West Restaurant + Bar (Vancouver)

West Restaurant + Bar on Granville Street serves contemporary Pacific Northwest cuisine, and it is one of seven restaurants in the Toptable Group restaurant group. Helmed by Executive Chef Quang Dang, West came highly recommended by my good friend Mijune of Follow Me Foodie. Even though it was not on my Vancouver restaurant "hit list", I was more than happy to try out West given that Mijune and I have very similar taste in food.

West's sophisticated dining room boasts a temperature-controlled wine wall (on the right), a Werner Forster installation from the ceiling (Forster was a well-known Vancouver architect), etched stone tabletops, and Mario Bellini designed original chairs found at MoMA. There are also two chef's tables for guests who like to see all the action in the kitchen.

Pretty pink cocktails to start. Forgive me but I don't remember what spirit and ingredients were in them. All I remember is that they were very tasty and, contrary to how they may look, not crazy sweet.

Bread course.

Azure Restaurant & Bar (2016 Summerlicious)

There are two more days left of Summerlicious! This year, the citywide restaurant event began on July 8th and will end on July 24th, so you still have this weekend to check it out. With over 220 restaurants participating, including 24 new participants, I'm confident that you'll find a 3-course menu to whet your appetite. Summerlicious (Twitter: @LiciousTO, Facebook: LiciousTO) prices range from $18 to $28 for lunch, and $28 to $48 for dinner.

Lunch:  $18  |  $23  |  $28

Dinner:  $28  |  $38  |  $48

Thanks to Azure Restaurant & Bar, I was invited back to the restaurant once again to try their Summerlicious menu (this visit marks my fourth time at the restaurant!). Located in the open lobby of the InterContinental Toronto Centre (Twitter: @ICTorontoCentre, Facebook: InterContinental Toronto Centre). Azure's floor-to-ceiling windows never fail to 'wow' me. I love how their open space and glass canopy can give the ambiance of outdoor dining all year long.

Drinks are not included in Summerlicious but they are a requirement for me :) Azure serves VERY boozy drinks (note the bold, italics and caps for "very")!

MAPLE MAHATTAN ($14)

Knob Creek bourbon, maple syrup, sweet vermouth, Dillon's DSB bitters

OLD FASHIONED ($14)

Canadian Club Rye, cane sugar syrup, angostura bitters, water

For Summerlicious, Azure is featuring a $28 lunch and a $48 dinner (both with vegetarian option available). My friend and I dropped by for dinner last night, and before I talk about what we had, I want to let you know that I'm quite sad that Azure got rid of their bread basket. If you take a look at all my previous Azure write-ups (links at the end of this post) I always made it a point to mention how great their bread basket was. However, during this visit, we were given two pieces of bread each. It's better than nothing, of course, but I do miss that bread basket very much. When I asked my server, Coco, she told us that it was more economical and less wasteful this way because the restaurant always end up throwing out a lot of bread (since most diners do not consume all the bread in the basket). Totally makes sense but I can still be sad :(

APPETIZER

TRUFFLE HONEY FIG & PROSCIUTTO TARTINE

Focaccia, mascarpone, balsamic & baby watercress

Azure substituted figs with blackberries because they ran out of figs. Boo. I was disappointed because I love figs, and the entire time I couldn't stop thinking about how perfect truffle honey figs would go with the savoury prosciutto and the sweet-tartness of the balsamic. Thankfully, the blackberries worked well too. The baby watercress added a very welcoming "lightness" to the appetizer. I also thought the presentation was very pretty.

CRAB & SWEET CORN FRITTERS

Pea shoots, shaved fennel & rémoulade

These fritters tasted much better than I expected, not that I thought they would be bad but they certainly exceeded my expectations. I couldn't taste much of the crab itself but the sweet corn flavour really came through. Fried to golden brown, the crispy fritters were delicious with the cool and creamy rémoulade underneath.

