Portucale

Portucale 794 St Clair Ave West 416 652 3982

Recently I met owner Francisco by chance. He told me that he had just opened Portucale. I knew him from another restaurant in Toronto and was anxious to see what his new restaurant was all about. St Clair Ave West has become a busy spot with a variety of fine dining spots.

I chose to dine here with two guests. We were warmly welcomed and the service was most attentive. We liked the advice given about the menu and appreciated learning more about the wines that were offered.

The restaurant offers Mediterranean flavor. Both Italian and Portuguese food is available.

You can begin your meal with a variety of appetizers or salads. Italiana offers the classic tomato and bocconcini salad topped with marroccan olives, olive oil and basil.($7.95)

Mussels Italiano is prepared in a spicy tomato and white wine broth.($8.95) Flaming Chourico offers Portuguese pork sausage grilled and flaming.($8.95)

I have always stated my great love for Tuna. I would travel anywhere to dine on this fine fish. It must be cooked properly. Very few restaurants serve tuna because of the cost. Tuna was available on this evening as a daily fish special. The portion was gigantic but I managed to devour every bite. The fish was flavorful and tender. The salsa on top was delicious. I commend the chef for his artistry with the vegetables. The carrots were perfectly prepared and still maintained a little crunch. The broccoli was also enjoyed. Small roasted potatoes also adorned the plate. There was sufficient food for 2 people but I managed to enjoy every bite on the plate ($23.00)

Several other fish specialties were available on this evening.

Cataplana Portucale is a regular on the menu. A mixture of fresh seafood and fish is prepared in a tomato broth. The aroma and the flavor are magnificent. It is served in a covered copper pot. ($24.95)

Grelhada de Marisco is prepared with grilled calamari and tiger shrimp tossed in herbed garlic butter. ($23.95)

Australian Rack Of Lamb is brushed with Dijon mustard and encrusted with fresh herbs and home-made crumbs.($25.95)

One guest enjoyed the Fettucine Portucale. Tiger shrimp and scallops were tossed in white wine sauce.($14.95) It was declared a first class winner. My other guest asked the server for suggestions. She is allergic to fish and wanted something with chicken. That is no problem at Portucale. The server’s quick response was to suggest Linguine with Chicken in a pesto sauce.($14.95) It arrived in a large attractive white bowl and according to my guest was the winning selection.

We concluded our feast with a glass of white port. That is really something special. We also shared an apple tart.(Yummy)

This restaurant has only been opened for 2 months but already seems to be well prepared to serve excellent gourmet cuisine. Good luck Francisco.