Who would have thought that Toronto Life’s first R&D
Night for TL Insiders would be the only one I attend until the summer? When we
sat down at Mineral in January, still freezing and cold, for their special
five-course meal with beverage pairings ($139 inclusive of taxes and
gratuities), we could still dine in and social distancing wasn’t even on the Torontonian
radar. Note: Regular menu prices are included in the post and portion sizes
may be smaller given the dishes were shared amongst three people.
Mineral is a Midtown newcomer offering Filipino dishes that’s
infused with other cultures. Yes, dare I use the F-word? It’s fusion.
There’s Japanese elements in my favourite dish of the night,
the seafood noodles ($26). The squid ink pasta tossed in a white wine (?) broth
that gets creamier when the uni gets mixed in, creating a simple sauce
with a pleasant briny ocean taste. They don’t skimp on the seafood with large prawns
and chunks of scallop, a fried shrimp head tasty to munch on if you’re not
squeamish about eating that sort of thing.
Similar Asian flavours continue with the pineapple and kombu
($9), the fruit intensifying from being roasted and then topped with a kombu
(kelp) chili oil that’s reminiscent of a milder XO sauce, adding a sense of
umami and heat to the dish. Who would have thought fruit could be so savoury?
Their roasted duck leg ($28) is less Chinese BBQ and closer
to duck confit. Except, in lieu of a red wine jus it sits in a lovely peanut
curry and is paired with steamed rice… if only there was more of the sauce for
the grains! If you wanted a bit more flavour, a red crab paste sits on the side,
which was rather light for something that’s so intensely red.
The side of miso wok fried broccolini ($18) was a great
idea, the seasoning adding an unexpected richness to the vegetables for
something that looks like it’s just topped with almonds. A bit of citrus gives
it a fresh finish, pairing well with the richer duck.
Two dishes that seemed more traditional were the first and
last bites. We started with an ensaymada ($3), a sweet egg bun topped
with melted aged white cheddar and smoked butter. Oh yes, it’s looks and sounds
decadent, but somehow just works together without becoming heavy
For dessert, a dense sponge cake with a bit of syrup, crème fraiche,
and a crumbly topping.
By that point, being five drinks in, the dessert was finished
in a blur and we giddily continued the conversation not wanting to leave. It
was a simpler time, a more social time, a time I can’t wait to get back to.
Want to become a Toronto Life Member? If this event sounded great, don't miss out on the fun. Toronto Life is providing Gastro World readers a $25 off discount code to become a member!Email me if you join and let me know the next event you'll be attending. Maybe we can meet in person!
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How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 1027 Yonge Street
Address: 1027 Yonge Street
Website: https://www.mineralto.com/
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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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