Té: Asian Fusion on Ossington

Serving Asian fusion share plates, the newly opened Té on the Ossington strip combines traditional Asian ingredients and flavours - specifically those from Korea and Taiwan - into popular North American comfort foods. The result is a very whimsical and innovative tapas-style menu.

Té (Instagram: @te_toronto, Facebook: Té) is open for dinner, late night and weekend brunch. Served on Saturday and Sundays from 11am - 3pm, Té's brunch focuses on classic breakfast/brunch favourites with an Asian twist; think Kimchi and Pork Belly Eggs Benedict, Dark-Spiced Taiwanese Fried Chicken & Egg Waffle, and Bulgogi Burger.

The restaurant is divided into three sections: a round banquette up front, several tables towards the back, and a long bar that separates the two. I admire the decor because I love the use of retro colours and hip style, but at times it could feel a bit too polished and bare. My friend and I picked the coziest spot at Té for dinner, which was the cushioned banquette by the window. Check out this cool light fixture above us.

From the Spanish word for tea, Té offers cocktails that are tea-inspired.

THE CHAI MILK TÉ ($13)

Vodka + amaretto + vanilla chai tea + cream + cinnamon stick + mini tapioca pearls

MANGO BLACK TÉ ($12)

Scotch whisky + assam tea + mango syrup + teapot bitters + dried mango + mini tapioca pearls

Hot Stove Club at the Air Canada Centre

I'm willing to bet that not many of you have been to (or have heard of) the Hot Stove Club. I don't blame you because up until last year I haven't heard of it either. The fact that the restaurant is located inside the Air Canada Centre ("ACC") is probably the number one reason why (I don't frequent sports games or concerts so I'm really never there). Another reason is because for the longest time the Hot Stove Club was a members-only establishment (this is no longer the case). So armed with this new found knowledge, you should really consider grabbing a bite at the Hot Stove Club before a game or a show. Let's face it - whether it be a Raptors game next season (sorry I had to!) or the U2 concert in July, there is only so much concession food that one can tolerate. I mean, you already splurged on those tickets, right? So might as well treat yourself to some good food. Your tummy deserves much more than overpriced popcorn, nachos and hot dogs!

Established in 1963, the Hot Stove Club is a place where guests can enjoy modern steakhouse cuisine. The restaurant has three bars, a lounge area, and a decor that's warm with earth-tone leathers, dark wood, and cozy plush seating.

A fireplace warms the communal dining area that comfortably seats parties of eight. The middle of those tables can convert into a raw bar.

Real Sports Bar & Grill: New Menu Tasting I

In the heart of Toronto's sports and entertainment district and located right beside the Air Canada Centre, Real Sports Bar & Grill is impressive. Real impressive. Here's the kicker though: I don't even play sports. None at all. But I watch sports! That must count for something, right? But even then it's rare... I mean, I watch the Olympics and the World Cup but really, who doesn't? There's no way getting around it, I'm just not that into sports. But trust me once you step foot into Real Sports (Twitter: @RealSports, Facebook: Real Sports) all that goes out the window. The place has that "Wow" factor, you know I mean? With its 25,000 square foot space, 199 screens and 39-foot high-definition projector (the biggest one in any sports bar in the world) it's no wonder that ESPN voted Real Sports as the #1 sports bar in all of North America.

(Photo by Real Sports)

Having said all that, I found myself at Real Sports last week; not for a World Cup game but for a menu tasting (of course it's food-related.) I was one of the lucky ones chosen to taste some of their new menu items - a sneak peek of what will soon be available at Real Sports come Friday, August 1st (#RSBGSneakPeek). Recently joining the Real Sports' kitchen is chef Matthew Sullivan (formerly of Skin + Bones). He took the time in between courses to explain to us his new menu.

Here's a look at what you can expect starting August 1st at Real Sports:

COPPER KETTLE MUSSELS

I really enjoyed the spicy broth here. I've had my share of steamed mussels with bland and flavourless broth so this was very welcoming.

