Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Casa Imperial - Riz North

Recently we tried two Asian restaurants where the food was just average but the decor was quite unique for the style of dining that we were having.


The first was Casa Imperial at Warden Ave and Steeles Ave which was formerly a steak house, but has since been converted into a Chinese dim sum restaurant.  The new owners did not change much of the wall fixtures, china or even the wait staff's uniforms, making it an interesting juxtaposition in styles.   Elaborate chandeliers adorn the ceilings.  Baroque style paintings depicting Louis XIV courtesans hang alongside red and gold Chinese symbols indicating "Double Happiness".


On the tables, European looking plates and gilded teapots are placed next to chopsticks and bamboo baskets of traditional Chinese dim sum brought in by waitresses in black and white French maid uniforms and waiters in black frilly shirts.  The portions were decent size but we found the food a bit bland and since you ordered off a menu rather than from push carts, all the dishes came at once causing them to be cold by the time we could eat them all.  You can get better dim sum for less money at the more traditional places up in Markham but this was an experience to dine in this setting.


Similarly a Asian fusion restaurant Riz North up in Midtown Toronto was decorated in what seemed like a wedding chapel with more chandeliers, white lattice on the walls and a room with an "altar".


For around $19, you can order from an all you can eat menu consisting of a combination of Thai, Japanese and Chinese food.  Choices include sushi, spring rolls, satays, dim sum, pad thai, curries, stir fried meats and vegetables, rice and noodle dishes.

These are two restaurants more interesting for their ambiance than for stellar food.  While they were pleasant enough, I think I'm ready to eat an awesome meal in a dive somewhere.

Casa Imperial - 4125 Steeles Ave East
Riz North - 3321 Yonge St.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

La Société

Stepping into La Société is like being transported to Paris.  Taking over the 2nd floor location on the Mink Mile formerly occupied by Dynasty Chinese Cuisine, everything about this  restaurant exudes the air of a Parisian Bistro - from the decor to the menu to the prices.


 The stunning stained glass ceiling reminds us of the restaurant Bofinger in the Marais district or the tea room within Au Printemps department store in the Opera district.  The flooring consists of decorative mosaic tiles, artsy French fashion posters line the walls and if you are lucky enough to score a window seat, you get a great view of Yorkville while seated on plush brown leather banquet benches surrounded by brass railings.

The menu contains the usual suspects for a French bistro - Duck Confit, Steak Frites, Croque Monsieur.

We dropped by to try out the French onion soup ($11), which was ranked by Marc Thuet as one of the best in Toronto in the Toronto Post magazine.  While it was good with a thick seared layer of Gruyère and Emmenthal cheese and a sweet broth, it did not unseat our current reigning favourite from Jacques Bistro du Parc.

The side of frites ($6) were exactly as we liked them - thinly sliced, crispy, not oily, lightly salted and served with a flavourful garlic aioli sauce.  My only complaint is that there could have been more sauce, but then, I always want more sauce.

La Société is worth a visit just to experience the beautiful decor.  We didn't really taste enough of the food to determine whether it is worth the steeper Yorkville prices.  If we come back, I would like to try the Salade Niçoise made with seared rare tuna and french beans.  Rich was eyeing the butter poached PEI lobster benedict that was being devoured at the table next to us.

La Société
131 Bloor St. West