Had dinner at Grace on Saturday night. Food was generally good and the waiter was friendly and attentive enough, but what ruined the night for me and the other three people I was dining with was when the host (I think his name was Jason) rudely told us we needed to leave half way through dessert because people were waiting for our table. When we expressed suprise that we were being so abruptly ushered out of there, he told us that we knew we only had the table for two hours (we had been there for two hours and 15 minutes). The person in our party who made the reservation does not remember being told that we only had a two hour window, and certainly our waiter hadn't mentioned it. When we told the host that, he (again rudely) told us that the person (at Grace) who took our reservation would have told him (i.e., our friend was either lying or mistaken). Didn't seem to occur to Jason that maybe the person who had recorded our reservation had forgotten to tell us. And Jason certainly didn't seem fussed that we were not happy about the situation.
Bender's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I, too, find the poor reviews surprising. Perhaps it would be interesting if the staff wrote reviews of some of the customers? Many sound like petty, spoiled brats who didn't get their own way. My experience was very positive. The meal, shared by 3 of us, comprised of 3 different starters as well as 3 different entrees, all excellently prepared. The waitress we had was the first to swirl a small amount of the wine we'd ordered in the decanter, a sign of her experience. She was exceptionally professional, courteous and attentive, without being all over us looking for approval.
The wine list is sensibly broad to cover budgets and tastes from a wide range. It was my first time there and not the last. Fortunately, some of the dining critics below are unlikely to be in attendance which is fine with me.
Al's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Oh my god! I can't believe the last post. I've eaten at grace on multiple occasions and while the food is great, I think the staff is terrific! Professional and knowledgeable, but also a lot of fun and really nice. I find it so weird that someone would find it stuck-up there...I have had the absolute opposite experience there. Different strokes I guess?
Anonymous's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Over all this place sucks, but the funny thing is that the food is fantastic. Very stuck up staff, had to wait 45 minutes to be seated for our 9pm reservation, food took FOR ever to arrive, wait staff were taking beers 1/3 full still and when we made a comment about it they got a little testy. If it were not for the company and the food the night would have been a write off. Go there if you love good food and bad service.
Jayden1308's Rating: 2 Stars |
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If you don't enjoy the food or service, of course, write about it..but you show your ignorance when personally insulting someone. As far as I can tell this isn't why these sights exist, perhaps you should be writing for a gossip rag.
The Constant Diner Review's Rating: 3 Stars |
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You obviously don't know her and i'll put money on the fact that you probably haven't been to the restaurant.
Please keep this bs off martiniboys. Blog about restaurants and keep YOUR cattiness to yourself.
Fan Of Grace's Rating: Stars |
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Why all the love for Grace? The bleached owner is consistently the smarmiest characters in the business. Her cattiness is banal, and brings down the entire place.
Terrance Harrison's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Some things are done well, some not.
The pork chop, corn soup, lamb pot pie and lemon tart were delicious. The lemon tart was especially lovely - warm, delicate crust, not overly sweet filling. The vanilla bean ice cream was very refreshing, smooth and clean - beautiful and addictive.
The lardon that comes with the scallop appetizer were very tough. I'm not sure why they don't remove those pieces as they don't add anything positive to the dish. I did enjoy the endive with the scallops, which were perfectly done.
I had hoped to try the chocolate souffle but unfortunately, it was no longer on the menu. Therefore, I settled with the cheesecake instead. Although described as "light as air," the cheesecake was more like a medium weight. Not like the truly light as air Japanese-style cheesecakes and not like your typical dense, heavy cheesecake. The accompanying strawberry preserves were fine but not memorable.
One of us unfortunately had a cod appetizer and the fish was overcooked - a sin when any decent Chinese restaurant turns out fish perfectly done! And then their main, a pasta, was undercooked and overly salted - ouch! Finally, the chocolate Hostess cake was dry and perhaps stale? They did not experience a pleasant meal.
Service was good, water filled up regularly without being asked. The second waiter that served us was quite the salesperson with the desserts.
The restaurant's decor was casually elegant. It was a bit loud which I attribute to it being Friday night - not a quiet, romantic spot.
