Pregled posta

Marketing

Via Allegro Ristorante


I am certain that I am not the only individual who has arrived at the doorsteps of Via Allegro only to be taken aback by it's rather lowbrow location (it's in a strip mall close to the airport, sandwiched between an UPS and a Staples) and its, shall we label it, loud exterior. However, noting the constant mention of this fine establishment on the top ten lists in Toronto dining, I knew it was a must to press on and discover for myself what excellent food lied behind this garish exterior.
Entering the restaurant, things started to fall into place, although the large dining room was a tad boisterous, given that it was a lazy late Monday night crowd, our seating around 10pm was graciously received even though we were close to the kitchen's last call. The large glass enclosed wine cellar, that faced the main entrance, is plastered with plaques and posters of the numerous awards and recognitions the restaurant has received, including the Wine Spectator's Grand Award, four diamonds from the CAA/AAA, Whisky Magazine's award for the best whisky list in the world, the Solid Gold Spoon for the best risotto in Toronto (2003), to name a few. At the table, a huge 4-inch binder holds the largest wine and spirits list that I've encountered, and even boasts of 750 scotch sel¬ections and 200 grappas that is found lining half of the restaurant's walls.
Our friendly waiter was cheerful and helpful, especially noting that we were first-timers who were overwhelmed with the breadth of the menu. Divided into the Signature Seasonal that's offered a la carte or as a thematic tasting menu and the Classic Italian from 1996-2006 containing Via's clientele favourites listed by year and version number, we note that there are special highlights for the Platinum Artisanal steak and veal chops. There is even an informational section at the back of the menu detailing the Platinum Artisanal designation, the degree of doneness for the meats, the significance of the veal served at Via and as well the availability for purchase of the 50- or 100-year-old balsamics used that ranged in the four digits. The latter was a tempting suggestion to round out a great dining experience, but perhaps worthy of consideration on our next visit (when the pocketbook allows for such extravagant purchases).
At first I thought to dive into the "Classic Dishes for Two" since there were two of us. The "Extravaganza Classico (from 2001)" sounded perfect as it appeared to have the greatest sampler of Via's repertoire, showcasing a whole Nova Scotia lobster, Platinum Beef petite filet mignon, rack of lamb, seabass, jumbo black tiger shrimp and large sea scallops, along with a preserved lemon and arugula risotto, potatoes, vegetables and sauces for $98.95 per person, however our pleasant waiter advised against it unless we were "very, very hungry." (Anyone who knows me, know that I'm up for this challenge, as I feed like the hungry hungry hippo without being hungry hungry, but I must admit the concerned look that appeared with the statement that it was "a lot of food" did scare me.) In retrospect, after ordering a duo of appetizers and entrees, and knowing our resultant fullness, I am glad that we listened to his wise recommendation. I then noted that there was the “Moody Chef” tasting menu ($89.95) created by chef Lino Collevecchio, but unfortunately the chef was not in that night. Instead we went with our gut (literally) and were treated to one of the best meals I've had in 2007.

Highly recommended. I can appreciate the reason for great recognition of this long standing institution, which deals greatly with the quality (and quantity) of the food offered. For unobtrusive and affable service, this is the place to bring friends and family for any social gathering, without feeling the guilt of enjoying your night out too much or the discomfort of feeling out of place. If only it wasn't located so far away…

Opening page.

I am certain that I am not the only individual who has arrived at the doorsteps of Via Allegro only to be taken aback by it's rather lowbrow location (it's in a strip mall close to the airport, sandwiched between an UPS and a Staples) and its, shall we label it, loud exterior. However, noting the constant mention of this fine establishment on the top ten lists in Toronto dining, I knew it was a must to press on and discover for myself what excellent food lied behind this garish exterior.
Entering the restaurant, things started to fall into place, although the large dining room was a tad boisterous, given that it was a lazy late Monday night crowd, our seating around 10pm was graciously received even though we were close to the kitchen's last call. The large glass enclosed wine cellar, that faced the main entrance, is plastered with plaques and posters of the numerous awards and recognitions the restaurant has received, including the Wine Spectator's Grand Award, four diamonds from the CAA/AAA, Whisky Magazine's award for the best whisky list in the world, the Solid Gold Spoon for the best risotto in Toronto (2003), to name a few. At the table, a huge 4-inch binder holds the largest wine and spirits list that I've encountered, and even boasts of 750 scotch sel¬ections and 200 grappas that is found lining half of the restaurant's walls.
Our friendly waiter was cheerful and helpful, especially noting that we were first-timers who were overwhelmed with the breadth of the menu. Divided into the Signature Seasonal that's offered a la carte or as a thematic tasting menu and the Classic Italian from 1996-2006 containing Via's clientele favourites listed by year and version number, we note that there are special highlights for the Platinum Artisanal steak and veal chops. There is even an informational section at the back of the menu detailing the Platinum Artisanal designation, the degree of doneness for the meats, the significance of the veal served at Via and as well the availability for purchase of the 50- or 100-year-old balsamics used that ranged in the four digits. The latter was a tempting suggestion to round out a great dining experience, but perhaps worthy of consideration on our next visit (when the pocketbook allows for such extravagant purchases).
At first I thought to dive into the "Classic Dishes for Two" since there were two of us. The "Extravaganza Classico (from 2001)" sounded perfect as it appeared to have the greatest sampler of Via's repertoire, showcasing a whole Nova Scotia lobster, Platinum Beef petite filet mignon, rack of lamb, seabass, jumbo black tiger shrimp and large sea scallops, along with a preserved lemon and arugula risotto, potatoes, vegetables and sauces for $98.95 per person, however our pleasant waiter advised against it unless we were "very, very hungry." (Anyone who knows me, know that I'm up for this challenge, as I feed like the hungry hungry hippo without being hungry hungry, but I must admit the concerned look that appeared with the statement that it was "a lot of food" did scare me.) In retrospect, after ordering a duo of appetizers and entrees, and knowing our resultant fullness, I am glad that we listened to his wise recommendation. I then noted that there was the “Moody Chef” tasting menu ($89.95) created by chef Lino Collevecchio, but unfortunately the chef was not in that night. Instead we went with our gut (literally) and were treated to one of the best meals I've had in 2007.

Highly recommended. I can appreciate the reason for great recognition of this long standing institution, which deals greatly with the quality (and quantity) of the food offered. For unobtrusive and affable service, this is the place to bring friends and family for any social gathering, without feeling the guilt of enjoying your night out too much or the discomfort of feeling out of place. If only it wasn't located so far away…