Winterlicious 2007 (Jan 26 - Feb 8, 2007)

[charliebrown]

Restaurants will accept reservations for Winterlicious beginning January 11 for seatings between January 26 - February 8, 2007.

American Express ?Cardmembers can go to the *Front Of The Line ?to book early reservations on to book early reservations on January 9 & 10, 2007.*

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/winterlicious?openform

[wesleyw]

Thanks!

[JayTee1]

Can someone please tell me what winterlicious is? i've never heard of it before.

[faibs]

don't think sassafraz will be participating anymore

[donaldtin]

this yr restaurant list seems "new"... like lots of new ones.. but yet down to 130.. i thought last yr was 140+

or maybe it's just me?? um...

[Jon Lai]

Is there like a map with all the places plotted? I want to see which ones are closest to me...

[purple_rabbit]

don't think sassafraz will be participating anymore

Considering the restaurant burned down 2 days ago, I think that's a fair assessment lol

[7jai]

does anyone have any recommendations for restaurants? any place with a nice view/elegant atmosphere (asides from canoe)? :)

[Tereno]

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely wanna reserve somewhere to have a nice romantic meal. Any ideas? Guess I'll be celebrating Valentine's a week early!;)

[Rosico]

I'd recommend people to search the old thread's for these in the food forum. Lots of useful reviews there!

[chococrazy]

I'll have the smoked salmon with charred roasted peppers at Sassafraz, please! :cheesygri

[Gundam]

Can someone please tell me what winterlicious is? i've never heard of it before.

It's an event that you can enjoy $100+ fine dining for $35.
http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/wintercity/winterlicious.htm

[Spiderpal93]

Looks like no N44 or bymark this year...

[Alienxx45]

any good resturants in the uptown area?
Markham...Richmond hill...northyork...i doubt any will be in scarborough..haha..:cheesygri

[Wat_Da_Dealio]

Sounds interesting. I'll definitely wanna reserve somewhere to have a nice romantic meal. Any ideas? Guess I'll be celebrating Valentine's a week early!;)

Acquolina has really good Italian food if you are near Yonge and Eglinton, especially the pizza.

[Headhunter]

Thanks, posted!

[n1ghts0ul]

do not go to toula, it is the biggest ripoff in the world and the view overrated. Last year, N44 and Bymark wasn't on the list at first, but when it got closer to winterlicious, they were added on. Time to test my luck for canoe again...

[KorruptioN]

don't think sassafraz will be participating anymore

What a shame too.

[evoviii]

do not go to toula, it is the biggest ripoff in the world and the view overrated. Last year, N44 and Bymark wasn't on the list at first, but when it got closer to winterlicious, they were added on. Time to test my luck for canoe again...

i'm hoping for either n44 or bymark. I need one good stand by in case one of my first time at other restaurants is less than stellar.

[lithiumli]

thanks, and YAY for amex

[softech]

AMEX booking start today!!!

it's now 9am.. Tundra @ Hilton already started booking

[Rosico]

Auberge's line is always busy :( Anyone have any luck yet? Canoe books at 10 AM

[Leonie]

did they just ask for first 4 digits again this year?

[M-e-X-x]

Auberge's line is always busy :( Anyone have any luck yet? Canoe books at 10 AM

got auberge, not canoe yet

[circky]

it's my first time trying out winterlicious.. and i wanted to know how long does it usually take for phone lines to be free? I've been calling Canoe since 10 and only getting busy signal :(

[Rosico]

the phones will be busy till it sells out, which it will.

[Spiderpal93]

They asked for full credit card number...and I only ahve first 4 digit and last 4!!!

[Leonie]

They asked for full credit card number...and I only ahve first 4 digit and last 4!!!

where did you call?

[M-e-X-x]

booya! got canoe!!!

but at a relatively early time :( 6:30...

canoe asks for first 4 and last 5

auberge asks for full credit card + expiry date.

[Spiderpal93]

where did you call?

Yeah....auberge!!!! crap!:cheesygri

[livedehtmai]

booya! got canoe!!!

but at a relatively early time :( 6:30...

canoe asks for first 4 and last 5

auberge asks for full credit card + expiry date.

did you choose 6:30 as yoru first choice or your original time slot taken?

[M-e-X-x]

did you choose 6:30 as yoru first choice or your original time slot taken?

she gave me 3 options haha... 5:45, 6:00, 6:30

i wanted something primetime... but with those choices for the day i chose (jan. 30) it was all taken.. i guess if coz it's at the start of winterlicious? maybe later dates might have more choice...

[livedehtmai]

she gave me 3 options haha... 5:45, 6:00, 6:30

i wanted something primetime... but with those choices for the day i chose (jan. 30) it was all taken.. i guess if coz it's at the start of winterlicious? maybe later dates might have more choice...

been redialing for last hour can't get through

[mavvee]

been redialing for last hour can't get through

what number did you guys dial?.. is it that "special" winterlicious direct line?

[M-e-X-x]

what number did you guys dial?.. is it that "special" winterlicious direct line?

yes... there's another phone #, but i think they'll just get u to call the winterlicious line in all fairness if u call the other one...

[wesleyw]

she gave me 3 options haha... 5:45, 6:00, 6:30

i wanted something primetime... but with those choices for the day i chose (jan. 30) it was all taken.. i guess if coz it's at the start of winterlicious? maybe later dates might have more choice...

How long were you on hold for?

[Rosico]

Got Auberge and trying out Truffles (doing a Friday ROM night). Now to find some good $25 dinners :)

[wild]

Got Canoe & Epic

[M-e-X-x]

How long were you on hold for?

redialling since 10 am for 15 minutes to get into a queue.. on hold for about another 15?

