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Showing posts with label lounge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lounge. Show all posts
11.12.15
12.8.13
Destingo
http://destingo.ca/
Once in a while, we try to get together for breakfast with Ma Cherie before work. Our schedules are not perfectly aligned, so we plan this in advance. What is not usually planned is the place we want to go to. This time we decided to simply walk Queen St. West from Bathurst until we see something worthwhile. Initial idea was Chococrepe, but we soon found out that they do not open until later. Wondering west, we walked to R2 (another café on the strip) - large window opened and some folks inside - looked welcoming. Upon entering, we were not as sure anymore - there were no breakfast items really. When asked for a recommendation, the pointed across the street to a newly opened place. A very honest guy and we thank him for that!
APPEARANCE
massive bottle, chilled
wine is clear, light yellow in color
The large (very large by Queen St. West means) patio was empty at 8 am. Really, the whole place was empty… We enjoyed being the only customers. The place looked exquisite in a modern way. There were rustic decorative elements all inside – purposely exposed concrete combined with large LCD screens and AC pipes in the open. Maybe a touch too modern for Queen St. West with its “hipster-inspired” interiors. Nonetheless, I would personally take exposed concrete over rotting and greased-though wood we encountered in some other spots recently. At any rate, it looked upscale and King-St-West-like.
NOSE
light, citrusy, clean
Our waitress, who we chatted up later, turned out to also be the owner – a very pleasant lady with (I venture a guess here) mixed Italian - Eastern European accent. She mentioned that there is another location in Yorkville, which made sense considering the somewhat upscale look and feel. The menu was printed on beige recycled stock with a typewriter style font – going for a rustic look. The two pages were stapled together and also attached with a mini clothing pin. Items are organized in paragraphs, some aligned left and others right. We were pleasantly surprised with their prices - very down-to-earth and reasonable. The “Farm to the Fork” section of the menu is also very appealing highlighting the socially responsible nature of the restaurant.
SWIRL
citrus disappears, more earthy, herby smells come through
The street was slowly getting busier as we discussed our options on the sharp sunrise-light patio. We were surrounded by flowers and palm trees – it made us feel rather European. Our waitress let us have a bit too much time before checking on us, but when she came over we were definitely pleased with her. We might have also been a bit anxious as we did have a timeframe to keep this experience in. We asked for their Saltimboo eggs dish as well as their Buckweat Pancakes, from the Farm to the Fork section.
PALATE
dry, vibrant mouth-feel, with a sharp herb-veggie smell; noticing a healthy 100cal label
The Saltimboo dish looked beautifully and smelled very herb-heavy for a breakfast. It sure opened Ma Cherie’s eyes for a non-coffee drinker. It consisted of baked frittata style eggs, proscutto, sage, vine tomatoes, basil hollandaise, arugula with choice of salas or fries.
My buckwheat pancakes came with seasonal berries and maple syrup. Ma Cherie didn’t quite like the texture of them – the feel of chewing on fiber. They were super healthy, none-the-less, and came with some fresh antioxidants (berries).
Once in a while, we try to get together for breakfast with Ma Cherie before work. Our schedules are not perfectly aligned, so we plan this in advance. What is not usually planned is the place we want to go to. This time we decided to simply walk Queen St. West from Bathurst until we see something worthwhile. Initial idea was Chococrepe, but we soon found out that they do not open until later. Wondering west, we walked to R2 (another café on the strip) - large window opened and some folks inside - looked welcoming. Upon entering, we were not as sure anymore - there were no breakfast items really. When asked for a recommendation, the pointed across the street to a newly opened place. A very honest guy and we thank him for that!
APPEARANCE
massive bottle, chilled
wine is clear, light yellow in color
The large (very large by Queen St. West means) patio was empty at 8 am. Really, the whole place was empty… We enjoyed being the only customers. The place looked exquisite in a modern way. There were rustic decorative elements all inside – purposely exposed concrete combined with large LCD screens and AC pipes in the open. Maybe a touch too modern for Queen St. West with its “hipster-inspired” interiors. Nonetheless, I would personally take exposed concrete over rotting and greased-though wood we encountered in some other spots recently. At any rate, it looked upscale and King-St-West-like. 
