RED TOMATO

RED TOMATO

Location:
321 King Street
Toronto ON
M5V1J5

Ratings:
Service: 3 / 4
Ambiance: 2.75 / 4
Food: 2.75 /4
Price: $

The other night I met up with my friend DF for a mid-week early dinner. We decided to go to the Red Tomato to take advantage of their weekday deal where all their menu items and beers are just five dollars at the bar. The bar had a nice set up intimate and dark which bordered on tacky. During the day, I could imagine it to be a bit of an eye sore. The bartender slash server was really friendly and attentive, without hovering too much over us as we ate. Since everything was only five bucks, we decided to get a few things and share them. Be warned: although the prices are small, the portions are quite sizeable. Our eyes were bigger than our stomachs; we ordered five dishes for the two of us and could not finish.

First out of the gate was the ROASTED BABY BACK RIBS with cumin-chipotle-honey-BBQ sauce. The ribs were served with a black bean salsa and cabbage slaw.The meat was juicy, sticky and tasty, but we both agreed that the slaw and the salsa stole the show.

As recommended by the bartender we went with the CHIPOTLE SHRIMP TACOS. The tacos were filled with a large portion of shrimp and house made tangy tomato salsa, fresh guacamole and a chipotle aioli. The taco shells were warm, soft and thin which allowed the fillings to really shine.

We weren't sure how big the portions were going to be, so we added a pasta dish to our order. We decided to go with the LINGUINE WITH JUMP FRIED SHRIMP. The pasta was nicely cooked and tossed in their famous jalapeño tomato cream sauce. The dish was very rich and quite large, so we were happy to be sharing it.

The highlight of the night was when the BLACKENED SALMON arrived. The salmon was well cooked with the skin still on, which added a nice crispy texture to the soft flaky salmon. We were happy to see a side of the black bean salsa and sweet corn on this dish too, for we really enjoyed it with the ribs and were ready for more. Although, if we had only ordered those two dishes we would have been disappointed to have the same side on both plates - not too creative.

Last but not least, we had the COCONUT SHRIMP. The large jumbo shrimp were covered in shredded coconut and deep fired. The shrimp were still juicy, we could tell they were made fresh in-house, which was nice.

Would we go back? If we were in the area and wanted some drinks and a snack, then yes.

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:

The Blackened Salmon

SALT WINE BAR

SALT WINE BAR

Location:

225 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8

(416) 533-7258

Ratings:

Service: 2 . 5 / 4

Ambiance: 3 / 4

Food: 3 . 5  / 4

Price: $$

Salt Wine Bar is one of the newer additions to the Ossington restaurant strip. When we walked to our table we felt like we were in a rustic wine cellar. The decor is simple yet well thought out with decorative chandeliers providing romantic dim lighting. 

The service is a little slow but its worth the wait. Dinner was comprised of selections from a delicate innovative tapas menu that would interest any seafood lover. 

We went on a Tuesday, when tacos are the special of the night. our waiter suggested ordering 3 - 4 dishes per person. We ordered 7 for 3 people and thought it was enough, we were satisfied but not overly stuffed.

As we were exploring the menu, we were brought a light AMUSE BOUCHE of thin crackers and a black olive tapenade. 

We started with the ALBERTA BISON TARTAR. The Tartar was incredible. It may have been one of the best I have ever had.The beef was fresh and hand chopped, no meat grinder here. It was served along side taro chips, sesame aioli and ginger soy vinaigrette. All elements of the dish worked well together.

The skin on the DUCK CONFIT was well crisped, the meat was juicy and well seasoned. The ARUGULA SALAD'S  hazelnut vinaigrette dressing added a sweet finishing touch to the dish.

The ALBACORE TUNA TATAKI melted in your mouth. It was served with a pickled slaw and avocado slices. This dish was irresistible, although we thought the slaw could have been more delicate to coincide with the tender tuna.

The SPICY GRILLED CALAMARI came with large chunks of chorizo, chickpeas, roasted peppers, and coriander in a piri piri tomato sauce. While the flavours in the piri piri sure went well with the ingredients, the calamari itself was quite chewy and had an overly charred taste to it. Not the best dish of the night.

We each ordered a CHIPOTLE BBQ WILD BOAR TACO. The boar was topped with tomatillo, pineapple, lime creme, chillies, and coriander. We found the taco to be a little bland compared to the other dishes of the night.

 The SEA SCALLOPS were beautifully seared with a  house maple bacon, sweet green peas, and a brown butter sauce. The crispy bacon was well paired with the creamy sauce and smooth scallops, the crispy sweet peas added a nice contrast. 

The CHURROS were delicious tossed in cinnamon and sugar, and were accompanied by   a creamy dulce de leche sauce for dipping. It was a great way to end the meal.

Would we go back? YES!

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT: 

Alberta Bison Tartar