CANOE: with its epic view of the city with an equally epic contemporary menu. This restaurant creates beautiful dishes inspired by our country’s diverse landscape. Chef Ron McKinlay is always creating something unforgettable.

DOVA: this pretty neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Cabbagetown serves up some impressive seafood dishes. Chef Roberto Marotta’s (also ARDO) attention to detail and flavours show. He also lets them naturally shine.

Don Alfonso 1890: Perched up high at the Westin Harbour Castle, this the only North American location of world renowned  Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino’s signature restaurant (Italy).  Tasting menu is a great option.

Kiin Café: Treat mom to a Royal Thai dining experience. Toronto’s favourite Chef Nuit Regular has recently launched a new brunch menu offering traditional Thai breakfast and lunch menu items. Reservations encouraged.

Cafe Boulud: at Four Seasons Hotel. We have our favourites at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Toronto restaurant and so does mom. This brasserie features classic and contemporary dishes inspired by the Chef’s family means in Lyon, France. Be sure to order their fresh baked lemon Madeleines.

Auberge du Pommier: Just north of the city (but south of the 401) is this quaint cottage-style structure that sits at the steps away from office buildings. But this hidden gem is a charming spot and a favourite for fine dining.

REIGN at The Fairmont Royal York: For Mother’s Day this popular restaurant is offering a full hot and cold buffet. The selection offers all the classic brunch favourites as well as a few additional dishes. There’s also a dessert room! $119 per person.

Marked: Take a delicious trip with their weekend all-inclusive bubbles brunch. Unlimited small plates and bottomless Prosecco feels like you’re on vacation. No worries about lost luggage either.

Oretta Midtown: Casual Italian hot spot offers an extensive brunch menu on the weekends. Lots of choices from salads, pizzas, pastas and other delicious dishes. Bottomless mimosas too!

AGO Bistro: Make it a day out with mom at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore the permanent collections as well as the contemporary galleries. Then, round off your visit with brunch at the onsite restaurant. Mother’s Day Prix Fixe menu available for $57 per person.

Miznon: If you’re taking in the Bloor Yorkville “Fleurs de Ville” fresh floral installations (May 10-14) and looking for something quick and casual, this will hit the spot. Miznon offers Mediterranean street food that we keep returning to. Their warm fluffy stuffed pitas are what dreams are made of. Cauliflower is iconic.

AFTERNOON TEA

Casa Loma: a favourite for many is the magical High Tea fit for every queen. Scones, pastries, and tea sandwiches will be serve along with tea, of course! Guests are also invited to tour the castle with their reservation. $75 per person.

Queen Bee Afternoon Tea at d|bar (Four Seasons Hotel): This special afternoon tea created by the culinary team to honour our Queen Bee while raising awareness of the importance of honey bees and the important roles they play in our everyday lives. $105 per person. Also available is Afternoon Tea at Home for $88 per person (pre-order by May 10 for pick up).

DAY TRIPPERS

The Royal Hotel Picton: The Dining Room here at this spectacular hotel is worthy of a day trip (or overnighter). Chef Albert Ponzo (formerly Le Select Bistro) brings true farm to table   menu that includes sourcing ingredients from the hotel’s own farm up the road. Seasonal menu items are offered as well as classic favourites.

The post Best places to dine in Toronto this Mother’s Day appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The spa is a popular destination for unique treatments including the new Rose Gold Facial, which uses rose quartz crystals to tone and tighten the skin, and the Lime & Macadamia Scrub, made from sustainably harvested cane sugar. Everything about the award-winning Four Seasons Toronto Spa is dedicated to the highest of standards of guest services.

I was invited to try the new Urban Organic Facial and indulge in the Four Seasons Spa experience. It was of interest to discover that about ninety per cent of spa guests live or work locally in the Yorkville area, and that regular skin care maintenance was a key factor in repeat visits.

As advised I arrived an hour before my facial treatment so I could unwind in the relaxation pool, whirlpool and steam room. All you need to bring is a bathing suit, everything else you could possibly need is provided, including: hand-crafted artisanal teas and wellness botanicals by Tealeaves, Amethyst, rose and clear quartz water, and a light snack of apricot oat bars and vegan coconut bites. One thing that struck me right away was how spacious the spa areas were, how they accommodated privacy and peace. The women’s lounge décor was neat sophistication. My visit was timed with a stunning red sunset seen through the lounge’s veiled windows. Of the water features, the whirlpool bath was my favourite, the perfect size – 128″ x 162″ of spacious bliss! The low lighting I mentioned earlier was throughout all the spa areas and really set the tone for total relaxation.

