Summerlicious Patio Hopping: July 9 – 25

The Fifth Grill

Toronto.

___lat___43.64937___lng___-79.3897___address___225 Richmond Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1W2" href="http://www.thefifthgrill.com/" rel="planeteye-place.1323261" target="_blank">The Fifth Grill is arguably one of the most beautiful rooftop patios in the city.  It is situated in the heart of the Entertainment District. It actually sits above a large nightclub/lounge called quite simply The Fifth.

Transported to the roof in an old wood freight elevator you disembark into an elegant, candlelit dining room and then take the fire escape landing a few steps down to the breathtaking terrace.  Gazebos cover the terrace, candles flicker and the smell of the grill pervades.

French cuisine meets high end steakhouse is what you will find here.  The special menu for the event has Summer options that are sure to please.  From chilled cucumber and mint soup to shrimp and pepper tartare and filet mignon to organic salmon.  Desserts are a must and because they are included in the meal ($45) they are guilt-free.  Book early as The Fifth Grill is only open for dinner three nights a week (Thursday – Saturday)

The next two restaurants on my list are part of the Oliver & Bonacini stable of greats.  Peter Oliver and Michael Bonacini first became a team in 1993 with the opening of Jump and have grown their unique collection of restaurants steadily over the years.

Closest Subway: King St.

Jump Cafe & Bar

Jump is big and bold.  An American style bistro set in the heart of the financial district. Lunch is packed with Bay Street types creating a buzz and energy unique to the downtown core.  The glass atrium and rich interiors are complimented by the expansive courtyard patio that is flanked by towering office buildings on all sides.

If you follow a “no bread please” rule my suggestion is to set it aside for this meal.  Jump’s breadbasket could be deemed an architectural masterpiece with the assortment of flatbreads and bread it contains.  The custom designed menus for Summerlicious include a $20 lunch and a $35 dinner.  Both include beef, fish and vegetarian options.  I plan on having the Big Eye Tuna Tartare and the Grilled Miami Short Ribs when I go.  Oh, and lets not forget the Chocolate Toffee Crunch Cheesecake!

Closest Subway: York Mills

Auberge du Pommier

Auberge du Pommier the original jewel in the crown of the Oliver & Bonacini group has been rated among the top restaurants in Toronto ever since it opened in 1987.

Located in the northern part of the city, it is constructed around two old woodcutter’s cottages that have been whitewashed with large working hearths making it cozy and romantic.  In the summer it expands to the outdoors offering lush garden terraces – stunning day or night.

The food is Fine French and the wine list boasts over 500 labels.  Auberge du Pommier is a smart choice to try out during Summerlicious as entrees generally range between $35 – $45.  However, during the promotion, lunch is offered at $25 and dinner at $45 – unheard of for three courses here.

I plan on trying the Brandade de Morue ( cod brandade with applewood smoked salmon) and Thon a la Provencal (olive oil poached tuna on aubergine caviar) and the Bombe Framboise (raspberry mousse with local berry compote and maple sugar) sounds absolutely divine.

Closest Subway: Union Station

Bymark

Next I will stop into Bymark. Mark McEwan, one of Toronto’s most notable chefs opened Bymark after much success with his first big venture North 44(Also on the Summerlicious list).  Entrenched in the austere architecture of the Mies Van Der Rohe designed TD Centre it attracts both business people and food lovers alike.   The dining room sits in the lower level and is designed by local and world renowned design duo Yabu Pushelberg.  The bar, on street level, is a hotspot after work and spills out onto the amazing patio when the weather is good.

I was sorry to see that the famous Bymark burger isn’t on their Summerlicious menus, but some other favorites  such as Tuna sashimi  or Tartare and Striped Sea Bass in Banana Leaf or Roasted Lamb Rack did make it and grace the $25 lunch or $45 dinner menus.  I won’t be able to resist the Banana Cake with caramelized bananas and caramel sauce.

Take Queen W streetcar

Noce

Last but certainly not least on my Summerlicious Patio hopping agenda is Noce. Located on Queen Street West, far removed from most of the  more traditional high end restaurants, you can’t help but feel that you have stumbled across a “find” with Noce.

I always feel as though I am visiting my imaginary distant Italian relatives when I go to Noce.  The food is Italian, authentic and absolutely delicious.

The open kitchen sizzles with Italian flare and the patio has the quiet hush of a local haunt.  I am not sure how I will decide between their many specialties that they have included on their $25 lunch and $45 dinner menus.  Tough choices include deciding between the Beef Carpaccio with grilled peaches and arugula and the Shaved Octopus with cherry tomatoes – and I am only on the lunch appetizer.  The Gnocchi are like light fluffy pillows and the Housemade Tagliatelle with veal ragout are like “Nonna” has made them.  The Fresh Grilled Fish or Crispy Rock Cornish Hen are fabulous choices too.   My mind is made up on dessert, though - the Tiramisu is to die for!

My mouth is watering thinking about all the amazing food that I will  be indulging in during Summerlicious.  Reservations start on June 24, but American Express Cardmembers can go to the Front of The Line on June 22 and 23 to book in advance.

I highly recommend taking advantage of Summerlicious  to explore all the great food that Toronto has to offer.  The choice is yours – all 150 participating restaurants are there and waiting.  Have a delicious Summerlicious!