[crabby1997]

got auberge and tundra~ YaY~:cheesygri

[M-e-X-x]

got auberge and tundra~ YaY~:cheesygri

you'll love auberge.. it was last winterlicious that i discovered how wonderful it is and how close it is to my house haha... after that trying winterlicious menu, went there for regular menu 2 times after and enjoyed every bit... one of those times was for my graduation dinner with family... just fabulous the service and food.

[evoviii]

brassaii on first try
Jump on 5th try

I've done

Canoe (once was enough, food didn't meet expectations. guaranteed redial hell)

Bymark (Absolutely loved it, ranked #1b only because north 44 desert wasn't all that)

North 44 (#1a for me, amazing steak but dessert...)

Auberge du Pommier (Nothing particular special, it was nice)

Pangaea (decent food, not as nice as Auberge)

Monsoon (if you are asian forget it, it's like slightly modified chinese cooking)

Tundra (horrible service, food was good)

[charliebrown]

Comments for the following?

Boba (Yorkville)
Xacutti (College W)

both recommended by coworkers...trying to get confirmation :)

[girlstar]

I got Rosewater but really really really want Canoe. UGHHHH been trying for over an hour. It's like the food's free or something!

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Booked Truffles for a friday evening :)



IMO, Canoe on a normal night is WAAAAAY better than Canoe during winterlicious. The food wasn't even that good when I went during winterlicious before.

[lithiumli]

i better start calling cause they are all getting booked up fast

[m4z3]

which restaurants are up high with a nice view?
I've been to toula....and I can see canoe...
anywhere else that has good food, nice atmosphere?

[wesleyw]

which restaurants are up high with a nice view?

Canoe.

[agent86]

Just booked Tundra. Only on 2 redials.:razz:

[evoviii]

Canoe is a victim of it's own success, it's the most recognizable name on the list really. Plus it's on the 54th floor of a bank tower so the view is part of appeal.

Last time I went, they only did weekends for winterlicious. I wonder if they let you book reservations by walking in

[fiydafire69]

Does anyone know where you can find an AMEX number to use to book? I don't have one and I know everything good will be gome before Thursday.

[evoviii]

Does anyone know where you can find an AMEX number to use to book? I don't have one and I know everything good will be gome before Thursday.

Yeah you can apply for a credit card, other than from a friend you wouldn't expect someone to give you even part of their credit card no.

I doubt they even really check. Maybe the more popular ones but even then that's a lotta work to check.

Just find a friend

[dP21]

Canoe is a victim of it's own success, it's the most recognizable name on the list really. Plus it's on the 54th floor of a bank tower so the view is part of appeal.

Last time I went, they only did weekends for winterlicious. I wonder if they let you book reservations by walking in

Canoe is STILL busy!

[M-e-X-x]

Canoe is a victim of it's own success, it's the most recognizable name on the list really. Plus it's on the 54th floor of a bank tower so the view is part of appeal.

Last time I went, they only did weekends for winterlicious. I wonder if they let you book reservations by walking in

that's true.. and it doesn't help that it's zagat-rated #1 in toronto...

but i promised family i'd take them there so canoe here i come! :D

[evoviii]

that's true.. and it doesn't help that it's zagat-rated #1 in toronto...

but i promised family i'd take them there so canoe here i come! :D

It gets featured on toronto life and other publications, word of mouth and what not quite a bit. Being canadian cuisine helps too.

I have a friend who made a promise for weekend dinner at canoe :lol:

I didn't get through til 1pm when I tried, but for friends it's worth it.

[michainred]

Booked Old Mill for the 26th dinner
and

1050 for the 27th lunch

[scan]

am I blind or is North 44 and Bymark not participating?!

[wesleyw]

Looks like they're not in...or they might be added very late closer to the starting date again.

[VivaLaDave]

am I blind or is North 44 and Bymark not participating?!


Last week I was watching The Heat w/Mark McEwan and they had a Winterlicious episode and throughout the whole show N44 & Bymark chefs dubbed the event 'Wintervicious' cause it's so brutal on them.

The episode can be found here (http://www.foodtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=98231) . After watching it I completely understand why and don't seem surprised.

[Spiderpal93]

Anyone able to get through to Canoe???

[M-e-X-x]

Anyone able to get through to Canoe???

yes, a few of us did

[evoviii]

Last week I was watching The Heat w/Mark McEwan and they had a Winterlicious episode and throughout the whole show N44 & Bymark chefs dubbed the event 'Wintervicious' cause it's so brutal on them.

The episode can be found here (http://www.foodtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=98231) . After watching it I completely understand why and don't seem surprised.

Legions of RFD'ers tie up the phones and go into restaurants non stop for the prix fixe menus and also only ordering copious amounts of free water and complimentary bread.

*side note* I don't drink wine else I'd order it and paying for spring water from some backwater country on the other side of the world doesn't make sense to me either but we did it anyways once. Paid $13 for a bottle of Voss, the bottle was very cool. That's exactly what we paid for, we kept the bottle :lol:

[scan]

I know... I saw that episode. Food network is all I watch :cheesygri

Last week I was watching The Heat w/Mark McEwan and they had a Winterlicious episode and throughout the whole show N44 & Bymark chefs dubbed the event 'Wintervicious' cause it's so brutal on them.

The episode can be found here (http://www.foodtv.ca/ontv/titledetails.aspx?titleid=98231) . After watching it I completely understand why and don't seem surprised.

[spong]

Hope that everyone got their primary choices at this time. I got in the followings:

Canoe (After 30 minutes continuous redialing and 30minutes hold)
Ultra Supper Club (My Wife's friend recommendation)
Truffle (Love their buffet and regular dinner)
Richlee (Small place. Great food)

For those of you in North York. I strongly recommend Richlee.

[wpooh888]

Richlee (Small place. Great food)

For those of you in North York. I strongly recommend Richlee.