I completely surrendered to my surroundings and enjoyed that prelude hour. Now I’d like to share with you what to expect from the 60 minute Urban Organic Facial.

Here’s What To Expect

Four Seasons Spa has many signature treatments for the face and body, the Urban Organic Facial was recently added to the menu of offerings because guests were looking for a clean, organic product experience. The skin care used in this treatment were from the Rawceuticals line by emerginC, and everything smelt divine – delicious aromas of raspberry, pine, coffee and coconut to name a few. The facial started with a cleansing of the skin and a massage with a device I had read about but never tried before, the Foreo. Essentially the Foreo Luna is a vibrating facial cleansing brush that stimulates circulation and exfoliates. There were also many lovely hot towels pressed to my face. The treatment then moved on to a gentle exfoliation and extraction process, followed by a mask and oil massage. Also included in the facial was a hand, arm and shoulder massage. This was truly one of the most relaxing facial treatments I have ever had, in large part due to the very special care from the spa attendants and the serene Four Seasons atmosphere. My skin felt wonderful after this facial; I could really feel the difference with the Rawceuticals products. How to best describe it…my skin had never felt so clean! I would recommend this treatment as well as these products: the Rawceuticals red berry mask and gommage, eye & lip craft moisturizer, boreal tonic and anhydrous cleansing oil. All available at the Four Seasons Spa beauty boutique, where you can also find an array of other high quality body and bath products.

I totally get why the Four Seasons Toronto is a five star, five diamond, award-winning hotel. The spa will have you addicted to its luxury in one visit. The personal service, the attention to detail, the quiet space, the amazing skin care, the whirlpool! I loved it all!

***

For a menu of Four Seasons Spa services visit: https://www.fourseasons.com/toronto/spa/
Hours of operation: daily from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM. Located at 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto.

About Four Seasons Toronto Hotel
The first Four Seasons location in Yorkville was open from 1978 until 2012, when the operation moved to a brand new building – the current Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is located at 60 Yorkville Avenue. The Spa has been awarded TripAdvisor’s 2017 Traveller’s Choice #1 Hotel in Toronto. And was Canada’s first hotel awarded both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star ratings.

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The Four Seasons is a delightful place at the best of times, and Café Boulud is no exception. Greeted with a smile and a cracking gin cocktail, I took my seat for the evening, with bread and ricotta waiting for me. Yum.

Foie Gras as an appetizer sounded terribly French, however when the first course arrived, I was delighted to find a Pâté en Croûte(Pâté pantin) that was far meatier, more like a terrine. The pastry was to die for and the accompanying vegetables perfectly complimented the flavour of the squab.

I will try anything (anyone remember the lambs brain at Parcae ?!) and I enjoyed the andouillette, a coarse grained sausage made of pork intestine and duck, however it was pretty big and got the better of me in the end. The 2011 Zumbaum Tornassi Syrah, however, I could have kept on drinking! Little did I know that I was about to meet my favourite wine of the evening, the delicious 2010 Castelnau Suduiraut which paired like a dream with the Fourme d’Ambert.

Dessert was an artfully prepared champagne poached pear, doused in chocolate and served on a bed of vanilla crumble and chocolate mousse. What pairs well with a champagne poached pear? Well, champagne if course! It’s always a delight to have a cool glass of Perrier Jouet, especially when toasting a fantastic evening of food and Chef Gilles’ last evening in Toronto, before he flittered off on his next gastronomic jaunt.

Gilles Vérot may have left the building, but his charcuterie influences remain. Check out Café Boulud for some of the best in town – on a Monday night, the attached D-Bar has a special charcuterie deal; choose from a selection of house-made charcuterie and cheeses, including a glass of wine, for only $35.

Visit their website for more info.