CHICAGO DOG

This massive Chicago dog is prepared just right (i.e. no ketchup).

Tasting Menu at Marben

Merely a few days after my Sunday brunch at Marben, I was back at the restaurant seated at the exact same table; this time around for a dinner tasting prepared by Marben's executive chef, Rob Bragagnolo (@RobBragagnolo). It was Friday night and the place was buzzing. A casual and relaxing atmosphere accompanied by the murmur of contented chatter, Marben's ambiance was warm and inviting. Not sure if I was imagining things but I remember seeing smiles all around me - everybody seemed to be having a great time. Was it because it was Friday night? Or was chef Bragagnolo's food the cause for all those smiles? Either way, I was about to find out by relinquishing all control to the Marben (Twitter: @MarbenResto, Facebook: Marben) kitchen.

Dinner started off with a couple of cocktails. Unfortunately, I don't remember what the cocktail in the background was but I loved "Tea & Sympathy" due to my obsession with ginger and egg white in my cocktails :)

TEA & SYMPATHY

Chamomile Infused Vodka, Ginger Syrup, Lemon, Dandelion Bitters, Egg White

Our 10-course menu opened with a number of snack sized plates before moving on to the mains:

TEQUILA CEVICHE CONES

Filled with avocado, cilantro, tobiko & jalapeño

DAILY BAKED BREADS

Rye sourdough, ‘carta de musica’, focaccia...

Azure Restaurant & Bar (2013 Winterlicious)

What? Where did the time go? It seemed like just yesterday that I had my Summerlicious dinner at Azure Restaurant & Bar. Is it just me or do you also believe that the rate at which time passes becomes faster as one ages? It's really the only logical explanation! However, this theory seems to be flawed 'cause when I look back at my Summerlicious post it feels so long ago - summer itself seems so bloody long ago. It was July at the time and it was still bright out at 7pm...and get this guys: it was actually hot outside. HOT. OUTSIDE. Do you even remember how that feels like? Because with the ice storm, the polar vortex and all this damn snow I kid you not but I'm forgetting how it feels like to sweat.

*I apologize for the rant. I just came back from shoveling the driveway*

Meh, I guess what I really want to say is this: It's Winterlicious time again (Twitter: @LiciousTO, Facebook: LiciousTO)! From January 31 to February 13, foodies can explore and enjoy 3-course prix-fixe meals at over 200 restaurants in the city. It's a great opportunity to discover diverse cuisine in a variety of local restaurants (especially if you're on a budget!) A side note: It seems like Interac has replaced American Express as the official sponsor of Licious which means advance booking for AE card holders will no longer be available.

Anyhoo thanks to InterContinental Toronto Centre (Twitter: @ICTorontoCentre, Facebook: InterContinental Toronto Centre) I was once again invited to have dinner at Azure (#winterliciousatazure). If you're looking for photos of the restaurant please visit my Summerlicious post because I only took one photo this time...and it's this one:

Do you see a face? So cute, right?! This was the actual view from my seat; I couldn't help looking at "the face" from time to time and then catch myself smiling! Oh such simple pleasures (I'm such a dork).

One of the best things at Azure is their bread basket! I want it all but MUST RESIST.

For Winterlicious, Azure is featuring a 3-course lunch at $25 and a 3-course dinner at $45 (you can view their Winterlicious menu here). Their 3-course dinner for two people looks something like this:

APPETIZER

MAPLE WHISKY CURED ORGANIC SALMON

Mint yogurt, candied pecans, Ontario beets, crostini

If I wasn't made aware that the salmon was cured with maple whisky I wouldn't have picked up on the subtle flavour. I liked the mint yogurt in this dish; the fresh, peppermint flavour of the mint and the sourness of the yogurt worked really well with the salmon and beets. 