Also booked Richlee, the menu looked good. Never been there before.

[livedehtmai]

OMG after 4 hours of redialing i finally got on queue for Canoe

[lithiumli]

i just booked Fred's Not Here, hope its good. my friend wanted to try it out. is there any other places that are really good that people would recomend. i've been to bymark, canoe, and the old mill.

[siwo]

Anyone able to get through to Canoe???

I have been trying to call Canoe for over 3 hours straight now. No luck :(

[siwo]

correction: I'm now on hold waiting for the next available agent. :S I'll bet the time I want is all used up. Bah..

[Spiderpal93]

still no luck with Canoe!!

[Sohkeung]

I have been trying to call Canoe for over 3 hours straight now. No luck :(

I've been dialing since 10-12 and then gave up. Called at 1:50 and got on queue right away. 22 mins later I got to speak to somebody for reservations. Still some decent times left, keep trying all.

[siwo]

I've been dialing since 10-12 and then gave up. Called at 1:50 and got on queue right away. 22 mins later I got to speak to somebody for reservations. Still some decent times left, keep trying all.

I'm still on hold.. been 15 minutes now. Its an hour after you called, so I think what I want (Sunday evening) is a bummer.

Next in line would be Thursday evening, and if that's also a bust then I'm going to be mad!

[Spiderpal93]

I'm still on hold.. been 15 minutes now. Its an hour after you called, so I think what I want (Sunday evening) is a bummer.

Next in line would be Thursday evening, and if that's also a bust then I'm going to be mad!

Does Canoe even open on Saturday or Sunday...???

[siwo]

Does Canoe even open on Saturday or Sunday...???

YEP.

I got it for Sunday Evening! Decent time too.. There's still hope for the next in line! G'luck!

Required: first 4 digit and last 5 digit of your amex card for reservations. Table will be given away if late 15 minutes, g'luck to you all!

Cheers,
siwo

[siwo]

I've been dialing since 10-12 and then gave up. Called at 1:50 and got on queue right away. 22 mins later I got to speak to somebody for reservations. Still some decent times left, keep trying all.

Thanks for giving me hope!

[Gundam]

still no luck with Canoe!!

i got reservation last year by going in person to leave down my name & phone number. they called me back the next day for my reservation.

[Fraggle]

I went through quite a few menu's listed... alot of them are not my taste.. the canoe menu looks quite nice though. Doubt I will have the patience to keep trying their number tho :p

[A2B-Civic]

most of the more high end restaurants are gone. No more JW steakhouse, no more North 44, no more Truffles, no Aqua..........

[evoviii]

Hope that everyone got their primary choices at this time. I got in the followings:

Canoe (After 30 minutes continuous redialing and 30minutes hold)
Ultra Supper Club (My Wife's friend recommendation)
Truffle (Love their buffet and regular dinner)
Richlee (Small place. Great food)

For those of you in North York. I strongly recommend Richlee.

I like how Richlee's menu is the same for lunch and dinner ;)

Sounds like a good candidate for lunch. Looks good to me the menu, just worried about portion sizes.

I just noticed in italics after each menus. Lunch portions and Dinner portions. So that means Lunch will be smaller though how much smaller. Better not be like finger food

[dP21]

most of the more high end restaurants are gone. No more JW steakhouse, no more North 44, no more Truffles, no Aqua..........

How can they be all gone if it still hasn't been opened to the public yet? This is only the Front of the Line. They are probably holding back the rest for the general public.

[A2B-Civic]

How can they be all gone if it still hasn't been opened to the public yet? This is only the Front of the Line. They are probably holding back the rest for the general public.

Probably.....you can correct me when they add to the list. I doubt they are just going to add restaurant to "hold back" the general public, I think they are either in or out.....but whatever man......you can believe what you want.

[edit]Oh...i did see truffles but no more Rosewater, no more Courthouse just from the top of my head.

[blahblehblah]

Just a quick question on the whole American Express card thing. Is it just as long as we provide a card # and name then we can make reservations? (ie it doesn't have to match your name and doesn't require it to be presented on the day you have the meal right?). Does it matter where the AE card is issued from? How do they verify the info? Just boggles me a bit :) If anyone can answer that would be great. I do want to start making reservations but i dont own an AE card but i know people that do and wouldn't mind "lending" me their # :)

[dP21]

Probably.....you can correct me when they add to the list. I doubt they are just going to add restaurant to "hold back" the general public, I think they are either in or out.....but whatever man......you can believe what you want.

[edit]Oh...i did see truffles but no more Rosewater, no more Courthouse just from the top of my head.

I thought you meant that the restauarnts were holding back reservations, not holding back on restaurants!:idea:

[Spiderpal93]

sigh...more calling tomorrow....

Couldn't get through to Canoe at all today! :cheesygri

[Leonie]

sigh...more calling tomorrow....

Couldn't get through to Canoe at all today! :cheesygri


went in person today at 11:30 in the morning, got a call back from Canoe, only table for 4 or less left.. weekends are gone mostly.. good luck..

[evoviii]

Looks like the people who go in person get dealth with after the surge in call volume has died down. No real benefit in doing so. If you had called and miraculously got through at 1130am, you would have weekend availability still and possibly tables greater than 4. I can say this cause at 2pm my friend got weekend table 830pm for two. So i can't verify table seating but weekend was up for grabs still then.

[siwo]

Looks like the people who go in person get dealth with after the surge in call volume has died down. No real benefit in doing so. If you had called and miraculously got through at 1130am, you would have weekend availability still and possibly tables greater than 4. I can say this cause at 2pm my friend got weekend table 830pm for two. So i can't verify table seating but weekend was up for grabs still then.

