MoRoCo Chocolat

This past Saturday I woke up excited to dine at MoRoCo Chocolat for brunch. Located in the heart of Yorkville Toronto, MoRoCo Chocolat is a fine dining restaurant which also offers gourmet chocolate and confections. Opened in September 2008, MoRoCo Chocolat presents a menu of contemporary french cuisine, in a modern-classic, yet some what whimsical ambiance, which would have anyone who wishes to dine there feel comfortable not matter what time of day.

I began my Saturday brunch with a lovely latté, which was served with a peppermint macaron. I was pleased with the choice of the macaron as it presented itself as a "breath fresher", after drinking the latté. Genius!

I then ordered the red velvet pancakes, which were layered with cream and topped with fresh strawberries and a raspberry sauce. Wonderfully light and delectable, which would satisfy any pancake craving one may have. Definitely my favorite dish and a MUST try when visiting this restaurant.

I had then proceeded to order a croissant, lightly dusted with confectionery sugar and served with a side of berry jam. Baked with a crispy golden crust and a beautiful butter flaky interior.

Moroco carrot cake is what I had ordered to end my MoRoCo Chocolat experience. A decadent roulade of carrot cake, with a lemon cream cheese icing. Served with a vanilla swiss meringue and topped with a butterscotch sauce. Pleasantly light and heavenly, not too sweet and the perfect dish to end my dining experience!

MoRoCo Chocolat continues to bring forth new and wonderful experiences to the world of all chocolate lovers and beyond. Offering a wide range of dishes from brunch to dinner; afternoon tea, dessert and luxurious treats which can be found in their confectionery boutique. Although my experience was highly positive, I would like to see some alternative options on their menu for those who do not eat swine. Perhaps turkey or chicken bacon and sausages as a side option on the brunch menu. Nevertheless; Chef Mustapha El Misbahy executes the menu exceptionally well, and I am very pleased to say I will definitely return for many more MoRoCo Chocolat experiences. Not to mention I also left with gluten free chocolate chip cookies and a few macarons (red velvet, salty caramel and pistachio) which were all deliciously scrumptious! Below are my ratings on MoRoCo Chocolat, until next time! *Cheers*

Overall Experience: 4.5/5
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Food Presentation: 5/5
Taste: 5/5
Location: 4.5/5

Address:
99 Yorkville Avenue,
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 3K3

Phone number:
(416) 961-2202

Website:
http://www.morocochocolat.com

Far Niente Restaurant

About a week and a half ago I finally made my way over to Far Niente restaurant. Yes, my post is late, however late is better than never! I have wanted to dine at this restaurant for quite some time, and can definitely say I was very glad to do so. Far Niente which in english stands for "doing nothing", is located in downtown Toronto's financial district, which offers contemporary cuisine in an open concept, yet intimate and elegant atmosphere.

I began my Far Niente experience ordering a bartenders choice seasonal inspired cocktail, which I believe was listed as the "Radler" on their menu. This cocktail included a mix of draught lager and a grapefruit eucalyptus tea infusion. Because I am not a fan of lager, I found this cocktail to be a bit harsh for my palate. However, it did have citric tone which I appreciated and I believe those who enjoy drought lager may enjoy this cocktail.

I then proceeded to order the seared sea scallops, which laid on a bed of banana peppers and pomegranate glaze. An alluring dish with bright flavors and scallops which were cooked perfectly. Definitely a must try when visiting this restaurant.

For my main I ordered the togarashi crusted salmon, which came with a side of asparagus and roast potatoes. Perfectly seasoned, flavorful and tender. The side of roast potatoes did not do much for this dish, and I do believe serving the salmon with the asparagus alone would have sufficed. Better yet, a healthier option -sweet potatoes- would have paired well with this dish also.

As my night out came to an end I saved the best for last, ordering the Far Niente chocolate s'mores. Homemade marshmallow, dark chocolate chip brownie, lindt chocolate ice cream. All which laid on a decadent chocolate mousse, was topped with cinnamon graham crumble and a side of berries. I must say, this was the best dessert I have had in a long while. The most appealing dish of the night, a dulcet yet, blissful dish which brings back old memories shared by the campfire, only instead it is served in a more modern, unconventional way at the Far Niente restaurant.

Far Niente has been acknowledged to be one of North America's distinguished restaurants. Executive chef Jordan St.Amand does an amazing job executing his menu, not only are his dishes appealing to the eye, they are also pleasing to the palate. You are able to taste his admiration for the food he prepares and I will definitely return to this restaurant. Although I would like to be "doing nothing", I have many more restaurants to visit and plenty more research to do! But for now here are my ratings for this restaurant.