Touro Churrascaria: Brazilian Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Touro Brazilian Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Twitter: @tourosteakhouse, Facebook: Touro Steakhouse) off of Hwy 7 and 404 in Richmond Hill is currently York Region's only Brazilian Steakhouse. Touro offers the traditional Brazilian Steakhouse "Rodizio" service where guests get served an unlimited supply of beef, pork, poultry, lamb and seafood at table side. Each guest is given a medallion (shown on left); flipping it to the green side signals servers to come over to your table and carve you meat, and flipping it to red means you're currently experiencing "meat sweats" and want a break.

I have never been to a Brazilian steakhouse before my visit to Touro. I've certainly heard a lot about them through my guy friends whose eyes would literally light up once they start talking about all-you-can-eat meat. "It's a glorious thing," they would tell me. I believe them. 

Anyway, to give you a better idea of the vibe and atmosphere at Touro I've included a 90-second View the Vibe video of the Brazilian steakhouse. It's definitely worth a peek!

As mentioned in the View the Vibe video, Touro also serves an a la carte menu. Available at the bar and lounge areas, their a la carte menu offers barbecued meats as well as vegetarian options.

Touro boasts a self-serve Enomatic wine lounge - the first of its kind in Ontario.

Cafe Bar Pasta

Owner Tom Bielecki with wife and designer Christine opened Cafe Bar Pasta in July of this year. Located at 1588 Dundas St. W between Brock and Sheridan Ave, head chef Jay Scaife (@chefjayscaife) of Cafe Bar Pasta serves up a variety of tasty starters, a selection of fantastic house-made pastas as well as hearty mains such as a roasted lamb with pumpkin & amaretti gnocchi and a whole roasted Branzino. Cafe Bar Pasta (Twitter: @CAFEBARPASTA, Facebook: Cafe Bar Pasta) also sports a short bar menu consisting of charcuterie, cod fritters and empanadas.

The black, white and red themed dining room is creatively furnished with the most eye-catching piece being the long red mural. Wrapped around the room against the white brick wall, it is bold and strikingly modern. I particularly appreciate all the neat details in the space like their shiny chandelier made out of silver cutlery, the large cork wall beside the hostess stand, their beautifully hand-painted plates, and the gorgeous brightly lit chef's table.

The Italian eatery offers both wines by the bottle and wines on tap. Master Sommelier John Szabo (@johnszabo) has hand picked a selection of local, premium estate wines. Exclusive lots are tasted and approved then kegged without fining, filtration or unnecessary preservatives. The wines are delivered through a wine-on-tap system at optimum temperature, kept fresh by a blanket of nitrogen and argon gas. Patrons can enjoy in 3oz, 5oz, 8oz, ½ litre or full litre pours.

I was invited to Cafe Bar Pasta's media event where we sampled several appetizers, pastas and desserts. I can safely say that their impressive pasta machine stole the spotlight from the red mural that night.

TWO TARTAR

Orata tartar, citrus, frisee, puffed caper ostrich tartar, grainy mustard, toasted walnut, wild boar crisp

TUNA TATAKI

With grapefruit chili marinade, lemon aioli

THR & Co.

Located at 97 Harbord St., THR & Co. (Twitter: @THRandCo, Facebook: THR&Co.) is the descendant of the neighbouring restaurant The Harbord Room. Curt Martin, formerly of The Harbord Room, helms the kitchen at the brand-new spot with Cory Vitiello overseeing both restaurants. THR & Co. boasts an impressive compilation of affordable sharing plates, pizzas, pastas, and meat and fish dishes with flavours and ingredients inspired by the Mediterranean. 

THR & Co. features the elegant interior design of classic bistros with dark red banquettes, marble table tops and wooden floors (black and white graphic tile flooring can be found surrounding the bar). Natural light filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminating the open and elegant space. The large mirrors toward the back of the restaurant further beautifies the airy space. My favourite spot to dine at THR & Co. is actually at the wrap-around bar, specifically the tail-end nook by the kitchen. Cozy and comfortably tucked in, these seats are ideal for casual dates and intimate conversation. 