The post Dinner With Gilles Vérot at Café Boulud appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

The holidays are fast approaching and planning is underway with friends and family. Who’s cooking the Christmas Dinner? When? Where? Who’s making what? Sure, we can create a feast at home but there are other options to help ease in the season of good cheer. This post was inspired by my friends who don’t have the space to cook up a full on turkey dinner. Here are ways to enjoy the holiday season without the fuss. You can place your orders but make sure you check for pick up or delivery date options.

Make it look like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen but really, you’ve just ordered it all and you didn’t even break a sweat!

McEwan’s Turkey Dinner with Fixings is available in three sizes. Includes a whole turkey and McEwan’s Own stuffing along side traditional favourites. Small serves 7-10 people $210 and goes up to large that serves 15-20 people for $399.  Heating instructions included. You can even hire staff if you need. Also available are beef tenderloin, roasted leg of lam, salmon as options. Delivery available and priced based on distance.

Executive Chef Julien Laffargue at the Four Seasons Hotel prepare your Christmas dinner for you to go! Enjoy a homestyle meal without the prep. The gourmet meal to go includes Butternut Squash Soup, Beetroot Smoked Salmon Salad, Roasted Turkey Breast with Herbs, served with Cranberry and Sage Brioche Stuffing, Gravy jus, Cranberry Compote, and Buche de Noel. ($75 per person).  Pick up only.

Michael-Angelo’s Turkey Dinner Feast: $20 per person includes a complete meal with turkey, sides, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce. You can also order everything a la carte. Pick up only. Markham/Mississauga at this family business.

Pusateri’s will up your holiday dinner game with a great Classic Prix Fixe Traditional Holiday Feast ($260 serves 8) that’s worth not having to hassle. Includes one fancy appetizer, one entree (if you don’t like turkey, you can pick Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin or Rack of Lamb), three side dishes, and one dessert selection. There’s also a Deluxe Package available ($445 serves 8). Pick up or delivery available.

Yitz’s Deli offers a simply done Roast Turkey Dinner ($17.95 per person) that include a salad, whole roasted turkey pre-carved, gravy and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green beans almandine, dinner rolls and chunky chocolate cookies.  Reasonably priced for feeding a large group. Alternative holiday menus include roast brisket of beef or Hawaiian Pastrami dinner. Pick up.

If you prefer to get fancied-up to eat elsewhere and not have to worry about cooking or cleaning up…

Christmas Dining at BOSK Shangri-La Hotel’s signature restaurant, includes Christmas Eve dinner for $99 per person featuring chef Campbell’s five course tasting menu with items ranging from Foie Gras Mousse with fermented concord grape, candied walnut and maple to appetizing entrées such as the Wagyu Beef Strip Loin or the Alaskan Sablefish to name a few. Guests may also select a three course prix fixe dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. for CAD$85 per person with a choice of chef’s signature seared Quebec Foie Gras or Heirloom Beet and Burrata salad to start, followed by a choice of entrée such as the seasonal Slow Roasted Organic Turkey and to finish, a choice of dessert such as the “B-Wall” Honey Poached Pears. On Christmas Day, guests can gather for a two course brunch  for CAD$55 per person. The Christmas Day three-course dinner can be enjoyed for CAD$85 per person or CAD$130 (includes wine pairings)  or chef’s five course tasting menu for CAD$99 per person or CAD$140 (includes wine pairings).

Cafe Boulud at The Four Seasons Hotel will have you jingling and mingling during the holidays. Christmas Eve dinner with a french twist hosts a delicious three-course prix fixe menu ($85 per person), Christmas Day three-course prix fixe menu ($95 per person), and Boxing Day Brunch two-course prix-fixe ($45), three-course prix fixe $53 per person).

Omni King Edward Hotel Christmas Day Dinner Buffet: ($109 per person) Go all out and feast like King of all Kings on Christmas Day. Gather your friends and family to savour the warmth of the season and let everyone enjoy the turkey with all the trimmings as well as seafood and desserts. Also available is a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet and brunches.

The post How to Have a Christmas Dinner Feast (without having to cook) appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Cafe Boulud recently went through a redesign of the menu and of the overall look of the restaurant itself. Gone are the pop art paintings of Madonna and Kate Moss with the obscure glass sculptures on display. Don’t get me wrong, I loved both but in the same space there was some sort of discord. But never mind, now the freshly designed Cafe features a more ‘stay and linger’ feel as I’ve done so a handful of times now since the re-opening.  The interior space that was created by award-winning designer Martin Brudnizki gives the sense of a classic French brasserie. Elegant, yet comfortable banquettes line the dining space along with tan leather chairs that seem to wrap around your body just right. Walls are of blue herringbone Hermes wallpaper and brass finishings adds a touch of warmth.

