While dining in “resort” areas such as Blue Mountain, I don’t
have high hopes for food. Restaurants are never terrible – the high rents won’t
allow it – but to meet the “family friendly” requirements, establishments
generally veer towards chain-like menu with pizzas, burgers and pasta reining
supreme.
Hence, I was pleasantly surprised with Tholos. My first
visit was years prior, a semi-forced lunch when the resort package we purchase
included a $50 voucher to the restaurant. After dining on a selection of
appetizers and souvlaki, the experience was tasty enough to warrant a return
dinner.
Their menu is still safe, with the westernized Greek
favourites like saganaki ($15), a
slab of salty chewy kefalograviera
cheese, pan fried in a hot pan and then flambéed table side before being
finished with a squeeze of lemon. The gooey cheese lets off a fragrant aroma
before being tucked into a piece of bread. It’s hard to go wrong with fresh
bread and cheese.
The rings of fried calamari ($16) were too thin for my taste
- I find it’s difficult to dip into the thick garlicky tzatziki without the breading coming off. But, it was still decent:
lightly floured and tender.
If you’re in the mood for a comforting main, Tholo’s moussaka ($22) is a great choice. Layers
of potato and eggplant are combined with a spiced lamb and ground beef mixture
before being topped with a cheesy creamy béchamel sauce and baked. Oh it’s
good, after sneaking a bite of my friend’s, I instantly wanted more.
Luckily, my main didn’t disappoint. One dish I love from
Greek cuisine is braised lamb shank ($27), a large piece of meat slow cooked
for hours soaking in the braising liquids with any ligaments turning to a soft
gluey texture. Within the side options are tangy lemon potatoes, which sounds
delicious, but I had to go with the simpler rice, a much better choice for
soaking up the red wine and meat sauce. You don’t want to waste a drop of this.
Sure, Tholos still has elements that draw in families – such as the re-creation of a courtyard setting that aims to make diners feel like they’re eating in ancient Greece; or pasta, burgers and chicken fingers to appease finicky eaters. Yet, for us adults, Tholos offers decent appetizers and delicious mains … and the selection of $45 bottles of wine makes for a jovial night, courtyard or no courtyard.
Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10
How To Find Them
Location: Blue Mountain, Canada
Address: 170 Jozo Weider Boulevard
Address: 170 Jozo Weider Boulevard
Website: http://www.tholos.ca/
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____________________________
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!
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