courses. I've had a lot of fun with these; I've had both a whole animal and regular-type tasting menu. It's nice having some control over the menu while keeping the surprise of a tasting menu.

[jlunar]

Chantecler will be two seatings a night, one table (1-n) per seating. $40.

Worths. Really ridiculously good. Post/photos hopefully soon.

[msprnt]

i asked about their tasting and they said they would be offering it friday and saturday only (to start). first guy told me it would be 9 courses and someone else chimmed in and said it was more like 5, with extras... i'm assuming he meant amuses, palate cleansers, etc.

anyhow, $40 should be an awesome "deal".

[akhorasanee]

Posted my review of chantecler's wonderful tasting menu
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/891737

[estufarian]

Actinolite $75
http://actinoliterestaurant.com/menu/

[millygirl]

Glas Wine Bar is featuring a weekly vegetarian tasting menu.
If I knew how, I'd attach the link :)

[TeacherFoodie]

http://glaswinebar.com/events/

[ylsf]

Decided to book Actinolite for a meal on Tuesday (chefs pick). Excited based on your and other's review in the Actinolite thread...