Annona

Annabelle Goodman —

Award winning Chef Joan Monfaradi has provided a superb menu with a variety of exquisitely prepared gourmet food. This is my favorite Yorkville area restaurant. At noon it was already filled. I was curious if most of the guests were hotel visitors or guests from the city. I always know that I will feel specially treated and will enjoy the superb food. I have dined in the hotel for special occasions in the ballroom and private rooms. I think the best meal I have ever eaten in this city was at a wedding at the Park Hyatt. Every bite was exquisite. I celebrated a personal family birthday up in the roof dining area. All the guests were most impressed and I will never forget that day. My family is still praising the food.

Park Hyatt, 4 Avenue Rd – 416 324 1567

On this occasion I was celebrating a friend’s birthday. She had taken the trouble to drive all the way south from Thornhill and deserved a fine celebration for the occasion. I rarely look at the menu. The Seafood Salad is such a work of art and so delicious. The beautiful white bowls were so elegant and acted as a picture frame to display this very special salad. I don’t usually like scallops. I only eat them here. The scallop and shrimp were perfectly charred. A large piece of moist salmon was nested on the bed of cubed potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, olive, capers and sweet onions. The small package of French green beans was nicely tied up for a visually delightful package. The Dijon vinaigrette was so delicious. I hope nobody saw me dipping the tasty bread into the vinaigrette. My dish did not need washing. My friend enjoyed the same choice.

Bravo to the chef for creating the Create Your own Dinner. Choose from a protein of fish, shrimp, steak, eggs or tofu. Add a sauce from an extensive list as well as 2 sides. Quinoa, potatoes, baby beets, greens and potatoes are just a few of the options. I really like this concept and promised myself to return for this choice. The Lobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich is served with a bowl of tomato soup. What a tasty combination.

My family loves the Seafood Risotto with chunks of lobster and shrimp. It is very special. If you prefer a lighter lunch the Arugula and Bosc Pear Salad is inviting. Add a bowl of Matzah Ball Soup and you have a healthy tasty lunch.

There is always a fresh Pasta selection for the day as well as a Fish choice. It is good to know that all the food has been lovingly prepared and elegantly served. I feel special when I come here. It is always an experience in fine dining. The service is warm and inviting. I look forward to my return visit.

No lunch is complete without a Macchiato. Annona makes a great coffee. My friend agreed that her Cappucino was also the perfect ending to a delightful dining experience.