I got through to them near 3pm yesterday and I got a Sunday evening at 8:15pm for 4. Better luck next time. I had to literally hit redial on my phone after I heard the busy tone for about 500 times before I got through to the Queue process and waited for an available agent to take my call. Which was wack, cause they are crazy popular. I booked for the first Sunday, but the lady on the phone told me that the second Sunday had 8pm seats left. Not that different than the first week but the earlier seats were 5pm. Nothing inbetween. It felt brutal.

I have no clue how they verify your CC# cause the lady just asked me for a few #'s in total. I doubt we have to use that card at the time cause last year I went to both Bymark and North44 and both told me it doesn't matter how I pay when I go but I had to give them my #'s. We'll see how things go, there will be more than one AMEX card carriers to the dinner for Sunday so I'll see if they're picky. --I doubt it though. They can't force us to use the Amex. We have it and we simply use it as an advance booking usage. What if I want to collect my aeroplan points elsewhere or something? Haha.

[greenapples]

As of now .. there are no more availability for dinner reservations at Canoe. They only have late lunches.

Bummers.

[mytimewillcome]

hi everyone!! well i've tried and tried to call into canoe with no such luck! at one point my phone at work even went dead....anyways, if anyone with a reservation to canoe has to cancel last minute i would gladly use your reservation!!!

[Demon_Twinz]

i went in person last night at 6:00pm .. and they woudlt' let me reserve .. they didnt' even take my name and number. I should have insisted they take my number. I'm feel so stupid now. THe last thing they want is an angry customer at the door trying to get his number. Tho that's why i hate winterlicious and summmer licious .. i'd rather pay a bit more and not have to beg for my food. I hate how they treat us like we are 2nd class customers because of their promotion

i just called again this morning .. it seems that everything has been booked full.

[M-e-X-x]

i went in person last night at 6:00pm .. and they woudlt' let me reserve .. they didnt' even take my name and number. I should have insisted they take my number. I'm feel so stupid now. THe last thing they want is an angry customer at the door trying to get his number. Tho that's why i hate winterlicious and summmer licious .. i'd rather pay a bit more and not have to beg for my food. I hate how they treat us like we are 2nd class customers because of their promotion

i just called again this morning .. it seems that everything has been booked full.

actually, when i went to auberge for winterlicious and they treated me great... so much so i am now a regular patron when i have the cash haha...

[jerryhung]

ha, Canoe's voicemail msg has changed to "they're all booked for Winterlicious"

guess no Canoe for me then

[raymeowmeow]

I got Centro and Panganea. Anyone has been Panganea? Is it good?

[Sylvestre]

i went in person last night at 6:00pm .. and they woudlt' let me reserve .. they didnt' even take my name and number. I should have insisted they take my number. I'm feel so stupid now. THe last thing they want is an angry customer at the door trying to get his number. Tho that's why i hate winterlicious and summmer licious .. i'd rather pay a bit more and not have to beg for my food. I hate how they treat us like we are 2nd class customers because of their promotion

i just called again this morning .. it seems that everything has been booked full.

???
they will gladly take your reservation for non-winterlicious dining. Why not just tell them that?
During these promos, the restaurants actually lose money. Why would a restaurant want to book a lot of people if they lose? It obviously makes sense to have limited tables available.
And no offence but the people who dine because of winterlicious aren't their primary market - so why would a restaurant cater to someone who's likely not going to come back?

[Fraggle]

Well I gave up on canoe and just went with La Brushetta for a dinner. Hopefully its not too bad, menu looks decent at least. They didn't even ask me for my AMEX #'s.

[Demon_Twinz]

I've never been to winterlicious promotions or summer at Canoe .. i've been there 3 times and i paid full price. I just wanted to try how their licous promotions were like. I do understand that they prob got 1000's of calls yesturday. and supply is less than demand

worse experience was at rosewater last year .. the waiter was out right RUDE


???
they will gladly take your reservation for non-winterlicious dining. Why not just tell them that?
During these promos, the restaurants actually lose money. Why would a restaurant want to book a lot of people if they lose? It obviously makes sense to have limited tables available.
And no offence but the people who dine because of winterlicious aren't their primary market - so why would a restaurant cater to someone who's likely not going to come back?

[deals168]

worse experience was at rosewater last year .. the waiter was out right RUDE

I had the same problem at last year Rosewater too! I complained to the dining room manager and ended-up with a $200 dining for 2 certificate. When we went back to use it, the service was great! I guess they don't really want the Winterlicious business.

[spong]

If you want great service, then Truffle should be your first choice; even though dining room is not as nice as Rosewater and Canoe

[wesleyw]

???
they will gladly take your reservation for non-winterlicious dining. Why not just tell them that?
During these promos, the restaurants actually lose money. Why would a restaurant want to book a lot of people if they lose? It obviously makes sense to have limited tables available.
And no offence but the people who dine because of winterlicious aren't their primary market - so why would a restaurant cater to someone who's likely not going to come back?

If they are losing money, and don't want to put forth their best effort during this promotion, then they shouldn't participate at all...
As indicated by several posters in this thread already, they have returned to various restaurants on occasions outside of the "licious" promotion since they were impressed by the food/services provided to them while they were there.
If they choose to participate in this promotion, shouldn't all the patron have the right to receive the same service as they would if they went to dine at the particular restaurant regularly?