The menu itself, a collaboration between Chef Boulud and Chef de Cuisine Sylvain Assie, brings back the comforts of traditional French dishes and sources the best seasonal ingredients from coast-to-coast when possible. Both chefs grew up in the countryside of France. While Chef Boulud says he’s not the most traditional French chef, the cuisine definitely influences naturally into his dishes. But his international travel has also influenced him in many ways. On this new menu there’s a Bouillion Pho which, for the record, I have not tried yet. There are so many dishes to try and I’m working my way down the menu at each visit.

The salads are outstanding. For lunch one day I had the Salade Nicoise another day I had the Salade De Betterave (beets, quinoa, orange watercress, goat cheese) and twice I’ve had the Kale Grille & Romaine — it’s now become “that” dish that I crave.

Cafe Boulud and the dbar at the Four Seasons Hotel were always go-to places for great traditional and seasonal cocktails as well as an outstanding Charcuterie, I was relieved to see the offerings continue on the revamped menu here. The selection is lead by master Charcutier Gilles Verot and includes house made terrines and pates. Verot comes from a family of charcutiers and brings his expertise to several of Chef Boulud’s restaurants. Twice I’ve ordered the Pate de Campagne in the new space,  a courser country-style pate made with chicken liver, pork and herbs. Accompanied with one of the salads and this can easily be a most satisfying meal. Hubby tried the Timbale de Lapin (pulled rabbit with eggplant, tomato confit, basil) and loved it for it’s clean taste. It’s not laden with sauces or spices but simply gives the delicate flavour it’s centre stage.

You will find popular French fare including Confit de Canard that is perfectly seasoned. It’s slightly crispy skin with melt-in-your-mouth meat was succulent the night I had ordered it up. Served with sauteed potatoes this slow-cooked dish is pure comfort food. Everyone is also talking about the Rotisserie – while you certainly can order a single serving of the popular Poulet a la Broche (rotisserie chicken that is roasted in the imported Rotisol oven) the restaurant also serves it family style complete with two sides dishes. My friend Joel, being from France himself, loved the Agneau a la Provencal (featuring Ontario Lamb served with a side of swiss chard and tomato gratin). Seafood offers what’s freshest and we paid particular attention to a tiered presentation of the Plateau De Fruits De Mer that includes oysters, shrimp, and mussels  among several other “sea candy” as we like to say. Of course you will find favourites like Steak Frites, Frenchie Burger and Beignets de Calamar (beer battered calamari)  here too.

Make sure you save room for dessert because this is where the unexpected can happen depending on what you order. The Profiteroles will have foodies who instagram have their iPhones out as dark chocolate sauce is seductively poured onto the dessert. Hubby was totally impressed with this dish and it was his first time seeing this dish. We actually debated if it was something I should show but we both thought it would be nice for people to see it for themselves. Grapefruit Givre is sesame halva, rose loukoum, grapefruit sorbet that has a beautiful presentation. My dinner companion that night was intrigued at the technique used here with a fibre like topping that is not quite cotton candy but I had mentioned it reminding me of a certain street candy that is made in asian night markets called Dragon’s Beard. Equally as instagrammable is the Baked Alaska for Two as I had notice it pass by our table one night and headed towards two young ladies giddy with excitement. The Souffle Grand Marnier had been recommended to me several times by friends with it’s light pillowy texture, and not-too-sweet finish was a beautiful ending to my lingering time here.

The new Cafe Boulud certainly maintains the service level I have always expected but they still manage to surprise me. On my last visit the hostess remembered that I had stopped in before an event a week prior and had asked how it was. I’ve visited a few times during the very busy dinner hour, once on a Saturday, and I’ve noticed that no one is ever rushing your meal and no one looks panicked.  It’s a place that is welcoming as I love to people watch and here I’ve seen ladies who lunch, couples on dates, suits, travellers, and yes families. The banquettes have encouraged me to stay a while and I’m very happy to savour every moment.

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