Okay, well, two Sundays have come and gone and no report from TF - sorry to keep you waiting! I know you have all been glancing at your computers and smartphones desperately anticipating my reviews!
First, Stack - a solid neighborhood joint serving up acceptable food at slightly inflated prices (think BP and HC). Fish tacos were good, but not fantastic. There was nothing unique about these to make them stand out. I tried them after hearing that people loved them. I liked them but will not be running back here for them. I also tried the donuts (with cinnamon-sugar, and a S'mores milkshake). The donuts were served warm and seemed fresh but were not as good as other fresh donuts I have tried.
My husband and a couple friends shared a platter. I consider my husband to be a very good judge of meats because he has made his own many, many times - barbecued, smoked and non-smoked. He thought the food was "okay". He is also not in a rush to go back. I tried the mac n' cheese that was served with the platter and it was good, but again, nothing special or unique.
All in all, this is a good family spot if you happen to live nearby, but it is not a destination restaurant. Stockyards far outshines this restaurant. I had read that the owner used to have a Shoeless Joes and wanted more freedom to play with the ingredients. I hope that he tweaks the menu a little more to please those looking for more smoke flavour and to offer something a little more unique.
Okay, on to Scarpetta. First, if you are looking to impress a date, bring him/her here and get the five course tasting menu. Maybe they will offer another travelzoo coupon for it -that'd be great! Everything here was amazing!
Highlights were the polenta and mushrooms, beet salad, spahetti, and the desserts (caramel budino and a chocolate cake). The polenta was creamy and the mushrooms were flavourful. The beets in the beet salad were perfectly done, not too crunchy but not mushy. The spaghetti - best I've ever had! All spaghetti will now pale in comparison. Caramel budino was delicious - sweet and creamy, and every bite of the chocolate cake was a little taste of heaven!
I really hope to return to Scarpetta in the near future (hope to find a groupon or travelzoo deal)! My best meal in Toronto of 2012.
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