Sidecar

Side Car 577 College St 416 536 7000

It was my daughter-in-laws birthday and the family was celebrating. She had her choice of locale. Side Car is a favorite in our family. They have the best salmon in town. I have tried many fine restaurants and none can compare with the taste of the salmon at Side Car.

It was the first time I have dined in the patio. It is at the back of the restaurant and therefore you miss the noise and pollution from the street. The greenery on the back wall adds a pleasant touch.

Our server, Oliver was so busy on this evening. Yet, he was pleasant, charming and ever so helpful. We were fascinated chatting with him about his future plans of travel. He is bound to be a winner wherever he goes.

We love the Prix Fixe menu available during the week. For $25.00 you enjoy 3 courses of fine gourmet food. The regular menu offers many more wonderful tasting dishes.

Three of us started with the Hearts Of Romaine. My daughter-in-law loves the addition of the double smoked bacon. There was no problem leaving that from my plate. The Caesar dressing was flavorful and definitely not overpowering. We all loved the ricotta crostini on the side. My son opted for the Carrot, Fennel Soup. We all tasted it and agreed the creamy hot mixture was full of flavor. It was a great start to a tasty feast and wonderful evening. We all commented on the high quality bread. Our only problem was in eating too much.

The birthday girl had her favorite Steak Frites. Kathy does know her food. She was a dietician by profession and a master cook and entertainer. The 8 oz. sirloin was served with fries, red wine compound butter and a grain mustard aioli. The steak was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. Three of us enjoyed the Grilled Atlantic Salmon. I don’t know how they are able to consistently cook the salmon to perfection. A nanosecond less and the fish would be undercooked. A split second more and it would be overcooked. The crusty top with the honey mustard glaze was so flavorful. I love this dish. The salmon is placed on a bed of Swiss chard over a delicious butter sauce. Perfect.

Our final delight was a Flourless Chocolate Cake with raspberry coulis and fresh cream. It was unbelievably good. There were some walnuts in the portion and my daughter-in-law is allergic. Without any problem her dessert was replaced with a creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta presentation garnished with wild blueberries. We all tasted this as well.

You must have a reservation here. I have never seen an empty table. It is always crowded. Enjoy the patio or the table by the front window. The interior tends to be noisier and darker. This restaurant is a must on your ‘have to dine’ places. I have been here many times and it consistently pleases me.