[Demon_Twinz]

forget canoe .. i'll go again on non winterlicious events

any recommendations
my experience ..hate to continue to rant so i'll try to contribute

non of these are winterlicious events tho .. now that i think about it .. i've only been to two summerlicious event 3 years ago

la maquette .. good food, good service
filet of sole ... bad food, decent service
north 44 ... good food, excellent service
canoe ... excellent food, excellent service
rosewater ... decent food, poor service (summerlicious event)
le true normand ... decent food, good service (summerlicious event)
epic ..... good food, excellent service
oster boy ... good food, good service

i'd recommend canoe, la maquette, epic, north 44 .... in that order

i really wanted monsoon.. but i'm asian .. and someone earlier said it's not worth it ... i book pomme for lunch .. anything else? .. i might just go back to epic .. cuz i had a great time

[evoviii]

If they are losing money, and don't want to put forth their best effort during this promotion, then they shouldn't participate at all...
As indicated by several posters in this thread already, they have returned to various restaurants on occasions outside of the "licious" promotion since they were impressed by the food/services provided to them while they were there.
If they choose to participate in this promotion, shouldn't all the patron have the right to receive the same service as they would if they went to dine at the particular restaurant regularly?

From what i've seen sometimes the winterlicious customers can be just as rude and cancel often large reservations as well. In fact the main page now says, if you reserve you must go to it (not like they can enforce it). I've spoken with some of the restaurants and cancellations happen quite often. Though this affects the lesser restaurants more since places like Canoe and the like have waiting lists.

Though yes they should treat you the same as other patrons. Though I haven't had that problem except for tundra. I do plan on going both North 44 and Bymark because of my excellent experience. The promotion is after to get some of the people to come back.

[Space_chic]

I'm thinking of going to Midtown Restaurant and Bar, has anyone been too that?

I went to Auberge du Pommier a few weeks ago (non-winterlicious time) and the food and service was excellent!!! Very cozy and romantic. I hope it would be same service during winterlicious, because it would be a shame if it wasn't because when I went, it was pretty dead.

[Anessa]

Corner House: good food, good service, good ambience

forget canoe .. i'll go again on non winterlicious events

any recommendations
my experience ..hate to continue to rant so i'll try to contribute

non of these are winterlicious events tho .. now that i think about it .. i've only been to two summerlicious event 3 years ago

la maquette .. good food, good service
filet of sole ... bad food, decent service
north 44 ... good food, excellent service
canoe ... excellent food, excellent service
rosewater ... decent food, poor service (summerlicious event)
le true normand ... decent food, good service (summerlicious event)
epic ..... good food, excellent service
oster boy ... good food, good service

i'd recommend canoe, la maquette, epic, north 44 .... in that order

i really wanted monsoon.. but i'm asian .. and someone earlier said it's not worth it ... i book pomme for lunch .. anything else? .. i might just go back to epic .. cuz i had a great time

[M-e-X-x]

I'm thinking of going to Midtown Restaurant and Bar, has anyone been too that?

I went to Auberge du Pommier a few weeks ago (non-winterlicious time) and the food and service was excellent!!! Very cozy and romantic. I hope it would be same service during winterlicious, because it would be a shame if it wasn't because when I went, it was pretty dead.

actually, when i went to auberge for winterlicious and they treated me great... so much so i am now a regular patron when i have the cash haha...

see above :)

[girlstar]

Oh no :( Rosewater sucks?

[vivieee]

ha, Canoe's voicemail msg has changed to "they're all booked for Winterlicious"

guess no Canoe for me then


hmmm i duno about this but yea today is the official day for reservations (w/out AMEX) and yea i called at 10 and redialled about 8 times and got through, hold for about 15 minutes, got a spot on a saturday and everything was fine.
maybe they just limited spots for AMEX ppl so not everyone with a card can get a spot.

Don't stop trying~ i'm pretty sure they still have some decent spots since i got to choose from a long list of times

Enjoy!

[GT108]

Called yesterday and got Rosewater on my first try, and for the date and time I asked for.

Maybe they do suck.
They didn't seem really busy.

Oh well, $35 to see what the hype is all about.

Also got Corner House and Beer Bistro.
Auberge, Canoe, Centro was booked for the slot I have available.

Any other suggestion for places to go?

[IceQue]

booked for N'Awlins Jazz Bar, anybody else been there? and also booked for Tundra at the Hilton.

[m4z3]

yesterday auberge said they were fully booked. But i called today. They only have spots left on sunday jan28th and sun feb4 for DINNER.
Goodluck to everyone who is still trying.

[Spiderpal93]

yesterday auberge said they were fully booked. But i called today. They only have spots left on sunday jan28th and sun feb4 for DINNER.
Goodluck to everyone who is still trying.

Of course!!!! OMG.....I phoned on the first day..and the woman said they ain't open on Sundays......

[ginabobolee]

I just called Canoe and was able to get reservation for two at dinner. They still have spots available for two on weekdays and Sundays.

[VivaLaDave]

Got a reservation at auberge on Sunday Jan 28, wanted to try Canoe but they didn't have any available spots open for when I wanted to go... I'm holding out for N44 or Bymark to join in the Winterlicious Restaurants...

Does anyone know when they decided to join up last year??

[ptsun]

got old mills and la marquette.. hopefully it turns out good.. haha.

[agent86]

booked for N'Awlins Jazz Bar, anybody else been there? and also booked for Tundra at the Hilton.I've been to Nawlins for lunch (Non-licious). It was a great little place. Food's good, service is good.

[Exio]

I've been calling canoe all day, I can't even get through :(

[corkboard]

@ Canoe

Jan 29, 30 around 5pm
Feb 5, 6, 7 around 5pm

I took a 2 person slot on the 7th.

Keep hitting that redial button! You can DO IT!

[VivaLaDave]

@ Canoe

Jan 29, 30 around 5pm
Feb 5, 6, 7 around 5pm

I took a 2 person slot on the 7th.

Keep hitting that redial button! You can DO IT!


Canoe has lunch available almost every day & Dinner is only available 5:30 and earlier Monday to Thursday... plus some times are available on Sundays, Fri & Sat are all booked.

[mcgillli]

Anyone have an update on the restaurants that have extended their dates?