SOA (SUMMER OF ANTON) ($12)

 Tromba tequila, wild berry & balsamic shrub, fresh lime and ginger beer 

BEEF HEART TARTARE ($12)

Espelette mayo, green olive relish, cured duck yolk, crispy tendon & banyuls vinegar

The Whippoorwill Restaurant and Tavern

At the corner of Bloor and Lansdowne is The Whippoorwill (Twitter: @WhippoorwillTO, Facebook: The Whippoorwill Restaurant & Tavern), a new brunch / happy hour / dinner / bar spot that took over Bloordale Pantry last November. Co-owners of the new rustic restaurant are friends Shawn Creamer (also owner of The Dakota) and chef Tyler Cunningham (formerly of Mildred's Temple Kitchen). In a span of ten days, the duo transformed the previous Pantry space into a homey, retro restaurant that has now attracted the attention of the Bloordale brunch crowd (brunch is available from Friday, Saturday and Sunday). My friend Karen, who lives in the neighbourhood, invited several of her friends, including moi, to The Whippoorwill for dinner recently. Why? Because Karen fell in love with the restaurant ever since it opened and really wanted more people to know about the fantastic food and cocktails there.

The red booths, red bar stools and the black and white checkered floors give the space a very cool, vintage vibe. 

An old Detroit tire shop sign is now part of the bar at The Whippoorwill.

At the back is a painting of The Dale, the restaurant which occupied the space before Bloordale Pantry.

Origin North

The newest venture by chef Claudio Aprile is Origin North (Twitter: @originnorth, Facebook: Origin North Restaurant & Bar). Located in Bayview Village near Bayview and Sheppard, Origin North is the third restaurant under Aprile's "Origin empire". The Origin umbrella began with its first location on King Street (2010) followed by a second location in Liberty Village (2012).

This uptown restaurant is massive. With 12,000 sq ft, the space houses 200 seats indoors and 138 seats on its two patios.

Much like the Liberty Village location, an enormous bar in the middle of the room catches your attention right away. The floor-to-ceiling windows allows a lot of light in, highlighting the dark plush leather seats as well as the brown wooden beams. Really spacious and comfortable here.

Right of the bat there were several items on Origin North's menu that I recognize from Origin Liberty like the spicy Spanish fries, truffled popcorn and beet salad (I used to work really close to the Liberty location). I made an exception this time and did not order the spicy Spanish fries - I used to order it every single time 'cause I love them! But this time I resisted...I wanted to save room for new dishes instead.

Round 1 of cocktails:

MAPLE SOUR - Bulleit Bourbon + Maple + Lemon + Bitters ($11)

LA DIABLO - Don Julio Blanco + Cassis + Ginger + Lime ($11)

Alimento Fine Food Emporium

Alimento Fine Food Emporium (Twitter: @alimentofoods, Facebook: Alimento Fine Food Emporium) is an Italian fine food shop and restaurant which opened its doors around a year ago. Located right at the corner of King and Brant, I pass by it quite often but never had the chance to go in. Luckily, I was invited by Alimento last week for dinner at BarMozza.

BarMozza is a huge space with several tables in the main area and a large bar at the back (which serves coffee and baked goods in the morning and cocktails at night). The decor is simple with wooden floors, exposed brick walls, glass tables and black chairs; a nice change of scenery compared to other King West establishments. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, you will probably find something you like at BarMozza; there is a wide selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, mains, and of course an incredible selection of cheese and deli from its Mozzarella Bar (pictured below on the left).

Across from the Mozzarella Bar is BarMozza's signature glass cheese vault.

Before dinner, I took a quick tour of Alimento's grocery store, Mercato. Situated right beside BarMozza, Mercato carries a large selection (over 300 types) of specialty Italian, European and local cheese, deli, as well as groceries (i.e. olive oils, pastas, dairy, cookies, preserves), frozen and prepared foods, imported olives and in-house antipasti.