So, if you know which items on the menu the restaurant can do well, then this is a good place but otherwise, it's a gamble and not worth the price.
Miggy's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Save yourself time from reading all the reviews. If you like great food and are cosmopolitan you'll love this place. If you're still "clubbing it" and live in 905 and wear Pumas they don't want you here. Take the hint.
Dante's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Love Grace! The food is awesome and the decor is perfect. I would recommend this amazing restaurant to anyone. The food is fresh and the experience should be enjoyed. I am surprised when people make a big deal waiting 30- 40 minutes for their dinner. It isn't fast food!
As for the girls bad mouthing Grace- I can only imagine they are not welcome back! Sounds like they should have taken their little party to Kelseys. More their pace I am sure.
Lola's Rating: 4 Stars |
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I love Grace; my favorite College street restaurant. I do have to admit that the waiters are pretty snobby. The lady with the blond hair is the worst.
All the starters are great. Entree faves are the lambshank and fish. Cod I think. Whatever it is, it's really tender and the flavours are mouth watering.
Erin Peterson's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Impressive food but the ambience is a tad bit stuffy for me. The wait staff is excellent. Great for business dinner or late drinks.
Craig Hillier's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Went there last night and had a great time. We did have to wait a bit before being seated but the hostess was very apologetic and obviously working hard to get our table ready. Staff was friendly and having a good time and the food was excellent. I had heard a lot about this place and it lived up to the hype. We'll be back.
Greg S.'s Rating: Stars |
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Cute, but a bit attitude-ish.
Louis Terrance's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Went for dinner the other night...great food, great service, great atmosphere. Place was packed and buzzing. We'll be back soon.
Deryk's Rating: 4 Stars |
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These guys are developing way too much attitude. Food is good, when it arrives, but for what they charge and the service they provide it's not really worth it. The reluctance of hte staff to take any personal accountability for mistakes - not having table ready at time of reservation, bringing the wrong order to the table - is really what takes the cake.
Not Happy's Rating: 1 Stars |
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This place was a huge disappointment. While our server was attentive and friendly, that was the only plus about this establishment. My husband and I have worked in the industry for 15 years so we know a little something about food, wine and service. The restaurant was freezing and drafty. No lemon or lime offered with my $7 bottle of water. The wine list was lean to say the least and presumptuously expensive. Our $110 bottle of Burgundy was a let down. My pork was half fat, which was cleverly covered by a chutney and the potatoes were cold. My husband`s dish was no better. If you're going to have an unbelieveably tiny menu, EVERYTHING on it must be top notch, especially at these prices. Not worth your hard earned money. Oh, to be fair, the bread was quite good.
Leslie's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Annie and Katie = staff
Randy's Rating: Stars |
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This is the first time I have eaten at Grace. A good friend of mine is visiting from New York and so I wanted to take him somewhere special. Grace certainly hit the mark! My guest thought the Halibut dish was divine, cooked to perfection with just the right amount of buerre blanc to enhance but not overpower the fish. I thoroughly enjoyed my Sirloin steak and thought the presentation was wonderful. As a dessert fan I could not get enough, where else can you get a gourmet chocolate Brownie with homemade icecream and decadent chocolate sauce, yum! The service was friendly and efficient, lacking the usual pretense of fine dining. My New Yorker friend is a certified "foodie" and was very impressed by this charming little spot. We will be back!
Annie's Rating: 4 Stars |
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How interesting.
I had the pleasure of eating at Grace last night.
Unfortunately, i was sitting very close to the table of the last few reviews and witnessed the whole thing.
What an embarrassment for diners as a whole.
The attitude and behaviour of these young people was appalling.
I can assure you that the management at Grace was exceptional and nothing less than professional.
People need to check their attitudes at the door and behave. These children should learn to respect people, not try and walk all over them.
The food was marvelous. Joanne Kates was right on the mark.
Katie's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Our group showed up on time for our reservation, only to be told it had been cancelled. When we explained that we hadn't cancelled anything and there must have been a mistake, we were told that "one of your friends must have been playing a trick on you." They refused to accomodate us, were totally unapologetic for the mix-up, and continued to assert that it was somehow our fault, and that we had done something wrong. After being treated like that, I will never recommend this restaurant to anyone. Totally pathetic, and intolerably rude.