[s2kdarren]

fred's not here and marcels bistro, is booked for lunch :)

[MrFurious]

I called Monsoon at 10:00am yesterday and left a message. They called me back and I got one of the last reservations @ 9:00 for Sat Feb 3. Looking forward to it.

[makman_2000]

Can anyone give me a review of Fred's Not Here? I've heard mixed reviews from my coworkers and I was wondering if you can share your own personal experience about the restaurant. Thanks!!!!

[rjpieke]

Can anyone give me a review of Fred's Not Here? I've heard mixed reviews from my coworkers and I was wondering if you can share your own personal experience about the restaurant. Thanks!!!!

My personal experience: the service was average, but the food was really good.

[Ramshocker]

Been there for the past 2 "licious" events for dinner. Found that they were one of the few restuarants that had more of a variety to choose from plus they were priced on the cheaper of the "licious" program (most restaurant I believe were charging $35 while a few where hitting $30).

Food itself was good but the service itself was just pasable; last time I showed up 5mins before my reservation but they didnt have my seats ready until 30mins later; took them a bit of time to get our drinks.

Probably go back there again just because of their menu selection...

[Alienxx45]

Any other good resturants thats not downtown? I work uptown, and by the time i get down there its going to be too late to have dinner anywhere! except if i go on wkends..

Hope that everyone got their primary choices at this time. I got in the followings:

Canoe (After 30 minutes continuous redialing and 30minutes hold)
Ultra Supper Club (My Wife's friend recommendation)
Truffle (Love their buffet and regular dinner)
Richlee (Small place. Great food)

For those of you in North York. I strongly recommend Richlee.

[ginabobolee]

The selection is good but the service is ok. I have been twice and I would go back again.

[makman_2000]

Well, I needed a table of 12 so since I'm pretty sure no other place can accommodate that, Fred's Not Here it is!!!

[Anessa]

Winterlicious Menu

$20 Lunch
plus taxes and gratuity

Roasted Butternut Squash & Lobster Chowder
With cognac and fresh chives
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/8413/0701301141qe2.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0701301141qe2.jpg)

- typical soup. Don't expect lobster chunks in it but it does work wonders on a cold day like today.

Grilled or Seared Bass Fillets
With new potatoes with a citrus coriander buree blanc, mango, pineapple and roast corn salsa

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/2591/0701301156ss7.th.jpg (http://img68.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0701301156ss7.jpg)

- HUMMM I liked it. Big portion (seemed to be more than 6oz.) and juicy. Very nice. A bit salty but the cinamon and cumin crust took it away.

Jump fried Angus Beef Tenderloin
With wild mushrooms, truffles, fresh thyme cracked peppercorn sauce
- picked off a piece of the tenderloin from my friend and it was very moist

Crème Brulee
Amaretto sundried cranberry crème brulee

- The Amaretto crust was really good. Yummm.
Chocolate Truffle Cake
A decadent layering of chocolate

- They weren't kidding about decadent. The chocolate cake was quite large and VERY chocolatey. The apricot emusion was a good sidebar to the cake.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/979/dessertstrapperscc0.th.jpg (http://img266.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dessertstrapperscc0.jpg)

Overall, it was a good Licious experience. The waiters were courteous and helpful. The food was good overall. I like the Irish butter with the bread. The price was not bad at all considering all you got! I would say given the restaurant setting and service, the price was good. I'd go back next time.

Trapper's Restaurant
3479 Yonge Street
416-482-6211

[chicken_little]

Can anyone give me a review of Fred's Not Here? I've heard mixed reviews from my coworkers and I was wondering if you can share your own personal experience about the restaurant. Thanks!!!!

My lunch review:

Spicy Thai Prawn Soup with Shrimp Wonton: Decent. I saw two shrimps and two wontons. It's basically a variation of the tom yum goong soup.

Baked Escargot Purses with Mushrooms, Romesco Sauce: Pretty good. Basically escargot and minced mushroom in phillo pastry. You get three of them which almost fills you up if you don't have a big appetite.

Grilled Calamari with Roma Tomato Sauce: It's grilled squid. Nothing to get excited about.

Slow Oven Braised Venison Ragu with Spinach Gnocchi, Toasted Pine Nuts & Arugula: It's really green. My friend didn't seem that excited about it.

Roasted Filet of Sole with Roasted Lemon Garlic Butter, Spinach & Red Skin Potatoes: Battered with something which made the dish soggy overall. Not recommended. My friends didn't even finish theirs.

Grilled Kobe Beef Burger with Roasted Crispy Pancetta, Asian Slaw, Chipotle Remoulade, Crispy Fried Onions, Yam Yam & Yukon Gold Frites:
Huge. Probably an 8 oz burger. I found it too dry but maybe some peple like it that way. Personally I found Wendy's better than this.

Chocolate Pecan Tart: Looks and tastes like something you buy from Loblaws.

Fred’s Daily Homemade Bread Pudding: Looks like someone slapped together a couple of brown toasts around a scoop of ice cream. Not recommended.

Hope that helps.

[Son of Pezcore]

Was in Toronto the past weekend and we had a group of 6 for a dinner at the Courtyard Cafe, and the same group for lunch the next day at Le Biftheque.

Courtyard there were some dishes that were excellent, beef spare ribs in sherry rduction. Some not so good black cod. Overall, experience was good, service very good.

Le Biftheque was more of a casual lunch. For what we were looking for this place suited the bill. Price was good @ $15 per person. Food was abundant. Food quality was good, not gourmet, but tasty nonetheless. I had the ribs and 1/4 chicken was full after the ribs and brought the 1/4 chicken home. A good casual dinner.

