Monthly Archives: May 2012

Few weeks ago, I was invited by Mr. Tim Chan (@mrtimchan) to a Private Wine Tasting event held at Mavrik Wine Bar (@mavrikwinebar) showcasing their small productions of wine – hosted by famous sommelier, Alexander Hamilton. Not being any sort of a wine connoisseur, the thought of this wine tasting event was definitely intimidating to say the least. Mary Chan, one of my favourite food bloggers was also invited to the event (Website: Eat, Drink and Be Mary / @Citrusblack) – we both met up prior to the event and trekked over to Queen Street West to attend the tasting =)

Mavrik Wine Bar is a small & unpretentious space that focuses on serving specialty wine. Mr. Tim Chan explained during the event that Mavrik isn’t the place to order steak or a full entree meal. Rather, Mavrik provides customers a relaxing environment to sit back while sipping on wine and indulging in their daily selection of cheese and cured meats.

Upon arrival, Mr. Tim Chan greeted us at the door and gave each of us a gift bag.

Small Plate Snack Menu is displayed on their wall

Daily selection of cheese and cured meats supplied by Leslieville Cheese Market and Cheese Boutique

The tasting started off with Tim Chan introducing Mavrik – how it all started. Owners, Liz Choi (an engineer who worked on Wall Street) and Joanne Park (criminal defense lawyer in Toronto) – both decided to put their high paying job / careers on hold to follow their dream – And together Liz and Joanne came up with an idea to create a wine bar that would appeal to everyone.

Small Plate Samplers

Bulgogi Poutine

Spicy Goat Cheese Pockets

Closer shot of the goat cheese inside the pocket

Sample Charcuterie Cheese & Meat

We were served a few types of wines during the tasting. Alexander Hamilton, the sommelier did an excellent job explaining each of the wines and also taught us how to appreciate fine wine.

My favourite wine of the evening was the Villa Rubini Pignolo, D.O.C. Colli Orientali del Fruili, Italy, ’07

- ALC 16% VOL – if you prefer red wine that’s stronger and bolder in flavours – then I recommend the Pignolo =)

Towards the end of the evening, Mary and I had some one on one time with the co-owner Liz Choi. She was very down to earth and I loved how passionate she was about wine.

Mavrik is definitely a great space to enjoy a casual night out with friends over fine wine.

This meal was complimentary but Foodinthecitytoronto.com remains unbiased in our content.

Bestellen

May 26, 2012

Fine Dining / Bistro / Bar

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Bestellen (@BestellenTO) was such an amazing dining experience. The food was delectable, service was friendly – I left this place wanting more. Truly a culinary highlight for me!

Located on College St. (near Ossington Ave.), Bestellen is owned by Top Chef Canada finalist Rob Rossi (@Chefrobrossi) and partner Ryan Sarfeld (@RyanSarfeld). They dedicate their menu items to all meat lovers – featuring all aged cuts of beef!

Exterior:

Not knowing whether Bestellen would be packed – I made reservations just incase. Upon arrival, our hostess asked if we prefer to sit at the front (bar stool tables) or at the back of the house near the kitchen. We opted to sit at the back.

On your right you’ll find a HUGE display of all aged cuts of beef and house cured meats.

The back dining room features an open kitchen concept =) Love watching chefs work their magic! Bestellen has an interesting decor – a very wooden theme. Their wine list is plastered on a chalkboard on one side of the wall.

Table setting & Menu. The menu is 2 pages placed on a “clipboard” style board – First page includes Snacks, Tastes, Plates & The Room and Second page features their drink menu!

Smokey Lemonade ($11.00)

Mescal, Tequila, Vanilla Simple Syrup, Lemon and Lime
I’m not entirely sure if my friend enjoyed this – there is a strong kick of tequila in this drink after all

Pimm’s Cup ($11.00)

Pimm’s, Lemon, Gomme Syrup, Cucumber, Mint, Lemon and Cava
This drink was really refreshing & went down quickly – reminded me of a Whiskey Sour

TASTE / Traditional Steak Tartare ($13.00)

Espelette Aioli, Olives, Crispy Quail’s Egg
Beautifully plated
The Steak tartare was nicely seasoned – went well with the espelette aioli
However, the quail’s egg did nothing for my particular taste

PLATES / Squid Ink Tagliatelle ($18.00)

Clams, Tomato, Breadcrumbs
The tagliatelle pasta, again was very flavourful with the combination of the breadcrumbs- the tagliatelle was cooked to a perfect al dente.

THE ROOM / 10oz Tenderloin & A choice of 1 side ($31.00)

Dry-aged Wellington County Prime Beef, Aged and Cut In-house
For the side we opted for the Potatoes, Bacon Vinaigrette, Wild Mustard
Medium Rare
Hands-down – this is the best tenderloin I’ve EVER HAD. – it was so so tender

PLATES / Bestellen Burger ($18.00)

Caramelized Onions Raclette, House-made Brioche & Frites

We had asked for the beef to be cooked to a medium
The burger like the other dishes was very delicious and flavourful – the caramelized onion made it so tasty
I thought the burger was very juicy – but my friend thought it was dry.
What I loved most about the burger is that you can really taste the freshness of the patty

To truly experience the goodness of Bestellen, their aged steak is a MUST TRY – it was just SO tender! Bestellen really left a good impression on me – I left wanting more. Two thumbs up!

Soft Opening @ Kinton Ramen

May 17, 2012

Japanese

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Please keep in mind that this is NOT a review of Kinton Ramen. I attended their soft opening last night and believe that it is only fair to do a full review once they officially open. I simply want to post some photos and give everyone a little sneak preview of whats in store for Kinton Ramen. (Grand Opening: Friday May 18, 2012)

Kinton Ramen (@KintonRamen) / Facebook: KintonRamen is small & narrow restaurant located on Baldwin Street. This is the third restaurant opened by the owners of Guu Toronto (@GuuToronto). Unlike Guu Izakaya and Guu Sake Bar, Kinton Ramen is a cozy eatery dedicated to serving only ramen. Based on my experience at their soft opening- the ramen here was delectable, the staff were very warm and helpful, awesome vibe (like always) – honestly a ramen lovers’ rejoice!

I arrived at Kinton Ramen for their soft opening right at 5pm.

Once you walk through the doors, on your right you’ll see a stand up – communal table.

Bar / Love the little piggy decor behind the hostess.

We opted to sit at the kitchen bar! I love open kitchen concepts – get to see the chefs work their magic.

Table setting.

Kinton Ramen has yet to obtain their liquor license. So we opted for one of their soft drinks.

House Lemonade ($3.00)

Gyoza ($3.50) – House made dumplings

Closer shot

Karaage ($4.80) – Regular or Spicy Fried Chicken – Opted for Spicy

My view all night =D

Cheese Ramen ($10.80) – Miso and light soup, swiss cheese, beansprout, corn, basil & kinton pork (choice of pork belly or shoulder) – opted for pork shoulder

Kinton Pork Ramen ($12.80) – choice of miso, shio, shoyu or spicy + extra volume of Kinton pork
(choice of pork belly or shoulder or both) – opted for both porks & waitress highly recommended miso!

The bill is presented on a mini dim sum tray.

Hungry now? So am I! Can’t wait to be back for their Grand opening (Tomorrow – Friday May 18, 2012) It was honestly a very tasty & rich meal – I can imagine that it will only get better from here!

Please note that they do not accept reservations. It is a first come first serve basis.
For more information about their hours, location, menu items& updates – please visit the following.
www.kintonramen.com / Twitter: @KintonRamen / Facebook: KintonRamen