Location Review77 Adelaide Street West
First Canadian Place
Toronto, ON
Tel: (416) 862-7337
Menu
A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending Vickie's birthday dinner (@kiki_BFF) at Reds Wine Tavern (@REDSWINETAVERN). Along with the company of 15 others, which included Justine (@foodigatorJ) and my boyfriend Rob, the restaurant crafted a pre-fixed menu for us. Normally I like having the flexibility of choosing my own dishes, but considering all the great things I heard about this newly renovated restaurant, I didn't mind it too much. And with the Executive Chef in the kitchen being Season 2 Top Chef Canada contestant, Ryan Gallagher (who by the way, was one I rooted for), I had some faith in the pre-set menu.
Reds Wine Tavern
Dining Room
This venue doesn't seem to want you to forget you're in a liquor licensed establishment. A big wine rack sits in the middle of the dining room, and almost everywhere you turn are furniture pieces laced with beer bottles or wine glasses.
Beer Bottle Chandelier
Chef's Table & Our Server
Our big party was placed at a unique U-shaped chef's table which allowed the server to walk between the tables.
Table Napkins
Rob pointed out that the table napkins here have a little hole in them. After much deliberation we concluded that this was a button hole for dress shirts. Considering the majority of diners here are individuals working nearby in the financial district, it's a smart idea!
Table Setting & Menu
Tavern Cheese and Butcher Board ($28.99) - chef’s selection of cheeses, cured meats, pickles, preserves and bread
This was not part of the fixed prix menu, and was ordered as starter to share amongst the table. The Butcher Board was a great selection of cured meats and a selection of potent cheeses. What I loved the most were the preserves. The little container of what looks like olives are actually preserved baby kiwis. Really unique from most other preserves.
Wild Mushroom Soup -Parmesan crouton, knoki and celery salad
Usually I'm more of a salad girl, but I can never resist having mushroom soup. I was a bit disappointed when it was the regular pureed mushroom soup with cream, but more so a broth with mushrooms. I didn't care for this style of soup too much..
Grilled Pacific Yellowfin Tuna Nicoise - argula, fried egg, marinated beans, pickled onions, roasted cherry tomatoes
Rob ordered the nicoise and in comparison was the winner as far as starters go. The tuna is nicely seared with the centre still raw.
Jet Fresh Fish - Daily fish special, seasonal garnish
Jet Fresh Fish - Daily fish special, seasonal garnish
Canadian Prime Striploin - grilled fried rapini, charred onion jus, fries
Medium Rare Canadian Prime Striploin
The entrees in comparison to the other 2 courses of the meal were decent but unmemorable. The portions are generous for the pricetag, and typically executed. You don't get anything beyond the ordinary, but sometimes that's all you really need.
Grasshopper Pie - Chocolate & Mint schnapps mousse, Oreo cookie crumble base
Having a big sweet tooth probably doesn't give me much credibility when I provide opinions on dessert. My boyfriend Rob on the other hand, doesn't really care for it, and above all he HATES chocolate mint. So the fact that even he liked this Grasshopper Pie was a testament to how good it was. The mousse is rich but very subtle in mint flavour, not leaving you with a "just-mouthwashed" sensation. The oreo crisps are a nice bonus too! Justine mentioned that she would come back here just for this, and I would have to agree. Definitely tops the charts as one of my all time favourite desserts.
Carrot Cake - Coconut cream, molasses cream cheese icing, walnut daquoise
The Damage:$1,832!
At the end of it, I really enjoyed my experience at Reds Wine Tavern. The desserts were exceptional, the venue is classy yet inviting, and the price point is extremely reasonable given its location in the financial district. Would definitely return to give the normal menu a try.
