Vibo

I love fresh grilled tuna. I would do almost anything for a taste of this wonderful fish. It must be perfectly cooked. Underdone and it is raw. Overdone and the texture changes and the fish is dry. It is an expensive fish so nobody wants to improperly cook this gourmet delicacy. My portion was superb.

Nadia and I go back many years. She was the Family Studies teacher and I was the librarian. Those were our best years of teaching. I know we were good educators but we also had so much fun. Laughter and enjoyment were the order of the day. We continue to meet for dinners and always have a laugh or two thinking back to our antics. Nadia lives in Etobicoke. It was my turn to go to her territory. She suggested coming by subway. What fun! This restaurant is close to the Royal York subway stop and worth the trip.

This is a high end restaurant. As soon as you enter the establishment you know that fine dining is in store. We were so warmly greeted. It was like entering a museum. Many wine artifacts are on display in glass shelves. The wine storage is at the front of the restaurant. What a lovely greeting to see all these bottles beckoning. Luca is a partner in this restaurant with his brother. He took time to chat with us and give us some of the history. He made us feel so welcome and special. His charming smile will certainly get me a return visit.

The place was fully booked but we were offered a banquette suitable for 4 people. It was never too noisy but I was certainly aware that people were having a good time. The pleasant piano music was a delightful extra but never intruded on our conversation.

We did come to dine so I happily will comment on the outstanding food.

Nadia and I shared a Salad of Torn Greens.($8.00) They were kind enough to divide the portion and plate this salad for both of us. There was so much food we doubted that this was a half order. Fresh radicchio, endive, fennel and greens were crisp and tasty. The herbs and aged balsamic vinegar made it a perfect start for the evening.

I was tempted to have two appetizers for a meal. I was interested in the Eggplant Parmigiana with roasted tomato fillets and shaved regiano cheese.($11.00) A Tossed Tiger Shrimp with garlic, vermouth and white wine was another possibility ($10.00) Too many wonderful offerings. The Duo Of Marinated Wild Scottish Salmon and Smoked Atlantic Salmon was also beckoning.($14.00) A return visit is in order to enjoy more of this wonderful gourmet food.

When I heard that Tuna ($30.00) was the special fish of the evening I didn’t have to think any longer. It was thick, moist and perfectly prepared. The crisp green beans, spinach and potatoes were also enjoyed. This was filling but I was not going to leave anything on my plate. It was all so delicious.

Nadia also was raving about her choice of Veal Piccata cooked in a white wine lemon sauce.($21.00) The presentation was artful and apparently the taste was exquisite. A Duo of Large Prawns and Seared Sea Scallop was a possibility.($30.00) It is offered in a white wine sauce. The pasta dishes are also numerous. Hand Rolled Gnocchi di Patate is served with a Gorgonzola sauce.($18.00) Linguine ‘alla Marinara” is prepared with mixed seafood.($19.00) Wild Mushroom Risotto is cooked with mascarpone and parmagiano romano ($!8.00)

Thanks Agnese for your charming efficient serving. We will be back.