Anonymous's Rating: Stars |
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The worst dining experience I have had! I had to ask for ice 3 times before it came... our meals took 40 minutes. When they arrived my meal was overcooked and hard. My friend had ordered the same thing and hers was much better than mine. I sent it back and was offered something else. My friend complained to the manager and honestly I have never been treated so rudely in my life. He told us how dare we complain that it was a fine establishment... my friend works in a fine dining restaurant so he said the service was unacceptable for the price we pay to dine there. The manager followed by announcing he knew who my friend was and didn't care. I was horrified. Isn't the managers job to ensure guest are having a good dining experience not insult them? When leaving we asked again to speak to the manager and a different lady who seemed to be the hostess was sent instead. He didn't even have the nerve to come back over to the table. I will NEVER return, nor will any of my friends. I suggest you try this restaurant if you enjoy being treated like dirt!
I'd give Grace a 0 Star if I could.
Jmilne's Rating: Stars |
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I hate to even give them a star, but I will because the servers were kind.
After waiting 40 minutes for our entree, one of our guest food was horribly over cooked, and she received the same meal as another person at the table we had something to compare it against.
The manager came over and informed us that there wasn't any of that item left and asked her to choose another. My friend politely told the manager that we waited so long for our food and that now she would be eating alone that was disappointed.
Which at that moment the manager proceeded to tell my friend I know who you are ad where you work, and I think it is insulting for you to ask us to do something for her, he proceeded on this bitter tirade for another minute and ran away like the coward he is.
We were all left with our Jaws open, I have never been spoke to in such a manner especially in a place that I have just spent a substancial amount of money.
I asked the server to bring the manner over, the coward hid two tables behind us as the Owner came over, I expressed my feeling. At no point did she apologize, she defended the manager and made excuses!
NEVER GO HERE THE DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS WHICH THEY MADE QUITE CLEAR TO US! BUT YET THEY WERE STILL HAPPY TO TAKE OUR MONEY!
The food was mediocre at best.
Furious's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Disappointing to say the least. My expectations going in was that it would be a comfortable, relaxed restaurant with a menu that composed of small plates, apps, entrees that are reasonably priced. A place where you can go and create a meal out of your own liking and size. All we got was big priced attitude.
Keith AUgustine's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I have never been dismissed by management so abruptly before. As a former server, I know what is reasonable to request. My table of 4 waited an hour and 10 minutes to be seated and was promised a round of drinks at our table when we settled up for the 9 drinks we bought at the bar. After dinner we were brought our bill assuming that a round of drinks would have been removed - as promised. Sadly, this was not the case and when the manager finally came over to let us know that removing an espresso and one glass of wine was all that he could, he also added that he knew "for a fact" that we has not been waiting for over an hour (we DEFINITELY had) and that the bartender upstairs should not have made any promises.
My friends and I are young, employed and single and go out a lot, but NEVER again at Grace and after being treated with such hostility, I will do my best to make sure that none of my friends do either.
Jessica's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Went last night with a friend - service was friendly and timely, food was delicious, presentation was lovely and portions were ample. The room is pretty, with lighting that makes everyone look good.
L. Corkery's Rating: 4 Stars |
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I'd heard so much about this place, and decided to finally check it out one night. It took more than 5 minutes to be greeted by a host at the door, as she was busy serving as well. The waiter we had, told us about the specials, but mixed up details, so when we ordered one of the specials that he said came with scallops, it showed up with clams instead. The appetizer, which was chicken pate, was good, by the presentation was poor, and the crisps were not suitable for it, with massive holes in the centre of each from baking and limited actual spreading surface. We also had the gnocchi and the seafood linguini. The gnocchi was over-run with rosemary, and the portion was very small. Again, presentation lacking. The linguini was under-flavoured, and came with 3 shrimp and a few clams, which on their own seemed to have not been seasoned what-so-ever. The linguini noodles themselves were light and delicate, but the sauce was nothing special (I've had better at East Side Mario's), and again, the portions were very small. Had they offered a 5 course menu, the portions would have made sense to me, from what I've experienced at other restaurants of this nature. We ended up being served by THREE different waiters by the end of the evening, which I've never had happen in a restaurant of this level before. Not once were we made to feel special that evening. We didn't even want to order dessert, which we'd been initially looking forward to, because we were so put off by the experience. We had heard this place was all about charm, but there was nothing charming about our dinner experience at Grace.
