Chiado

Chiado                         864 College St W                        416 538 1910

Perfection is an easy word to spell but difficult to achieve. My dining partner and I just had the most spectacular dining experience. The business card for Chiado has ‘Fine Dining’ written under the name. I would change that to ‘finest dining.’

From the moment we entered this elegant establishment we found everything worked perfectly.

We were so warmly greeted and it just got better after that. We admired the lovely small pottery vases holding exotic flowers. Jeannette was our server. She was much more than that. She is also the potter who created those charming vases that are on every table. She also made the oil and vinegar dishes and salt shakers. She was an expert on the wines.  We loved the Portuguese wine she recommended. Extra points go to Jeannette for suggesting a flavorful wine that was not the most expensive.

We were attending our first Summerlicious experience for this season. I am afraid that nothing will top this experience. Four courses are served at lunch for $25.00. The plates used were of a variety of shapes. The presentation of the food was picture perfect. The food was served hot and the flavor was like fireworks on the palate. Each bite was a gourmet delight. We both agreed that this experience will be impossible to beat.

Fresh Cheese is served with a reduction of balsamic and honey w/rosemary. It is a soft Portuguese cheese and a lovely starter.

My friend opted for the Grilled Sardines with lemon, garlic and extra virgin oil. She felt she should try Portuguese dishes because this is what they do best. She stated that these were the best she has ever sampled.

I savored the Pureed Asparagus Soup. There was no cream added. The soup was hot and creamy with an abundance of flavor.

We noticed beautiful Mixed Seasonal Greens being presented at the next table.

Lobster and Shrimp Bisque is a popular choice. On my next visit I have already decided to have the Goat Cheese, Eggplant, Portabella Mushroom with champagne vinaigrette. I am already salivating.

Two courses down and two more to go. What a happy day!

The Filet of Golden Seabream was served with a warm salad of green beans, red beets and roasted sweet peppers. My Grilled Filet of Atlantic Salmon was crusted with fine herbs, peppercorns and marine salt. It was so moist and flavorful. The vegetables were crisp and perfectly cooked. Both of our plates were so attractive we hesitated to start eating. The Terrine of Salt Cod is served with wilted spinach, small shrimp and a red wine sauce. I am sure the other items mentioned on the menu were all delicious.

The Dry Fruit Tart and the Chocolate Sour Cream Cake were great choices on our part. Even the Cappuccino was superb.

We both licked our lips and thanked the staff for this outstanding experience. It isn’t often one encounters perfection.