Few chain restaurants are part of Winterlicious, except for
Canyon Creek who has regularly made the roster. I can see why, it’s hard to
argue with value - their lunch menu is a steal at $18 (refer to the end of the
post for calculated savings). Plus, their “upscale casual” menu is approachable
while still interesting, although mains such as pho and bibimbap seem out
of place at an establishment that use to label itself as a chop house.
Hence, the Southern fried chicken sandwich seemed like a safer
choice at Canyon Creek. Even though the breaded chicken breast was tender and
moist, despite being a thick piece, something was missing. Perhaps it’s the
promised buttermilk jicama slaw that should in the sandwich – shouldn’t I taste
a lovely refreshing crunch? Why did it seem like someone simply slathered
guacamole on instead, which in itself isn’t terrible, just tired and disappointing.
Or it could be the sandwich lacked a spicy kick from the chipotle
mayo or jalapeño that’s listed as ingredients. In the end, it’s good for a “Southern
fried chicken sandwich”, but weak for a “Southern fried chicken sandwich with
jicama slaw, chipotle mayo and jalapeño”.
On the other hand, the
candied Atlantic salmon appetizer surpassed expectations. At first, hearing
there were golden beets and “candy” in the dish, I was apprehensive whether it’d
would become overly sweet. Luckily, the sugariness was counteracted with sour
elements (pickled onions and crème fraiche), using smoked salmon that gave a savoury
quality to the dish, and incorporating horseradish for an unexpected zesty hit.
The peach crumble is everything you’d expected from the classic
dessert: warm so it was comforting, the cinnamon sugar streusel topping, and a scoop
of cold vanilla ice cream that melts into the peaches creating a caramel cream sauce. It’s a
satisfying dessert, canned peaches notwithstanding.
It’s a shame that taking an hour and a half break for lunch
isn’t easier on a weekday, as the Winterlicious choices offer amazing savings.
You’ll leave full and satisfied … and in desperate need for an afternoon nap.
Is Winterlicious worth it (based on my meal selection)?
Winterlicious - $18
Regular menu - $32.35 - candied salmon* ($12.45), sandwich ($12.95) and dessert* ($6.95)
Savings - $14.35 or 44%
* Based on the coconut shrimp and double chocolate brownie
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 156 Front Street West
Address: 156 Front Street West
Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
Other Gastro World posts similar to this:
