For a
really good deal during Summerlicious, visit a restaurant for lunch. Most
establishments offer similar options between lunch and dinner and there’s a $20
difference to merely eat at a different time. Of course, it’s not always
feasible to indulge in a 3-course menu on weekdays and some places, if they
offer a brunch menu, won’t honour Summerlicious on weekends. Hence, finding a
weekend lunch spot can be difficult. Azure, situated in the Intercontinental
Hotel downtown, is one option; their central location makes it ideal for
visiting before a matinee or an afternoon Blue Jays game.
Their
corn soup arrives looking like the typical smooth puréed broth. Then you have a
taste and the hit of chili lime mixed with the sweet vegetable creates an
interesting summery starter. In the centre, the smoked cheddar biscuit adds a
soft doughy chewiness; it’s good, but something crispy or a dollop of corn,
onion, and black bean salsa would be even better.
As the
pan roasted rainbow trout was presented, I couldn’t take my eyes off the
beautiful glistening skin; this is going to be a good piece of fish! I wasn’t
disappointed, the skin was impeccably crispy and the meat flaky and moist. With
a smear of the refreshing lemon basil pea purée or slightly spicy sundried
tomato relish, the main was flavourful and delicious. Even the accompanying
well-seared fingerling potatoes, lightly pickled radicchio, and crispy shaved
fennel were spot on.
Although
the grilled chicken didn’t look impressive, it’s still tender and tasty thanks
to the creamy citrusy butter sauce on top. Despite the menu describing the dish
as grilled, the chicken seemed poached, it's really juicy and tender. When mixed
with the sauce, the bulgur salad is quite delicious, but on its own a tad
bland.
Truthfully,
I wasn’t a fan of the strawberry tart. For a dessert that sounds light and
summery, the strawberry jam gummies and crunchy rosewater candy pieces in the
centre were too fussy and sugary. Meanwhile, the lime basil curd filled
shortbread tart was nice. If it were simply topped with strawberries and chantilly
cream, it’d be more than enough.
My
friend's white chocolate cheesecake was a better choice; the rich luscious cake
paired with rose wine poached apricots and toasted walnuts. Yet, it’s the
cardamom gelato that’s the most surprising, looking like vanilla bean, but
adding such a lovely earthy essence against the fruit and cake.
While
saving money on the meal, you can splurge on one of Azure’s hand-crafted
cocktails. The raspberry cooler ($16), combining raspberry vodka, lemon juice,
simple syrup, and muddled fresh raspberries, created a drink that tastes
exactly like a raspberry Freezie, complete with the tangy fizz that tickles the
back of your throat.
Having
visited Azure previously for dinner, it felt like a completely different
restaurant during the afternoon. With the dining room’s wall and ceiling glass
panels, the sun shone through brightly; it was like sitting outside without the
pesky bugs and traffic noise. Then, after a satisfying lunch, Toronto’s
downtown attractions is but steps away, perfect for walking off those extra
Summerlicious calories.
Having
visited Azure previously for dinner, it felt like a completely different
restaurant during the afternoon. With the dining room’s wall and ceiling glass
panels, the sun shone through brightly; it was like sitting outside without the
pesky bugs and traffic noise. Then, after a satisfying lunch, Toronto’s
downtown attractions is but steps away, perfect for walking off those extra
Summerlicious calories. Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.
Is Summerlicious worth it (based on my meal selection)?
Summerlicious - $28
Regular menu - $55 - soup ($12), rainbow trout* ($29) and strawberry tart ($14)
Savings - $27 or 49%
* Based on pickerel
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 225 Front Street West (in the Intercontinental Hotel)
Address: 225 Front Street West (in the Intercontinental Hotel)
Website: http://www.azurerestaurant.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!
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