Pangaea

Pangaea 1221 Bay Street 416 920 2323

Lunch was so fantastic last week that I had to return for dinner. Several times a year the ‘four ladies’ go out for dinner. We love Winterlicious and look forward to great food and stimulating conversation.

Pangaea was our choice because of its central location and reputation as one of the finest gourmet spots in town.

Everything works so well. I like the warm greeting. Owner, Peter, does a masterful job in making every guest feel important. The servers are excellent. They look after your every whim. The food arrives in good time but you are never rushed. The servers are knowledgeable about the ingredients and flexible with the menu. Chef Martin prepares his internationally inspired dishes using local ingredients. He is a master chef. I marvel that four people are served their different dishes at the same time. The food is hot and it all happens perfectly. I wish I could manage that skill at home. The noise level is also very acceptable.

This is Winterlicious so we enjoyed the 3 course offerings for $35.00 Even the recommended wine is offered at a special Winterlicious price.

The Pear Endive Salad was my choice last week at lunch. Two of the dining companions took my recommendation and enjoyed the salad. The small pears are roasted and the sweetness comes out in the baking. Fresh watercress adds a balance of flavor to the taste buds. Stilton cheese and toasted walnuts compliment a wonderful starter. Two of the diners opted for the Butternut Squash Soup with apple puree. The spiced cider foam on top was absolutely delightful. The soup was hot and at the right consistency. Sometimes a squash soup can be too thick and sometimes too sweet. We loved the texture and the flavor was wonderful

We tried various entrees. The Slow Braised Lamb Shank was enjoyed. The Farm To Table offers the tastiest vegetable plate. It was my choice last week at lunch. Each vegetable was full flavored. The baked pearl onions exploded in flavor. Two of us opted for the Mahi Mahi. It was offered in saffron shellfish chowder with bacon, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fennel and green onions.

We asked if we could possibly have the fish with some vegetables. The fish was moist and flavorful. Perfectly cooked. The vegetables were so enjoyed.

You have to have dessert at Winterlicious no matter how full you may be. Three of the diners opted for the Maple Pecan Tart They loved the taste and were thankful that it was tasty but not too sweet. It was served with macerated dried fruits and Bourbon whipped cream. I remembered the Callibaut Hot Chocolate offering from last week. The best orange almond biscotti was part of the presentation. I asked if I could just have biscotti. Three of those delicious treats were presented. You guessed it. I ate all three.

Four good friends had a great reunion. We also had a fabulous dining experience.

This truly is one of the fine gourmet spots in town.

The regular menu is always available offering great choices perfectly prepared I would love to visit the kitchen one day to watch the master chef at work. There are two private rooms for groups or special occasions. This is a guaranteed treat.