Grace Restaurant

I've had a really hectic couple of weeks — what with long hours of work (lots of weddings, bridal parties, engagement shoots, and baby showers this month) and generally trying to avoid the insane heat (the temperatures lately are getting unreal here, guys), I've only really had time to go to those two concerts (I apologize for the bombardment of videos; I get excited about live music). But I finally found some time to have dinner with Steph this evening, and we decided to take advantage of the Summerlicious prices at Grace:
Tuna sashimi with citrus, sprouts, and traditional garnish
During Summerlicious, all participating restaurants offer a prix fixe menu for a set price, and Grace is offering a three-course dinner for $35. For the first course, I chose the tuna sashimi, a plate consisting of five slices of fresh, fleshy white tuna, drizzled with tart citrus, and topped with fish roe and leafy sprouts. I didn't love the cilantro in it, but I can appreciate the contrast of it against the citrus. Light and refreshing — a lovely appetizer for a sweltering day like today. I was surprised that tuna sashimi was offered on the menu, though, because Grace is meant to offer "modern farmhouse cuisine." Unless that farmhouse is actually a fishing village in Japan. 
Grilled flat iron steak with ramp whipped pomme fondant, grilled summer vegetables, and bordelaise 
For the main course, both Steph and I got the grilled flat iron steak. Flat iron steaks are supposed to be flavourful but on the tougher side, but I thought it was really juicy and tender, cooked at a perfect rare. It was served with slices of Gruyère, which added a beautiful earthy contrast to the meat. To round out the meat, there was grilled beans, broccoli, and squash on a bed of "ramp whipped pomme fondant," which is basically a smoother, lighter version of garlic mashed potatoes. The portion was on the smaller side (Steph was like, "We might need to go to Sneaky Dee's for nachos after..."), but I actually preferred it so I'd have room to fully enjoy the next course.
Flourless chocolate cake with dehydrated meringue, peanut pulse, and dulce de leche
For dessert, I opted for the flourless chocolate cake, which wasn't so much a cake as it was a rich, dense mousse made of bittersweet chocolate. I normally wouldn't get something so blatantly chocolatey, but I was craving it today (as girls sometimes do, you know). I think on any other occasion, I'd think it's too much, too cloying (I am not a chocolate person), but I actually quite enjoyed that sweetness tonight, especially with the dulce de leche adding a nice creaminess and the flurry of peanuts adding a nice salty contrast. Steph ordered the parfait, a simple but addictive concoction of fresh strawberries and blueberries, honey chantilly cream, and candied granola, which was light and summery, and not as heavy or sickly as my choice; something I would definitely have preferred had I not been having a rare craving for chocolate. 
Overall, both Steph and I thought it was a solid Summerlicious meal, one that made us just full enough (no need for those nachos after all), and I definitely thought it was worth $35. Their regular menu sounds really intriguing, too, definitely enough for me to go back and try it (smoked chicken terrine and duck breast with gnocchi? — yes, please!). The service was okay, not particularly memorable, attentive, or efficient; aside from the girl who took our orders, who was very nice and sweet, everyone else who served us seemed... harried, running from table to table, like either the turnover was too fast or they were understaffed. I have found service to be like this during Summerlicious and Winterlicious, though, so it's not a make-it-or-break-it point for me. I will note, however, that I didn't think it was worth the mandatory gratuity fee that is automatically added on to the bill. I get why they do it, what with the lowered price of the Summerlicious menu, but I feel like service should be a little better than mediocre to be worth 18% gratuity, no? 

Grace Restaurant 503 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1A5 (416) 944-8884

Sassafraz

I met up with Mary and Liz last night for dinner at Sassafraz. It was actually an evening of many exciting firsts: My first time having dinner with both Mary and Liz, my first time eating at Sassafraz, and my first time participating in Summerlicious. Needless to say, it was a great success! Sassafraz was offering a $45 three-course prix fixe menu for Summerlicious, and we all managed to get something different. Here, my choices:

Confit pork belly with stewed tomatoes, escarole, and garlic chips

Braised lamb shank with roasted garlic sweet potato mash, asparagus, and sweet apple cider glaze

Banana cream tart, toasted coconut mousse, and mango sherbet

See that pork belly up there? That's what dreams are made of. There were many tempting options (including the seared scallops that both Mary and Liz ended up getting), but when there is pork belly on the menu, I must have it. There is just nothing like a big chunk of delicious, meaty pork with a thick layer of soft, pillowy fat. Seriously. The braised lamb shank was likewise fantastic — the meat, with that glorious gamey, smoky flavour, literally fell off the bone. I don't regret my choice, though Mary's striploin was by far my favourite entrée of the night (you just can't go wrong with a big slab of cow!). And for dessert, I chose the banana cream tart, all smooth and airy in a crisp buttery shell, paired with a refreshing mango sherbet. Such a great ending to a lovely meal. If their Summerlicious offerings are any indication of their regular menu, Sassafraz is a restaurant that I will definitely be visiting again! Thanks for a fabulous evening, girls!

Sassafraz

100 Cumberland Street

Toronto, ON M5R 1A6

(416) 964-2222