Bloom

Annabelle Goodman —

It might have been a stormy evening but there was a ‘bloom’ on my face. What a superb dining experience. I was reconnecting with a former colleague and we were both excited about trying this highly recommended restaurant. We were warmly greeted and that warmth remained throughout the evening. Jordi gave us full attention and served us with style. Even Chef Pedro Quintanilla came out to give us greetings. Once a month it is possible to have a cooking lesson with the chef. I would love that experience. Dinner and jazz concert events occur the second and last Thursday of the month. The food is steeped in the rich culinary traditions of Spain and Latin America

2315 Bloor St W – 416 767 1315

We shared a Winter Salad. It was a picture on the plate and a pleasure to the palate. Chef Quintanilla was kind enough to divide the salad and attractively plate it for both of us. The dark green of the chopped kale was highlighted in color with little cubes of beet and squash. Cherry tomatoes, pecans and goat cheese were all enhanced with a lemon-garlic mojo. Fantastic! The Stuffed Poblano Pepper is filled with crushed chickpeas and queso fresco served with tomato-picadillo sauce. The Camarones Al Ajillo is a popular appetizer featuring sautéed shrimp with chorizo, garlic and Spanish sherry. Other tempting appetizers are all listed on the menu.
 
The Salmon dish was almost too attractive to eat. The salmon was glazed with red chili-honey. Perfection! It was resting on a corn cake with black bean sauce and jalapeno cream. Delicious fresh crispy perfectly prepared green vegetables completed this perfect dish.
 
Peruvian Lamb Shank is braised in red wine and aji panca caramelized in meat juices served with garlic mashed potatoes. Vegetarians will delight with the Vegetarian Arepa. A crispy corn Cake is topped with pisto-manchego and served with steamed kale.
 
The winter Prix Fixe Menu is offered for $35.00 for 3 tantalizing courses. Even more economical is the $25.00 supper night each Wednesday. You are invited to eat like a ‘Latino.’ The 3 course dinner is offered family style with ‘a little of this and a little of that.’
 
We were tempted with the Bread Pudding or Decadent Chocolate Cake but just didn’t have room. We will return and may start with the dessert first.
 
This was an outstanding dinner. The menu is creative and offers a Peruvian twist to amazing food. I could even practice my limited Spanish. Make a reservation. I was ‘in bloom’ all the way home. Bloom is a winner.