Matignon Restaurant
“Matignon’s owner Mustapha Amrani is just short of kissing your hand at the door”, says Joanne Kates from The Globe and Mail. When I went for myself, I found Mr. Amrani to be just that. Charming and warm, he quickly greets patrons with a smile and guides them through one of the most authentic French dishes they will ever encounter (he may not kiss your hand, but he sure does a good job of kissing your ass). It has been a while since I’ve gone to Matignon but I still remember my poulet blanketed with a thick, creamy garlic sauce and onion pearls on a bed of rice. Quaint, romantic and small for a nice intimate dinner, Matignon brings back the classics in French cuisine. – A.C
Winterlicious Menu


Opal Jazz Lounge
The nice thing about Opal Jazz Lounge is that it feels just as appropriate to wear jeans as it does to wear that perfect little black dress. A large exposed brick wall gives the lounge its rustic appeal and permits a casual dress code. However, the bar’s sleek leather chairs, granite counter tops, dance-friendly wooden floors suggest an elegance worth dressing up for (except for the lazy). Chef Fawzi Kotb delivers a menu as full bodied as many of the wine selections. The selection changes daily but you can expect old world French cuisine with a bit of flair, something in the ballpark of Water Melon Gazpacho with wild blue berries, Norwegian Smoked Salmon or a Classic Beef Tar Tar. Dress up or down, it’s you’re call. As long as you’re wearing clothing they will let you in – L.D.
Winterlicious Menu


Pangaea Restaurant
A Bay Street staple for over a decade now, Pangaea’s international fine dining continues to lure in the rat packs for their daily lunch and dinner (though thankfully it doesn’t lure in any packs of rats). Exclusive dining rooms suitable for large tables and monitor presentations, Pangaea adapts to the occasion. You can find dishes like grilled scallops on a bed of saffron risotto to wild blueberry tarts. The beautiful part is, that now you can afford Pangea's splendor as brilliant moments abound on these prix-fixe menus. - MBO.
Winterlicious Menu


Prego Della Piazza
Prego Della Piazza has one of the best patios in the city (in the summertime) where you can dine alongside the Church of the Redeemer and the hubbub of Bloor Street and Avenue Road. The menu can be a pretentious mix, and heavy on "in ingredients", but have patience. The black cod fillet on the menu, garnished with caviar and green onions is a sure thing. As is the mahi mahi with fresh figs. You must visit for lunch or early dinner. Come to see and be seen. Archetypal patrons: Stylish older ladies with more money than brains (find yourself a sugar mama). - K.S.
Winterlicious Menu


Rosewater Supper Club
Right in the heart of the financial district, Rosewater Supper Club offers the rat packs an option of fine cheeses, mains consisting of Thai duck breast, kobe beef, nice Angus steaks and grill platters. They have two levels. The mezzanine overlooks the main floor where there is an in-house waterfall. This is a place that will get those nervous first date jitters taken care of for good as your date suggests a second date two before the appetizers arrive. Seriously, it’s a lock. - A.C.
Winterlicious Menu