Swirl
[?]
647-351-5453
w: http://swirltoronto.com/
This tiny wine bar manages to capture the Iberian spirit of casual drinks and nibbles better than any small-plates restaurant in the city. Up the stairs on the second floor, the former one-bedroom apartment looks like it was decorated by a girly oenophile with a damask fetish. A couple in the corner enjoys bubbly before moving on to Queen East’s bistro row, while a boisterous table of film types in the back let a post-work round of drinks evolve into a light supper. Chef Joan Olsen oversees a short menu of terrific pâtés, rillettes, cheeses and pickles. A rich, spreadable duck rillette is perfumed with Cointreau and brandy. Chèvre is marinated French-style in a soothing bath of fruity olive oil, fresh thyme, sweet roasted garlic and slivers of sun-dried tomato. Pickled quail eggs are a revelation: soft, creamy and redolent of cloves, they don’t have to be eaten on a dare. The dark, moist chocolate cake baked in a Mason jar with a thick cap of mascarpone icing is on point. The wine list is thoughtfully affordable, with both quaffers and food-friendly sippers.
Profile by Client (Description)
Category Features
Bring your own bottle: Yes
Kitchen open past midnight on weekends: Yes
Price Range: $30 Gourmet
Related
Related Listings
Related Tags
Colombian, Caribbean, Brazilian, American, French,