 ome restaurants really do make you feel like you're walking into another world, and at Renda Abdo's Charles Street boîte, Wish, that feeling is channeled to South Beach. At Yonge and Charles, no doubt.
Puffy banquettes with oversize white pillows and clear plastic chairs and metallic tables make for flamboyant patio furniture take up much of a front patio. A fountain centrepiece sets the vibe, accented by the exhaust fumes of passing UPS trucks.
The interior has been updated with a cool blend of white-washed flooring and rustic woods. Along with the bench-lined walls, the unfailingly exuberant mood of the crowd that fills the room, and the welcoming attitude of the staff, this little spot makes you feel like you're leaving one universe and entering another.
You can dine conventionally at Wish, but I don't think many do; it's too enjoyable just browsing your way round the wide-ranging menu, nibbling this, drinking that, mixing and pairing plates with colourful drinks from the remarkably well-stocked bar. Take the Ontario pork tenderloin medallions ($23) for instance. The plate arrives with a fresh black bean and rice tart and a green molé sauce - tart, sweet, and savory. Also enjoyable is the chicken supreme ($22) stuffed with wild mushrooms and basil, served with sautéed rapini and Dijon cream sauce; this hearty beast turned out to be a wonderment of flavourful counterpoints.
The medallion of organic salmon with lobster with lemongrass wonton ($24), heavily laden with sautéed kale and three sauces - ginger soy reduction, lemon dill aioli, coriander pesto - features a sweet, richly satisfying backbeat. Likewise are the 16oz T-bone of beef ($28) with tender French beans, caramelized shallots and a green peppercorn sauce. An 8oz filet of beef ($29) comes with whipped russet potatoes, wilted spinach and red wine sauce.
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AT A GLANCE
Wish Restaurant
3 Charles Street East, Toronto, ON
416-935-0240
Eclectic
Yonge And Bloor
Venue:
Restaurant, Bar
Hours:
Daily: 10:00pm - 12:00am
Price Range:
$$ (affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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7 Reader Reviews | Just returned back to the office, had ordered the seafood pasta, was the worst ive ever had, tasted like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for awhile. Very Dry and bland, reminded me of cooking for myself in college.
Sorry I see alot of good reviews, maybe i just had a bad lunch but I will not return. October 10th/08
1. Craig's Review :: October 10, 2008 Craig's Rating: 1 Stars |
Also WOW! The menu was fabulous, the food and service exceptional. Highly recommend.
2. Cathy Faye's Review :: September 11, 2008 Cathy Faye's Rating: 4 Stars |
i can't help but visit Wish at least twice a week - especially during TIF. I heart this place. it has everything I need in a restaurant.
3. Daria Brent's Review :: September 05, 2008 Daria Brent's Rating: 4 Stars |
Hi thanks for the nice night. Nice people and a really good atmosphere.
Greetz from Mexico.
4. Tom's Review :: August 05, 2008 Tom's Rating: 4 Stars |
Wish has all the friendly ambiance, familiarity and comfort zones of the corner bar/patio/lounge, minus the beer and cigarette smoke.
5. Randall Pegg's Review :: May 15, 2008 Randall Pegg's Rating: 4 Stars |
The music and service is great, which helps with the fact that you can barely hear the sporatic gunfire in the shady neighbourhood to the east of the restaurant...
6. Johnny B Khool's Review :: March 15, 2007 Johnny B Khool's Rating: 4 Stars |
Loved it. I live on Charles East, and was always tempted by the omnipresent pink cocktails I see on my way home. Opted for a low-key brunch instead. Challah French toast with caramelized bananas and blackberries, sooooo good. Plus, delicious eggs benedict -- with peameal bacon! -- and a really good eggs charlotte (slightly over-fishy smoked salmon, but still awesome).
7. Lauren's Review :: November 07, 2006 Lauren's Rating: 4 Stars |
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3 Charles Street East, Toronto, ON
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