L's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Food was okay but didn't make up for the rude and slow wait-staff. Wouldn't go back again.
Suzette's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Nothing spectacular or creative. Just your run of the mill good restaurant. The food is better and cheaper than others in the area.
Bill Taylor's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I seriously don't get the attraction of this place. A friend and I went one day for dinner, waited for our seat for 30 minutes then waited for 20 after ordering. Only to find out they had 'lost' one of our orders for which we had to wait another 10.
Tara Bennett's Rating: 1 Stars |
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I went here a few weeks ago with a couple friends and it was great. The unfortunate part was finding out that Ryan Gosling showed up minutes after I had left. There goes my chance at a Notebook-esque life.
The food was great, the white sangria was great, the waitress was....odd. She kind of just showed up to our table and stared at us, waiting for us to acknowledge her existence. And she didn't do that once, she did it every time she came to the table. I felt like I was being rude somehow, when really, I wasn't.
The atmosphere inside is perfect. It's fresh, comfortable and clean. Just be careful when you go down the stairs to get to the washroom. They're a bit steep.
Marayna Dickinson's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Grace was a fantastic treat for our four year anniversary. We had high expectations for a restaurant that took over our previous former Brunch spot (Xacutti). Our server was excellent! She was always pleasant and answered all of our questions thoroughly - she also had a personality that was wonderful.
The food was delicious - my partner had the asparagus salad, which he has already recommended to many of our friends. Don't order the gnocchi as a main - though it is listed below the "large space" that seems to dividde smaller vs larger portions, it is best left as an appetizer. So long it remains as an appetizer, it's wonderful and just the right size... and delicious! The chicken pot pie is tasty though I can't say it's the best I've ever had. My partner seemed to enjoy the short ribs and sweet potato.
Desserts were fantastic - the cheesecake will delight your tastebuds and if you're a fan of chocolate soufle, Grace will provide you with one that is to write home about.
Our only complain: the noise. Half way into our meal, the restaurant got so loud, it was actually painful on our ears. Our neighbouring table (and even our waitress) also commented on this. The waitress stated that this was abnormally loud so we believe the night we were there was an exception to the general rule of the space. The food and service will make us return to find out! ;-)
Overall - 3/4 stars.
GayUrbanite's Rating: 3 Stars |
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OK, I hate to be the voice of dissent, but I really don't like this place. Maybe it was because my date and I showed up without reservation but we were not treated well by the staff. We were seated immediately, but it took our waiter 15 minutes to even approach us to see if we wanted drinks. When we finally got our appetizers they were cold and our mains were rubbery and just not restaurant worthy. When we tried to talk to our watier about it, we were brushed off. NOT a good experience, especially for the price.
Janine Mala's Rating: 2 Stars |
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The food and atmosphere are lovely. But the service -- especially the rude hostess impacted all the positive aspects of the night. Toronto is a big city with LOTS of other options -- no need to return here. The Harbord Room for instance, is a much better overall experience with a great relaxed vibe and excellent food.
Anne's Rating: 2 Stars |
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Though the food was tasty, the portions were so tiny that our whole party was still hungry after dinner. We had all had apps and main courses but neither filled us up completely.
The atmosphere at this restaurant is lovely and the servers are knowledgeable as well.
Unfortunately, they had also lost our reservation and seated us under the canopy outside, which would have been nice without the drizzle outside. We felt that we should have been compensated for the lost reservation, however nothing was done other than an apology.
Overall, it was just an average experience.
Jay's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I've been to Grace twice since it opened and have had a lovely experience each time...nice service, great food and beautiful space. The courtyard is amazing! I have to wonder though if the other reviewer noticed that the "narrow hallway" actually seats three tables, looks out onto the courtyard and bar area, and that the bathrooms are not on the main floor, but are in fact downstairs. (Strange, isn't it?) Will be back soon!
