The annual cold-weather dining extravaganza that is Winterlicious has descended upon our fair city tempting area diners out of their warm and comfy confines to sample the fare at a new restaurant that one might not normally consider.
An impressive 150 restaurants have crafted three-course, prix fixe menus for lunches and dinners. It is all good food for the belly, but some make it a point to kick it up a notch in the hopes of winning regular clientele in the process. Herewith, five of the most interesting, and likely most popular, options:
1. Globe Bistro — One of a growing legion of fine local food purveyors, Globe Bistro is gorgeous and has a talented chef in Kevin McKenna. Globe’s $35 menu includes a thoughtful selection of appetizers such as Tamworth Pork Creton and a Cookstown Cellar Salad. Mains are wide-ranging from braised Wellington County short ribs to Muscovy duck and trout all done up with their usual focus on local ingredients. This is no quick assembly thrown together for the event. It is a well-planned menu that will appeal to all. Book it, they will be busy. 124 Danforth Ave., 416-466-2000.
2. Vertical Restaurant — With the steady and creative hands of Tawfik Shehata guiding the kitchen, Vertical has crafted an inspired dinner menu for Winterlicious. Highlights of the $45 menu include entrées of braised whole orata, a delish white fish as well as the grilled Ontario elk loin served up with roasted squash and celery root puree. On the starter side, there is much to be appreciated including a beet and fennel concoction with tiger blue cheese, beet reduction and chianti vinaigrette. Vertical also has a $25 lunch menu. 100 King St. W., 416-214-2252.
CHECK OUT WINTERLICIOUS MENUS FROM ALL 150 RESTAURANTS
3. Zucca Trattoria — With a stable of talented chefs in the kitchen, Zucca is firing on all cylinders, and their Winterlicious menu exudes confidence, and a willingness to craft bold and inventive fare. Zucca’s $35 dinner carte boasts a whopping five selections that tempt with such stylish flourishes as Ontario lamb shank braised with root vegetable sauce and gaeta olives, soft polenta and winter greens; or, Sicilian-style rabbit braised with sweet peppers and agria potato, green olives, capers, wine vinegar and peperoncino. 2150 Yonge St., 416-488-5774.
4. Conviction — The buzz has quieted at Conviction following the big TV show, and now might be an ideal time to sample the fare. Their $45 dinner menu offers some intriguing selections, though not as original as some other restaurants, you know the quality will be high. One of chef Marc Thuet’s more interesting selections is the hand-rolled gnocchi with tripe and braised Ontario veal. 609 King St. W., 416-603-2777.
5. Corner House — Sometimes we take Corner House for granted. It is cute, conveniently located, and consistent with a talented chef in Herbert Barnsteiner who has a wealth of experience. With Winterlicious, it might be time to make a pilgrimage to Corner House to have another look, and taste. Their $35 menu offers great value, and a number of solid selections including caramelized Alaskan black cod as well as venison chuck slow cooked in a red wine and juniper sauce with chestnut-potato gnocchi. Yum. 501 Davenport Rd., 416-923-2604.