1000 Eglinton Av W, Toronto, 416.782.3302
In my opinion, this is the most upscale kosher dairy restaurant in the city. Therefore, I have very high expectations.
Making reservations was easy. I live about 1 km from the restaurant, so I walked, but the parking in that area is generally easy. Upon entering, I enjoyed the the decor, the sumptuous aromas, the low-key hub-bub of activity. What I did not enjoy was that it took close to 20 minutes for someone to greet us (we were on time for our reservation). They were busy, but I expect my existence to be acknowledged -- I'm a guest, for goodness sake! A suggestion for the owner: As much as I like to see my friends and acquaintances, in a setting such as this, I would prefer not to have to see (or be seen) when waiting in line. I think it would be a little more private and comfortable if there was some kind of "mechitza" between the aisle where people are waiting and the dining area.
After we sit down, things get better. The table is nicely set. The menu has lots of selection, but not so full that you can't figure out what to get. We were three in our party, and one ordered the Sea Bass special, one pasta, and another selected pizza. On the table was lots of bread sticks, butter, and tasty bean spreads. That's good, because our food didn't arrive until a full hour after we arrived.
Our server was very good -- informative, knowledgeable, and caring, but not too chatty. One could see how hard he was working, but it never showed when he came to serve us or check out how we were doing.
When the food came, we had mostly very good reviews. The sea bass with fingerling potatoes and steamed vegetables was wonderful. The generous serving of pizza was very good. The soba noodle pasta was also tasty, but a bit heavy on the noodles, and light on the vegetables. The "New York Style" cheese cake with raspberry coulis was excellent -- fluffy, good sweetness, good size.
The washrooms were very clean and well stocked.
The price for dinner for 3, with main courses only, 1 glass of wine, 1 dessert, tax and tip was $115.
While it started out not great, I left feeling happy!
But everything isn't rosy. I checked the City of Toronto DineSafe inspections. They display the inspection results from Nov 2005 to April 2007. Mostly good. Back in March 2006 there were a few incidents that they corrected, such as:
IMPROPER MAINTENANCE / SANITATION OF NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES / EQUIPMENT Operator fail to provide accurate indicating thermometer(s)
Operator fail to properly wash surfaces in rooms
INADEQUATE PEST CONTROL Operator fail to provide adequate pest control
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2 comments:
can you do a revue of Cafe Sheli?
I go there about 2 times a month and love the food. the only problem I usually have is that the wait staff always seem put out and running off their feet. I feel so guilty asking them for a cup of coffee.
Would love to hear your take.
This is a good food center in Toronto with a renowned goodwill of great variety of Kosher foods and good ambiance for families as well.
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