[Anessa]

Richlee's Winter Feastival

Appetizer

Cream of artichoke soup: purée of fresh artichoke, potato and onion, garnished with parsley

- my friend had it. She never had artichokes before so couldn't compare it.
or
Wintry salad: Mint, watercress and green leaf lettuce with chunks of feta cheese, topped with sweet red onion and dressed in a honey walnut vinaigrette

- No one at our table ordered this.

Pan seared East Coast sea scallops drizzled with leek vinaigrette and garnished with grilled zucchini

- LL had this. She said they were really good...not rubbery (which indicates overdone).

Classic Tuscan orecchiette pasta with savoury collard greens, capers and red pepper flakes, tossed in a light white wine and truffles olive oil sauce with Parmesan cheese

- My friend RL ordered it. Quite filling and plentiful for an appetizer.

Grilled fresh calamari over tender rapini greens, sautéed with garlic and a touch of chili, finished in a reduction of balsamic vinegar, virgin olive oil and black olives

- Two other people at the table had it. The rapini greens were bitter (as expected but they didn't know lol). Big portions too!
Entrée

Fresh grilled Atlantic salmon with a richly flavoured Creole sauce of tomatoes, onion, celery and green pepper, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices

- RL had it. It looked overdone to me but he liked it.

Free-range chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, fresh thyme and wild mushrooms in a fresh basil and light white wine cream sauce
- No one had it

Oven-roasted lamb shank, marinated in olive oil, rosemary and mint – braised in Chardonnay, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard
- It seemed more like a pot roast lamb shank than actually oven roasted. Very tender and big. Melted off the bone. It was REALLY filling!!

Ocean skewer of seared sea scallops, tiger shrimp and grilled monkfish mirrored in a reduction of onion, mushroom, tomato and tarragon with Cinzano sweet vermouth
- LL had this one. No corrections. She never had monkfish before so it was a first.

Ontario pork tenderloin, roasted and slivered, served over creamed leeks and wild mushrooms with a cranberry-mustard glaze

Dessert

Crème brulée topped with caramelized hazelnuts
- RL had it. The only one of the group...lol.
or
Crêpes Suzette: Grand Marnier flambéed crepes with a braised orange sauce
- Disappointing. It was literally pancakes swimming in maple syrup. I didn't taste very much orange liquor. Made me wish I ordered the brulée. 5/6 had this one...mixed reviews.

Overall:
Service: They weren't rude but they didn't seem especially eager to please either. I'd rate them a 7/10

Ambience: It's very cozy. I think the restaurant is probably the size of my dining room only. 8/10.

Food: No corrections or complaints. 8/10

[Btr2urhrt]

Let me start off by saying that Nectar was my WORST ever experience at a fine dining restaurant. We had a reservation for 12 people at 8:30. A few of us arrived at 8 and was told to wait at the bar. We were early so that was fine. Then 8:30 came, and all 12 of us arrived. We continued to wait and wait (not a word from the maitre d' or anyone about the status of our table). In fact, when I went to inquire, they continued to ignore me! By this time, we were awkwardly waiting at the bar/walkway area (and if you've been to Nectar you'll know that the walkway is not very wide to begin with). At around 8:40, they finally led our group to a table in the basement (which by the way was actually 2 tables of 6 that weren't even pushed together). We were the first people to arrive in the basement, so why the 40 minute wait? I couldn't tell you. (Especially when we already made the reservation in advance!)

Our server came out and asked us about our orders--most of us got the steak. He went around and asked each of us how we wanted it cooked. When the food came out, instead of our server bringing out the steaks it was another person. He had no idea who ordered what and got all of the orders mixed up. He did not even bother to specify what kind of steak he had brought out, and was content with just dropping the plates off randomly and leaving. So the result was 11 plates of steak all randomly placed; we had to switch around our plates to find the right order (even then, it was hard since you can't tell how well the steaks were cooked until you've cut into them). My boyfriend ordered medium rare, and did not get that. I ordered medium well (which our server had informed me would be pink on the inside), and got one that was clearly WELL overcooked--the meat was burnt, chewy and did not even taste like steak! The seasoning was not bad though. Then came dessert, which was brought out to 6 people first, while the rest of us sat and waited (even though we came to eat together). After half of our group finished, he brought out the remaining desserts for the rest of us, meanwhile billing the other 6 people. Seriously?! Finally, when we got our bill, I noticed that they conveniently put 20% gratuity on it! Unbelievable... I would not hesitate to give them 20% or more, had the service been tolerable. I could not believe the service that we got from the moment we entered the restaurant. The fact that we had to pay a 20% tip for what seemed like VERY poor service really made me mad.

When you go out to a supposedly nice restaurant like Nectar, there is a certain level of expectation. The food was only mediocre (though it was well presented). Service was so poor, I will not reiterate. The atmosphere was only ok. The only thing that saved the night was the good company. I give this restaurant 1 star overall, so think twice before you decide to dine at Nectar! Sorry if this post is long..I really had to vent.:mad:

[vivieee]

Let me start off by saying that Nectar was my WORST ever experience at a fine dining restaurant. We had a reservation for 12 people at 8:30. A few of us arrived at 8 and was told to wait at the bar. We were early so that was fine. Then 8:30 came, and all 12 of us arrived. We continued to wait and wait (not a word from the maitre d' or anyone about the status of our table). In fact, when I went to inquire, they continued to ignore me! By this time, we were awkwardly waiting at the bar/walkway area (and if you've been to Nectar you'll know that the walkway is not very wide to begin with). At around 8:40, they finally led our group to a table in the basement (which by the way was actually 2 tables of 6 that weren't even pushed together). We were the first people to arrive in the basement, so why the 40 minute wait? I couldn't tell you. (Especially when we already made the reservation in advance!)

i feel bad for you for your terrible time at nectar with the food at least.. but about the wait thing.. if you think logically.. your reservation was at 8:30 and you arrived at 8:00 at your own will... they asked you to wait at the bar and gave you your table about 10 minutes late... not really 40 minutes. 40 minutes was because you chose to arrive half hour early... I think 10 minute wait is pretty logical at fine restaurants.. i mean knowing they'd be booked full.. you wouldn't want to be paying so much and be shoved out the door right at time limit (if they even had one). i went to canoe and waited at the bar for well over 25 minutes and thought it was alright.

