Every summer and winter Toronto foodies get hyper excited about the Licious Season. Reservations are made with urgency as diners take advantage of the incredible value and exclusive prix fixe menus offered at over 175 of the cities top restaurants. I have always been a hesitant Licious fan as as I am typically more keen to eat off a restaurants regular menu in order to get a better appreciation of the depth of its culinary repertoire. Some love Licious, searching out the best menus and getting great value for their money. Others have horror stories of Licious gone wrong (where restaurants put out a sloppy mediocre menu). I think we can all agree the publicity for Toronto restaurants is exceptional but not every apple in the bowl is as ripe as the next.
This past Winterlicious I coordinated five reviews with the Bloor Yorkville BIA to showcase some of the best Licious menu the city has to offer. As many of you know I moved to Yonge and College this past summer from the West End. With Yorkville a short walk north from my apartment this culinary assignment allowed me to discover five new restaurants just a hop skip and a jump away.
I enjoyed lunch with my cousin Chris at Ciao Wine Bar, a 8,000 square foot restaurant in the heart of Yorkville featuring three different levels and seating capacity for 250 guests. This Italian restaurant offers a contemporary yet soulful environment created by the Liberty Entertainment Group. The lower level has been transformed into an underground “rustic cellar” with arched brick walls, vaulted ceilings and vintage viewing wine racks. The focal point of the lower level is the alabaster pizza bar. The mezzanine level, with stone and glass walls, rustic wood finishes and butcher block table tops is where we were seated.
We enjoyed (* notes my favorites):
Stratchatella *
egg drop, spinach, parmigiano reggiano
Eggplant Bake
bocconcini, parmigiano, tomato sauce
Chicken Milanese Panino
breaded chicken, tomato sauce, red pepper, parmigiano
Puzzi Pizza *
tomato, mozzarella, spicy Italian sausage, gorgonzola, onions
Cannoli Siciliani *
mascarpone cream and organize zest
Panna Cotta
apple agro dolce
Tags: ciao wine bar, Toronto, winterlicious, yorkville