NOSE
light, citrusy, clean
Our waitress, who we chatted up later, turned out to also be the owner – a very pleasant lady with (I venture a guess here) mixed Italian - Eastern European accent. She mentioned that there is another location in Yorkville, which made sense considering the somewhat upscale look and feel. The menu was printed on beige recycled stock with a typewriter style font – going for a rustic look. The two pages were stapled together and also attached with a mini clothing pin. Items are organized in paragraphs, some aligned left and others right. We were pleasantly surprised with their prices - very down-to-earth and reasonable. The “Farm to the Fork” section of the menu is also very appealing highlighting the socially responsible nature of the restaurant.
SWIRL
citrus disappears, more earthy, herby smells come through
PALATE
dry, vibrant mouth-feel, with a sharp herb-veggie smell; noticing a healthy 100cal label
The Saltimboo dish looked beautifully and smelled very herb-heavy for a breakfast. It sure opened Ma Cherie’s eyes for a non-coffee drinker. It consisted of baked frittata style eggs, proscutto, sage, vine tomatoes, basil hollandaise, arugula with choice of salas or fries.
FINISH
pleasant and fairly tangy aftertaste
pleasant and fairly tangy aftertaste
Atmosphere wise – it is not quite a breakfast place. I’m not too sure why… Despite an oversized patio and a decent choice of morning fare, despite the pleasant quietness of Queen St W in the morning. Even despite this place being one of the only opened eateries in the morning. I think it is better suited for a trendy and upscale lunch or a lounge dinner. Maybe we are just too used to local wood-rotten and grease-covered-walls local breakfast joints and full of life and chattering, and Distinco just did not fit that image.
We should mention, it took us some time to figure out the name of this restaurant – no sign on the menu, we went back to find "destingo" in dark type, hidden under the eavestrough.
Overall.. a misplaced Sauvignon Blanc with a spirit of its own.
Overall.. a misplaced Sauvignon Blanc with a spirit of its own.
15.6.13
Spice Route
http://www.spiceroute.ca/APPEARANCE
luxury enforcing label for a light blush wine, with the typical quote"goes well with spicy asian food"
Looks like a private club...maybe an upscale lounge. We found it hard to believe it was a restaurant. Of course there is a small menus by the door, but still... a low hanging porch covering a dark passage to a door (a portal itself is a masterpiece: aged wood with iron bindings) water flowing on the side, no front windows to show what is happening on the inside: a touch intimidating and club-like.
NOSE
slow to come to definition, a sweet rose-turkish delight hint, some strawberry
Quite a different picture on the inside. Flowing water behind the bar, smiling waiters and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is distinguishably eastern with an area of low ottoman-pillow chairs. We chose to sit outside and ended up separated by a wall from a puffing and huffing busy King Street. Our table was under an over-sized awning. I personally hate painted brick as a choice of exterior facing material and we sat right next to a wall finished in black, although neatly painted, brick. Felt a bit out of place for me. Bamboo and plaid surfaces were more fitting- hard to miss. The best part was the addition of water again - open concrete outdoor aquarium with koi fish, the water kept on circulating - a sound suiting the busy atmosphere.
Quite a different picture on the inside. Flowing water behind the bar, smiling waiters and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is distinguishably eastern with an area of low ottoman-pillow chairs. We chose to sit outside and ended up separated by a wall from a puffing and huffing busy King Street. Our table was under an over-sized awning. I personally hate painted brick as a choice of exterior facing material and we sat right next to a wall finished in black, although neatly painted, brick. Felt a bit out of place for me. Bamboo and plaid surfaces were more fitting- hard to miss. The best part was the addition of water again - open concrete outdoor aquarium with koi fish, the water kept on circulating - a sound suiting the busy atmosphere.
SWIRL
syrupy sweet, light hints of black tea
Our waiter was very prompt and appeared knowledgeable. He suggested sharing for our group of four and gave us a rundown of their their best options. As we started looking around, we noticed a few bachelorette parties occupying nearby lounge-like areas. There was lots of laughter and carrying conversations so this secluded patio was lively and a pleasant place to be. We ended up ordering Surf and Turf (wasabi and Kobe beef sliders), Sweet and Sour Pork (neatly complemented by pineapples), Cantonese Chow Mein and Tempura Calamari and Rock Shrimp. We also ordered a bottle of Hakkaisan sake.
PALATE
Our waiter was very prompt and appeared knowledgeable. He suggested sharing for our group of four and gave us a rundown of their their best options. As we started looking around, we noticed a few bachelorette parties occupying nearby lounge-like areas. There was lots of laughter and carrying conversations so this secluded patio was lively and a pleasant place to be. We ended up ordering Surf and Turf (wasabi and Kobe beef sliders), Sweet and Sour Pork (neatly complemented by pineapples), Cantonese Chow Mein and Tempura Calamari and Rock Shrimp. We also ordered a bottle of Hakkaisan sake.
