JAMcafé
195 Carlton St, Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z8 | 416-921-1255 | jamcafe.ca
Well, it’s been a while since we have added a restaurant review, so let’s get to it.
JAMCafé, located at 19 Carlton St in Cabbagetown has been open for 2 years, and has been serving scrumptious food from day 1.
Chef Av Atikian, whose illustrious career has had him cook in places like The Rosedale Diner, Herb’s and Across the Road, partnered up with his brother and sister to start this establishment.
Having grown tired of cooking under someone else’s mantle, he did what most chefs only dream of and opened his own spot.
What set’s Av apart from a lot of his peers is his keen awareness of pairing food and wine. By hand selecting the wines himself, it allows him an advantage when creating his menus. He is a true artist when combing flavors from his dishes to the flavors in the bottles.
While on a recent excursion to the restaurant, (for my Birthday, no less!) we started with 2 delicious appetizers. The Frito Misto (Seafood lightly battered in a panko crusting and deep fried) was delicate and perfectly cooked. As well, the house-smoked duck breast salad was absolutely tender and moist.
For our mains, we had a Confit of Muscovy Duck with 2 yr. old smoked cheddar poutine, preserved cherry and rosemary demi glace. The second was a Quail and Squab Bourguignon En Croûte, slow cooked with Pinot Noir, carrots and parsnips, smoked bacon, pearl onions, puff pastry Both were excellently prepared, and portions are always generous. I think that in the 5 times we have been there we have not had dessert once!
For those who are budget conscious in these difficult times, Av offers a wonderful 3 course prix fixe menu for $19, and also has no corkage on Sundays. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, the service prompt and attentive.
JAMCafé is open Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm.
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z8 | 416-532-8000 | pizzerialibretto.com
Now its time to talk pizza. Real Pizza.
Pizza Libretto is a relatively new joint on the hot spot of Ossington.
On a cold Thursday night we arrived at around 7:30pm to be greeted by a line-up 10 tables deep. Apparently somebody forgot to tell the eager diners that there was a recession.
When we were seated (quite soon, I should say) we were greeted with a great plate of Affetati e Formaggi Misti. After we hungrily finished that, I had a great salad (Cookstown Arugula, Pear, Walnut, Piave (slightly sweet hard cheese), Balsamic Vinaigrette. But the real reason that we, and I assume everyone else was there, was the Pizza. Thin, soft chewy crust with very simple yet tasty toppings. I’ve had a few pizza’s in Italy in my day and I have to say it was indistinguishable. Fantastic.
The wine list is great, all Italian and focused on great values from all over the boot.
The service was quick and friendly, and we will certainly go back just as soon as we can.
Open daily from 5-11pm.
Weezies
354 King Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1K9 | 416-777-9339
To start us off, I have to mention one of my most favourite small bistro’s in the city, Weezies. Located on King St E at Parliament, this little spot has been serving up great food for about 3 years now. Owners Jamie and Constance run a tight ship, with a very simple and elegant bistro menu with one of the best burger and frites in the city. The wine list is compact and well thought, with most under $50, and I would recommend that if you are planning to go there to make reservations. It only seats 34, and on a recent trip there on a Friday night no fewer than 20 people were turned away while we had dinner.
They are open Tuesday to Friday for Lunch, and for Dinner Wednesday to Saturday.
