A La Carte at the Gardiner

Annabelle Goodman —

Three friends were celebrating a birthday. I can’t think of a finer place for a celebratory lunch. In fact this is my favorite lunch spot. It is on the third floor of the gallery. Windows surround the large room filling it with light. There were three groupings of small Xmas trees all decorated with fake snow and giant bobbles. It was so delightful. The tables are well spread out so you always feel comfortable. There were many large parties on this day and I can honestly say it never was noisy. We sat beside a group of 12 people. They were so quiet. The staff is very well trained. They were very busy but Roberta did a masterful job of looking after us as well as many other tables. She was kind enough to find more information for us when we inquired about the fine wine and superb salad vinaigrette.

Gardiner Museum – 416 971 4068

I noticed many new items on this changed menu. It made it hard to decide because everything was appealing. The birthday girl chose the Catch of the Week. Her Salmon Cakes looked so great. They obviously were made from fresh salmon. A fennel slaw and mango salsa graced the plate. It was a good choice. My other dining companion and I chose the Quinoa & Prawns Salad. Oh my! Superb! Beautifully flavored quinoa sat on top of a bed of baby spinach. We later learned that champagne vinegar laced with fresh orange and lemon juice as well as good oil was the base of the vinaigrette. I must experiment at home because that was an exquisite dressing. Several large plump shrimp were artfully placed on top. It was a superb lunch. It was beautifully plated, very filling and most satisfying,
 
It was fun to watch the plates being delivered to the other tables. The Smoked Salmon Plate offered creamy dill potatoes, horseradish crème fraiche, capers, red shaved onion and a mound of tasty looking smoked salmon. The Gardiner Tuna Nicoise is prepared with olive oil poached tuna, baby potatoes, haricots vert, hardboiled egg, olives and baby greens.
 
The Sandwiches are enormous. The Vegetable Sandwich is filled with roasted peppers, grilled eggplant & zucchini, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo and served with a choice of soup, salad or French fries. Nobody leaves here hungry.
 
I was tempted with the Vegetable Curry full of sweet potato, carrot, onion, celery, coconut milk, fine Indian curry spice with basmati rice and cucumber raita. The Paella was an attractive dish simmering with mussels, bay scallops, chicken morsels, tiger shrimp, chorizo and tarragon.
 
We shared a Plum Tart garnished with blueberries and strawberries. It was a delightful ending to a sumptuous meal with delightful company. The Mignardises for Two offers Simon’s chocolate truffles, miniature cookies and fresh fruit. I hadn’t noticed that on the menu or might have ordered it. I’ll save that for next time.
 
I will surely return here soon to my favorite lunch spot. A La Carte is only open for lunches. The evenings are for private functions. The space is elegant and inviting. The service is superb. The menu often changes. I have always enjoyed the food. It is a first rate dining experience.