La Fenice

Annabelle Goodman —

An early morning exercise class, a walk downtown and 2 films at TIFF and I was ready to relax. La Fenice does it for me every time. It is situated across from the Bell Lightbox. How convenient during the Film Festival. I have always dined on the outside patio. My friend and I opted to go inside. I marveled at the soothing grey and clay colored walls. It was all so peaceful after pushing our way through the film crowd. Lovely paintings hang on the wall. A beautiful large floral arrangement graced the round table in the middle of the room. Best of all was the fine service. I always comment on the warm friendly service. The fine Italian cuisine is a bonus. This is fine food, lovingly prepared and artistically presented. It is a ‘cut above’ the other restaurants in the area. Rita, the proprietor had a friendly smile and warm greeting. In her quiet manner she makes sure the clients are all satisfied. I find the prices to be so affordable.

319 King St West – 416 585 2377

Warm freshly made Broschetta is immediately brought to the table. At this time of year the tomatoes are so exquisite. It was a great starter while sipping on our wine.

The Appetizers are a fine dining experience. Funghi Di Bosco Al Sapore D’ Erbe offers fresh shitake, portobello and oyster mushrooms sautéed with fresh herbs. Fresh herbs are always used in the preparation and the food is the finest quality. Carpaccio All’ Emiliana offers thinly sliced raw beef garnished with lemon capers, Parmigiano-Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil.

The Salad offerings make for a great appetizer or a lunch special. Radicchio E Arugula con Cacio di Capra, topped with a fresh goat cheese dressing, is just one of the fresh salads.

We were both very hungry. Film Festivals take a lot of energy. Pasta was calling out to us. The Spaghettini Fraadiavola in a spicy tomato sauce was the perfect dish. The pasta was al dente. Many very large succulent shrimp made this a gourmet tasting dish.  My friend equally enjoyed her Spaghettini Con Vongole Veraci in “Rosso”. Risotto also stars on this menu. Risotto Con Quaglie Grigliante plays a starring role with assorted mushrooms, grilled quail marinated in fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil.

Grigliato Misto di Mare is an exotic dish of grilled shrimp, calamari, scallops, salmon and fresh herbs and garlic. The Trancia di Salmone can be grilled or poached.

Everybody is looked after with this menu. There is also much to choose from if you are in the mood for a meat or fowl dish. Fegato con Salva is prepared with Provini liver, braised white pearl onions and sage. Suprema Di Pollo All’Erbe di Stagione gets an extra kick from the dry sherry. Costtolette D’ Agnello Alferri will delight all ‘lamb lovers’ Fresh mint and the white wine sauce makes it a perfect dining experience.

I love reading the menu here. The Italian names make it all sound so romantic and inviting. I have dined here on many occasions. The food surpasses my expectations every time. I always comment on the excellent service. Serving clients is an art here. Better than reading the menu is enjoying the fine food in such a warm atmosphere.