Meal Deal
A primer on recession-era dining By Brooke Lockyer
After what happened to your RRSPs last quarter, foie gras and Kobe beef no longer seem like such smart investments. But there’s no need to reach for the KD just yet. Restaurateurs, who know a thing or two about whetting appetites, have refined their menus for budget-conscious patrons.
The Drake, 1150 Queen St. W., 416-531-5042.
What’s the deal? Cut-rate comfort food
and champers. On weeknights (from 5 to 7 p.m.), the Drake dishes out $7 pork belly sliders and $8.70 glasses of Marguet Père et Fils NV Brut champagne. Patrons can tip back spirited shots for chump change (four for $7).
Cowbell, 1564 Queen St. W., 416-849-1095.
What’s the deal? Five-course meals
for $90. Farmers’ nights at this go-to restaurant for ethical eaters sell out like rock concerts. Farmers discuss noble agricultural methods, while chef Mark Cutrara uses ingredients
from the featured farm.
Bite Me!, 609 King St. W., 416-603-2777.
What’s the deal? Large portions. Marc Thuet’s timely recession menu—a four-course
tasting is $48 per person—features sharing
platters. Don’t expect nachos: porcelet
in shallot reduction and made-to-order beignets are still decidedly gourmet.
Giancarlo Wine and Pasta Bar,
593 College St., 416-533-9619.
What’s the deal? Carbs. Trattoria Giancarlo’s new pasta bar eschews pricey entrées for
pasta and forgoes $200 bottles for accessible wines by the glass. As a result, meals cost about $40 instead of $100.
Illustrations by Chris Lee
Related:
• Best Wines Under $10: Our expert picks the top wallet-friendly offerings from the LCBO
• Seven Days of Cheap Lunch: Here are the best deals this side of a brown bag
• Bargain Hooch: Some cheap (and surprisingly chic) locations for drowning
your sorrows
• $30 Gourmet: We pick the 123 best spots for dinner a $30 dinner for two