Emily G.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
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After making reservations for a night out at Grace, we were told by the haughty and self-important hostess that no, we did not have a reservation. Once that was established, we had to ask if there might be a table...oh, yes, a table at the back of the restaurant down the narrow hallway off the kitchen and next to the bathroom. We decided instead to go to Teatro and had a wonderful evening! If Grace is going to make it...service is the key! But, we won't be back to give it another try...
Jennifer's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Please don't waste your time or money on this place. If arrogant wait
staff, overpriced mediocre food, and poor wine lists are what you look for in a restaurant, then this is the place for you. It became an issue for us once we met our waiter. His arrogant nature made us feel as though he would rather be anywhere but serving us.
Grace Petrucci's Rating: 1 Stars |
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Sweet, sweet, sweet... little place.
Gregg Bartrend's Rating: 4 Stars |
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I really love Sushi! I often travel to different cities and make a point to eat out at the local sushi restaurants. Walking by Susi D on college, I often wanted to eat there but they were always too busy. One Friday evening I went there for dinner with a girlfriend, we were immediately seaed which was great. Although there was a loud and strange noise comming from the pipes in the walls, we stayed and ordered anyways. The food did not take long to arrive and it looked appetizing, although the portions were a little small compared to many other above average sushi places. I took the first bite of my unagi maki and cringed.... I always judge a sushi place by how they cook and handle eel, and let me tell you...the unagi was pretty much all gel. It did not look, taste or feel like it was barbequed like it was supposed to be. On top of being sub-par quality unagi, all the rice on our maki rolls was a little cold, and tasted like it was from the day before. There was way too much rice caked on the maki rolls. The deep fried soft shell carb had some sort of green bitter tasting stuff all inside with the meat, it was barely edible and I have never had soft shell crab that tasted like that!!! the pan fried dumplings were hardly pan fried; all in all, I feel that the quality of the food can be chalked up to shear laziness of the cook. I have enjoyed some fantastic sushi on college at sushi haru and I suppose walked into susi D with the same expectation, but to my dissapointment the food and therefore experience was sub-par at best. Hopefully things have improved since the last time I was there.
Leighs Carter's Rating: 2 Stars |
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I wish I could say something more positive about Grace because the quality of service was so outstanding; wholly due to the fabulous Australian waitress that we had. She was an absolute gem. The food was good but the 1.5 hr wait between the appetizers and the main was painful and we could see the frustration of our server as she reassured us repeatedly that our food was coming. The inexperience of the chef at the helm was painfully apparent. I may return but not for a while. Not until the kinks in the kitchen service have been worked out.
Tiffany's Rating: 2 Stars |
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This place has a great little patio. Where Xacutti's smoking room used to be.
Rick Carere's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Considering the restaurant has only been open since Tuesday and today being Friday, the four of us (two couples) had a great evening - ambiance, food, wine list and service - watch out, it will be tough to get a reservation.
We were glad to reserve so shortly after the opening, we did not know what to expect, and were left wondering .... can it get any better than this?
Welcome home Leslie!
Ladies Who Love To Lunch's Rating: 3 Stars |
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Love Grace. The gnocchi and chicken pot pie are stand outs. Comfortable seating, warm and educated servers, great value.
Matt Austin's Rating: 4 Stars |
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The interior is beautiful, the food even better!
I loved the avocado salad and I devoured the gnocchi (and some of my friend's ravioli as well). The fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate souffle was to die for.
A must!
Annie S.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
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Beautiful food, outstanding concept, lovely space.
Mahwah's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Very, very nice addition. Have been by, just to chat, but shall surely try Grace out this weekend.
Barbara Hillier's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Even though the restaurant just opened yesterday, the reasonably priced, fascinatingly various wine list, the ingenious, intriguing cooking, and sweet, sweet service have already changed the way we think about the possibilities for Simple "Farmhouse" cuisine. Could you ask any more of a new restaurant?
Derek Lam's Rating: 4 Stars |
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I loved it! welcome back.
Trevor Kent's Rating: 4 Stars |
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MBO Toronto :: User Reviews