But yea.. still iffy about the poor organization and such..it's understandable that you rate them one star.. but if it's because of the wait that started your night off bad...then don't be too upset coz i think they got our big table together pretty quick actually.

hope your next winterlicious event will be better. :D

[Dash]

i feel bad for you for your terrible time at nectar with the food at least.. but about the wait thing.. if you think logically.. your reservation was at 8:30 and you arrived at 8:00 at your own will... they asked you to wait at the bar and gave you your table about 10 minutes late... not really 40 minutes. 40 minutes was because you chose to arrive half hour early... I think 10 minute wait is pretty logical at fine restaurants.. i mean knowing they'd be booked full.. you wouldn't want to be paying so much and be shoved out the door right at time limit (if they even had one). i went to canoe and waited at the bar for well over 25 minutes and thought it was alright.

But yea.. still iffy about the poor organization and such..it's understandable that you rate them one star.. but if it's because of the wait that started your night off bad...then don't be too upset coz i think they got our big table together pretty quick actually.

hope your next winterlicious event will be better. :D

I was there that night, and everything that she said is true. It's not so much that we had to wait for our table, it was their attitude towards the situation. I didn't even really know about that, until after the dinner. What I was most upset about was how they completely mixed up our orders, and didn't seem to care in the slightest. They just kept putting random steaks in front of us, and not asking whether or not it was correct. in fact, even when we asked if these were cooked the way we had asked, the server just looked at us and said that he had no idea, and that we had to ask our server. Then when we asked our server, he had no idea what we ordered. I had a well done steak in front of me, when I asked for medium rare, and it wasn't until I said that I wasn't going to eating it, that he offered to take it back. It really shouldn't come to that. They should see that it's not what we ordered, and do what they can to correct it.

Anyways, I rarely do these winterlicious and summerlicious deals, because of the limited menu and the feeling that we'll get treated like bargain basement diners, and Nectar certainly exemplified the latter. The other time I went to summerlicious, it wasn't actually that bad, and I remember enjoying the experience, so I'm not going to say all restaurants will treat you like crap, but I definitely think Nectar did.

$65/person would definitely have been better spent on having a regular dinner, at any of Toronto's resturants. Even if you have to spend an extra $15, at least you get the full value of your money, and not feel completed unsatisfied.

[Ragged]

My girlfriend and I are big fans of Winterlicious/Summerlicious and have gone the last few years and have been to over 15 different restaurants and have been very satisfied with pretty much all of them.

The one we always go back to is this little place called Foccaccia near Yonge and Bloor. It's Latin/Mediterranean flavoured place that never dissappoints. It's a small little place but it always delivers.

For this year, we went on a Friday night for a 5:45 reservation ( early I know, but that was all they had, which we didn't mind) The place was empty which was kinda nice cuz we had the whole place to ourselves. The one thing we love about the place was the service. It's a small place so they only have two servers. We've always had Larry who is very friendly/funny/knowledgeble.

The food was excellent and it went as follows:

Appetizer: They had a nice selection of soup/salad/calamari/foie gras/shrimp
we both had the foie gras and it was really good. We've had the calamari/shrimp in previous years and you won't be dissappointed with those either.

Main: Steak/Duck/Salmon/Pork/Veal/Tilapia

I had the steak which was cooked to perfection while my gf had the duck which was very flavourful and perfectly cooked.

Desserts:

Creme Brule/Chocolate cake

Both had the creme brule and were above average. Foccaccia has never had fancy desserts but always above average. So those that have a sweet tooth might be slightly let down, but the food and service will more than make up for it.

Advice: It's best to go early as the food will always taste better. Try to avoid Saturday nights, especially during prime time cuz it gets very busy.

That's it for now, give this little place a try. Happy eating!

[lithiumli]

went to Fred's not here on friday and man was the food ever bad. was not what i was expecting.

[CHINAdeals]

Went to Canoe on a Saturday Night, originally I think we were supposed to be seated in the 'side' smaller room ( the place is really not that big to begin with neways) but we got sat in the MAIN room.

The place is gorgeous..i mean the view..just wow..the CN tower is not THAT much taller than the 54th story.

Food was pretty good IMO (not stellar). I've heard 'worse' things..

Ordered the:

- goat cheese & onion tart - very rich..nice taste
- Smoked salmon appetizer (nothing special..just smoked salmon)

- lamb on mashed potatoes (this was AMAZING..lamb was so soft..it practically melted on the tongue - and those mashed potatoes are awesome..like smooth but chunky at the same time)
- seared ahi tuna ( this wasn't very good..wasnt' so much seared as cooked all the way through)

- forgot what the deserts were..pudding & some pie/tart thing too.both very decent

overall great meal..good service i mean..impressive.they were very professional (and we totally weren't the 'regular' crowd if you know what I mean)

when i left for the washroom.they FOLDED my napkin.lol.i was so amazed. haha. neways.

thumbs up for Canoe..but prolly something I'd only do once a year...the regular menu is ridiculously exp. :S

There IS better food to be found elsewhere..but not that view

[taichiubg]

Hey everyone, I used to do the redial technique... Just go to the restaurants between 1 and 4 and make the reservation. Be professional or they'll say "all winterlicious reservations must be made by phone"...yeah right they must.