PALATE
cold, bites the tongue at the beginning, medium-to-full bodied
First our Cantonese Chow Mein made their way. It was delicious - crispy noodles tangling around shrimp, chicken, squid, bok choy, etc. Even the pickiest of us made their way around the seafood, as the aroma took over the table. Next, the Surf and Turf - we always wanted to try Kobe beef and finally we did even though it was in tiny sliders. Hard to judge how sensitive and tender this meat was comparing to high quality beef - it was definitely enjoyable, but I would not say the taste was “to die for”. The wasabi tuna sliders were definitely an essence, with alfalfa leaves sticking out, they were tender and a tad spicy. All 4 sliders came with a side of yams and chipotle mayo, to make up for those disappointed in the size. We quite enjoyed the Sweet and Sour Pork - the pork and peppers bathing in sweet and sour sauce, but to our disappointment only garnished with a pineapple skewer on the side. A bit heavy on the sauce, but cooked to perfection - this plate was shared quickly and gone in no time. Soon after we were brought the “chef’s compliments”. We were disappointed to find out how uninventive this dish was - four pieces fried bread with a simple tomato paste - a nice gesture, though. Tempura Calamari and Shrimp came battered with a side of lemon scallion aioli which added interest to the dish.
We concluded our dinner with a few desserts: Tangerine Brownies, Ginger Creme Brulee and Apple Spring Rolls. Out of the three, I would definitely recommend to try the brownies - a very delicate, smooth taste with a hint of citrus - would be nice on a colder day as well. The brulee was less exciting, but had an interesting spicy twist to it - just enough to accent without overtaking the palette. As for the rolls - a very predictable pastry, the strawberry compote on the side helped brighten it up. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but a safe choice for someone not looking to experiment.
FINISH
And by the way, a way more casual entrance/exit does exist from the patio!
First our Cantonese Chow Mein made their way. It was delicious - crispy noodles tangling around shrimp, chicken, squid, bok choy, etc. Even the pickiest of us made their way around the seafood, as the aroma took over the table. Next, the Surf and Turf - we always wanted to try Kobe beef and finally we did even though it was in tiny sliders. Hard to judge how sensitive and tender this meat was comparing to high quality beef - it was definitely enjoyable, but I would not say the taste was “to die for”. The wasabi tuna sliders were definitely an essence, with alfalfa leaves sticking out, they were tender and a tad spicy. All 4 sliders came with a side of yams and chipotle mayo, to make up for those disappointed in the size. We quite enjoyed the Sweet and Sour Pork - the pork and peppers bathing in sweet and sour sauce, but to our disappointment only garnished with a pineapple skewer on the side. A bit heavy on the sauce, but cooked to perfection - this plate was shared quickly and gone in no time. Soon after we were brought the “chef’s compliments”. We were disappointed to find out how uninventive this dish was - four pieces fried bread with a simple tomato paste - a nice gesture, though. Tempura Calamari and Shrimp came battered with a side of lemon scallion aioli which added interest to the dish.
We concluded our dinner with a few desserts: Tangerine Brownies, Ginger Creme Brulee and Apple Spring Rolls. Out of the three, I would definitely recommend to try the brownies - a very delicate, smooth taste with a hint of citrus - would be nice on a colder day as well. The brulee was less exciting, but had an interesting spicy twist to it - just enough to accent without overtaking the palette. As for the rolls - a very predictable pastry, the strawberry compote on the side helped brighten it up. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but a safe choice for someone not looking to experiment. FINISH
sweet at the end, not much of an aftertaste
Quite an impressive location and interior. Nicely themed - chic asian/eastern. I just wish the food was matching in the chic-ness a bit more - more experimentation and perhaps a few more turkish-eastern dishes. Not to say this place should not be visited, I would just recommend it for a lounge or a social drinking experience and snaking, rather than for a foodie dinner.
Quite an impressive location and interior. Nicely themed - chic asian/eastern. I just wish the food was matching in the chic-ness a bit more - more experimentation and perhaps a few more turkish-eastern dishes. Not to say this place should not be visited, I would just recommend it for a lounge or a social drinking experience and snaking, rather than for a foodie dinner.
And by the way, a way more casual entrance/exit does exist from the patio!
Overall.. a not too balanced Rosé - a bit heavy in smell compared to its light body. To be enjoyed with a cube of ice!
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