Spuntini

Spuntini 116 Avenue Rd 416 962 1110

It was a long weekend and the streets seemed deserted. Now I know where everyone was hiding out. Spuntini was completely filled and guests were waiting at the door. Spuntini offers a delicious menu, fine service and a completely positive dining experience. The food was outstanding.

If you are lucky you will get a table in the upper level. The windows are open and it feels as if you are dining on a patio. Because of the higher level you face Avenue Rd without being on the street. We enjoyed sitting at the back of the restaurant by the library of stored wine bottles. I always enjoy my food better when I am near all that wine.

We were warmly greeted at the door. That certainly sets the tone. The congenial service continued throughout the meal. The other advantage to our seating was the view of those creative plates coming from the kitchen. They were picture perfect.

For a full course dining experience you may want to begin with a salad or appetizer. Melanzani Alla Siciliana offers grilled eggplant stuffed with goat’s cheese garnished with bell peppers, lightly dressed with a balsamic and olive oil dressing.($11.95) Sardines From Peniche is a delightful dish of grilled sardines lightly dressed with a floral salsa verde.($12.95) The Pesce Misto (for two) is a combination of grilled tiger shrimp, sautéed mussels, smoked salmon, insalate di mare with grilled seasonal vegetables.($26.95)The Insalate Di Mare will delight all the seafood fans. Calamari and baby shrimp are marinated in extra virgin olive oil and fresh spices served on a bed of radicchio.($11.95) Insalate Di Portobello is a popular choice. A Portobello mushroom is presented on a bed of mixed organic greens with bell peppers, sliced bocconcini cheese, lightly dressed with extra virgin oil and herbs.($11.95)

Six Pizzas are offered from the stone oven. Quattro Fromaggio is plated with tomato sauce, spinach, basil, gorgonzola, bocconcini, and asiago and mozzarella cheese. ($15.95)

I was in need of a pasta fix and delighted with the multitude of choices. The Capellini Funghi won out over the other tempting choices. The pasta was al dente and the spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes were all tossed in garlic and oil.($14.95) It was presented in an irregular beautiful large white bowl. I was delighted. Linguine di Mare was my second choice with mussels, calamari, shrimp, and baby clams in a white wine sauce served with al dente linguine.($19.95) Perhaps next time.

My dinner companion arrived with the notion of having pasta. She has dined here often. She asked about the fresh fish of the day. Several choices were available. She decided to have orata, Mediterranean fish served whole. Spinach was on the side. She claimed that it was absolutely superb.($30.00)

Medaglione Di Vitello are tender veal medallions with porcini mushrooms in a Vecchia Romagna brandy glaze.($27.50) Grigliata Di Carne Mista is prepared with grilled Ontario spring lamb, chorizo and veal medallions in an herb reduction.($27.95)

The food was beautifully arranged on the plates. More important it was served with loving care and tasted like a gourmet delight. No wonder this place was so crowded.

A delightful walk through the Annex area perfectly completed a fine evening.