Weekly Lunch Pick
Reds Bistro and Wine Bar
A $35 table d’hôte makes one of Bay Street’s priciest—and most delicious—lunch spots accessible to those without an expense account By Renée Suen
For the bird: Maple glazed quail is reason alone
to visit Reds—but it was just the beginning
Image credit: Renee Suen
The place: With wood trim and stone walls, Reds brings an Aspen vibe to the financial district. The main floor’s marble-topped bar and sleek tables make it the perfect spot for a stylish meal, but the booths in the upper level are better for pitching some serious woo (whether it’s business or romance).
The crowd: A sea of consultants, lawyers and C-level Bay Streeters—all in dark, crisp suits—magically flood the tables as the clock strikes 12.
The deal: Executive chef Michael Steh uses fresh, seasonal ingredients in dishes that are inspired by the world’s finest wine regions. While the à la carte menu requires an expense account, the three-course table d'hôte menu ($35) with optional wine pairings ($55) is an affordable way to access one of downtown’s poshest restaurants.
The meal: Our golden pancetta-squash risotto starter is a harbinger of great things to come. The silky caramelized onions are like candy, but the dish’s most captivating element is a maple-glazed quail grilled to juicy perfection. Next up, a 10-ounce Cumbrae cross rib with an unctuous red wine glaze arrives on a sweet mash of parsnip and celery root, alongside tender sautéed brussels sprouts. A cool roasted pumpkin pot de crème is topped with excellent ginger tuile cookies filled with ethereal bourbon Chantilly.
The time: 64 minutes of refined luxury.
The cost: $50, including tax, tip and a bottle of sparkling water ($7.50, split).
Reds Bistro and Wine Bar, 77 Adelaide St. W. (at Bay), 416-862-7337, redsbistro.com.
Comments
Comment on this story
Neither Renée Suen nor Toronto Life necessarily agree with the comments posted here. Editors will not correct spelling or grammar. Toronto Life reserves the right to edit or delete comments entirely. Read our full policy
Some articles on this site require that you have a Torontolife.com account in order to comment, and this is one of them. If you do not have an account, you can register now.
Related
More Weekly Lunch Pick Articles
- Hank's (Redux)
- Oro
- Anh Dao
- Miga
- Arepa Café
- Buca
- Globe Earth
- The Grilled Cheese
- La Bréhandaise Crêperie
- Delica Kitchen
See all Weekly Lunch Pick articles »