Table 17 is a local favorite in Toronto’s east end Leslieville neighbourhood. I had the opportunity to indulge in their brunch during the Victoria Day Long Weekend with my sister and friend Jonathan Nathaniel. I recently had a chance to return for their dinner service on a seasonal cusp: when Summer meets Autumn. I was joined by my good friend Vanessa who was eager to join me for a proper feast.
We were seated at the window overlooking Queen Street East directly under the restaurants iconic Rooster signage. The main dining room features a massive French harvest table which was covered in baskets full of fresh baguette #yesplease
We would be ordering off their summer menu (remember their menu’s ebb and flow with the seasons in order to promote the best of local ingredients) and were impressed with everything that was placed under our noses. The restaurant’s “hot balls” have become synonymous with the restaurant so should be on your “must order” list. I am a huge fan of rillette (my waist line hates me as I type this) and was pleased that the duck was paired with pickled vegetables and gherkins. My only qualm would be with the lemon panna cotta which was alright, however I am a bit more of a lemon curd intensity sort of citrus lover. I felt like I was only being offered a whisper of lemon where I prefer to be punched in the face with it. Cheeks should pucker! I was so pleased to see the restaurant packed on a Tuesday night. As we got up to leave I smiled: I could see friends laughing together with the clink of cocktails and families with children sharing their plates with great enthusiasm. As it should be.
We enjoyed:
Lotus Cabernet Sauvignon
Bellini
proseco, peach nectar
Summer Arugula Salad
roasted Niagara peaches, pistachios, Gorgonzola, pickled shallots and Champagne vinaigrette
Hot Ball Trio
mushroom and fontina stuffed risotto
goat cheese with wildflower honey
spiced lamb stuffed risotto
Polenta
soft and creamy with slow cooked Pepperonato sugo
Ontario Lamb
roasted leg and merguez sausage served with summer vegetables and butter poached morels
Duck Rillette
house made pickles and country toast
Lemon Panna Cotta
wild blueberry compote
#229 restaurant reviewed in Ontario since moving to Toronto in 2010.