Overall Experience: 4/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Food Presentation: 5/5
Taste: 4/5
Location: 5/5

Address:
187 Bay St,
Toronto, ON M5L 1G5, Canada

Phone number:
416-214-9922

Website:
http://www.farnienterestaurant.com/

Nota Bene Restaurant

This past Friday I decided to experience the restaurant "Nota Bene", which is located minutes away from Downtown Toronto's theatre district. Opened in 2008, Nota Bene has been voted one of Canada's top ten restaurants by numerous magazines. This restaurant offers fresh and seasonal Canadian cuisine, which is affordable and perfect for shoppers looking to experience an amazing lunch at a decent price.

I began my lunch ordering the watermelon honey crush. A light and refreshing drink made with crushed ice, watermelon and honey. Very pleasant to the palate.

To start I choose the french onion rings, done in a light batter and topped with sea salt. Well seasoned, crisp and flavorsome. Absolutely the best onion rings I have had by far, this was indeed my favorite dish.

The Ricotta ravioli, with zucchini flowers and shaved truffle, is what was chosen for my main. This dish consisted of mellow flavors, however the pasta was cooked perfectly and very delicious, everything was well presented and up to par. I do however wish they served more on this dish, as what was served did no just.

Dessert was the white chocolate chip cookie, served with Ontario sour cherries and vanilla ice cream. This dessert was heavenly, just the right amount of sweet to satisfy any craving, although I must add the sour cherries were not needed. A different choice of fruit -raspberries perhaps- would have served well with the dish instead.

Nota Bene brings forth a modern atmosphere. Relaxed and the perfect place for any "foodie"! to enjoy lunch or dinner. Executive Chef David Lee presents an amazing menu and I will definitely be eating at Nota Bene again. Until then "take note" on my ratings for this restaurant.

Overall Experience - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Food Presentation - 4/5
Taste - 4/5
Location - 4/5

Address:
180 Queen St W,
Toronto, ON M5V 3X3, Canada

Phone number:
416-977-6400

Website: http://notabenerestaurant.com

Jump Restaurant

I have begun my dining quest with Jump Restaurant. Newly renovated, located in downtown Toronto's financial district- Jump is a restaurant which offers contemporary American cuisine. I had gone on a Sunday evening with my lovely lady friends and in lieu of Summerlicious we were only offered the fixed menu. Although I'm very much aware what Summerlicious is all about, I was not all too excited on trying their menu for that event and Instead, I was looking forward to trying their main menu. However, I made no fuss and placed my order for a 3 course dinner, a choice of one appetizer, main and dessert.

I chose the Ontario Summer Salad for my appetizer, a vegetarian dish which had a mix of baby kale, asparagus, topped with pistachios and fennel dressing. A light salad with a lovely crunch, presented well; yet lacked a little in taste, at times tasting a little bitter. However, it was indeed my favorite dish.

The Housemade vegetarian lasagna is what had chosen for the main, made with roasted courgettes and Ontario mascarpone cheese. A dish in which screamed yes to the eyes and No to the palate. The dish lacked highly in flavor; very bland and "fresh". The pasta too was overcooked, a highly disappointing dish overall.

For dessert I chose the Double chocolate brownie, with chocolate mousse. Both soft and rich in flavor, Not too sweet and a perfect fit for chocolate lovers.

As mentioned before, Jump restaurant has been newly renovated and has hired a new chef. Thus resulting in a menu change, this may be a reason as to why my taste buds were not all too excited. Although it was not a busy afternoon the service was fairly slow, but it gave my friends and I a bit more time to chat, which I did not mind. The restaurant was a little difficult to find, however I loved the location, hence it is located in the downtown financial district.

Jump is vintage-modern and the sky-high atrium brings forth a warm and open feel. At this time I would not recommend this restaurant, due to the lack of quality and taste presented in the food, not to mention that they only had a fixed menu to work with. I will however give them a second chance, as I would like to have a better understanding of quality and experience they stand by in their food. If you plan to take a Jump and visit this restaurant, please feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.
Until then, below are my ratings on this restaurant.

Overall Experience - 2/5
Ambiance - 3/5
Service - 2/5
Food Presentation - 2/5
Taste - 2/5
Location - 3/5

Address:
18 Wellington St W, Commerce Court East, Toronto, ON M5L 1L5, Canada

Phone Number: 416-363-3400

Website: www.oliverbonacini.com/jump.aspx 

WELCOME!

Hello my fellow foodies!!

Are you someone who is interested in trying new things and looking for a different experience, when it comes to your palate? If you've answered "yes" to the following, then this blog is just right for you.

My name is Jamila, and just like you I am exhausted going to the same restaurants, eating the same thing. I have decided to break free from the same "routine" and venture out on the streets of my beautiful city, looking for new experiences, memories and great times. I am in dire need of exciting, tantalizing to your palate, breath taking to the eyes kind of food! I know I am not alone when I say this. Here you will find my comments and ratings, based on location, ambiance, service, food presentation, and overall taste.

So my journey begins, and I hope you all will appreciate this blog and the benefits it may have for you, when in search of your next fine dining experience. Until then, cheers to great food and great wine!

- Jamila Marie