Food trends rarely follow what's good; they're about what's new and hot. That's why, when headed toward a year-old bistro at Avenue Road and Eglinton, the prospect of another cookie-cutter meal lingers afloat.

But worry not; Chef Mathew Sutherland established his reputation in the late nineties by churning out continental cuisine at The Town Grill in Cabbagetown. His fresh ingredient trademark and signature dishes are nicely in place, even if we have to trek past Forest Hills to get to it.

Fat Cat has a narrow frontage, but the logo above the doorway is eye-catching enough that it will stick out amongst the local wedding dress stores. The interior is small and long, but never completely overcrowded. A long granite bar owns the place, while stained hardwood floors and unobtrusive tables and chairs adds warmth to the room.
Fat Cat seems to have a loyal following already in place, as many familiar faces grace the tables throughout the week. A good mix, and the room is at its best - both in performance and vibe - when half full.

Now for the signature dishes, thus being the sautéed foie gras, provimi veal tenderloin with sweetbreads, and the prime striploin with green peppercorn sauce. If you haven't tried these dishes, there's no need to look at a menu on your first visit to Fat Cat
The sautéed foie gras is a minimalist triumph, served delicately on a toasted crostini with Cloudberry compote. The Prime Striploin with mustard and green peppercorn sauce is a perfect cut, on every visit, with its thyme-scented mushroom & potato croquette, with braised kale makes a big plate. is well-executed and a classic choice for beef. Provimi veal tenderloin and sweetbreads are a rare treat, with the shallot and Madeira sauce, accompanied with a Brussels sprouts and onion salad to bring it all together.

You'll find plenty of depth in the small menu beyond the intellectual-property laws, though. Short and to the point, appetizers include the public domain goat chévre and caramelized onion tart; and roasted quail, superbly plated with du puy lentils. Breast of Duck, which is pan roasted and served with wild Burberry sauce; B.C. Salmon with saffron pérnod cream sauce; and the rack of lamb, tamarind glazed, and served with a warm chick pea salad.

Dessert list includes the standard créme brulée and lemon tart. But Fat Cat served up this dish called the Banana Cobbler, which was the route to go here. Great finish.
The staff is a fun crew, yet scattered when busy. But all in all this is a great time, this little bistro, way, way up on Eglinton. Once you’re in Sutherland’s hands, you will be thankful you ventured out.

Fat Cat also offers up the Chef’s Table. Leave yourself in his creative hands, and be served a culinary feast, inventive dishes of tiny proportions, one dish after another. Go forth!
No Smoking. Reservations recommended.

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Reader Reviews

Had dinner at Fat Cat last night:
Dustie, Toronto, ON
June5, 2002
We had a trust-the-chef tasting menu and were throughly impressed. The flavours were complex and subtle. We had a Thai lobster soup, sesame scallops, dorado and chocolate tart -- it was all edible perfection --
Service was wonderful and friendly and attentive and the wines they matched for us fit beautifully with our meals.
Thank you Fat Cat !


almost fainted
Diane Baxter, Toronto, On
May 28, 2002
Absolutely wonderful! The food was delicious and the service was attentive but not overbearring and the waiter's wine suggestion was excellent. My date started with the steak and almost fainted because it was so scrumptous. Everyone's dinner was perfect however, the duck was heavy with the sauce. It was a great dining experience!


splendid
Rick J., Toronto, ON
May 26, 2002
Had dinner last nite with my girlfriend. Recieved a very warm welcome. Our server was very enthusiastic and helpful with explaining the menu. And, I have to say, this tiny little hole in the wall was actually worth the hellish drive up there.


Fat Cat knows good food!!!!
Marvin Peet, Toronto, ON,
May 25, 2002
Fat Cat knows great food and great wine. And if you don’t appreciate that fact when you dine, then this is NOT the place for you. Fantastic fish, steak, risotto and his personal surprises never fail to satisfy my culinary tastebuds.


It was looking grim
Rachel S., Toronto, ON
May 26, 2002
After reading that this restaurant is one of the great Eglinton Ave finds on this site we decided to try it. It was looking grim at first. The service was SLOW. The room seemed unorganized. But then the food came. The portions were large, the taste was larger. Nicely done.