Portucale

Portucale 794 St Clair Ave West 416 652 3982

Recently I met owner Francisco by chance. He told me that he had just opened Portucale. I knew him from another restaurant in Toronto and was anxious to see what his new restaurant was all about. St Clair Ave West has become a busy spot with a variety of fine dining spots.

I chose to dine here with two guests. We were warmly welcomed and the service was most attentive. We liked the advice given about the menu and appreciated learning more about the wines that were offered.

The restaurant offers Mediterranean flavor. Both Italian and Portuguese food is available.

You can begin your meal with a variety of appetizers or salads. Italiana offers the classic tomato and bocconcini salad topped with marroccan olives, olive oil and basil.($7.95)

Mussels Italiano is prepared in a spicy tomato and white wine broth.($8.95) Flaming Chourico offers Portuguese pork sausage grilled and flaming.($8.95)

I have always stated my great love for Tuna. I would travel anywhere to dine on this fine fish. It must be cooked properly. Very few restaurants serve tuna because of the cost. Tuna was available on this evening as a daily fish special. The portion was gigantic but I managed to devour every bite. The fish was flavorful and tender. The salsa on top was delicious. I commend the chef for his artistry with the vegetables. The carrots were perfectly prepared and still maintained a little crunch. The broccoli was also enjoyed. Small roasted potatoes also adorned the plate. There was sufficient food for 2 people but I managed to enjoy every bite on the plate ($23.00)

Several other fish specialties were available on this evening.

Cataplana Portucale is a regular on the menu. A mixture of fresh seafood and fish is prepared in a tomato broth. The aroma and the flavor are magnificent. It is served in a covered copper pot. ($24.95)

Grelhada de Marisco is prepared with grilled calamari and tiger shrimp tossed in herbed garlic butter. ($23.95)

Australian Rack Of Lamb is brushed with Dijon mustard and encrusted with fresh herbs and home-made crumbs.($25.95)

One guest enjoyed the Fettucine Portucale. Tiger shrimp and scallops were tossed in white wine sauce.($14.95) It was declared a first class winner. My other guest asked the server for suggestions. She is allergic to fish and wanted something with chicken. That is no problem at Portucale. The server’s quick response was to suggest Linguine with Chicken in a pesto sauce.($14.95) It arrived in a large attractive white bowl and according to my guest was the winning selection.

We concluded our feast with a glass of white port. That is really something special. We also shared an apple tart.(Yummy)

This restaurant has only been opened for 2 months but already seems to be well prepared to serve excellent gourmet cuisine. Good luck Francisco.

Never Let Her Go

Never Let Her Go

If I had known this was Science Fiction I would never have gone to this film. I cannot appreciate or enjoy Science fiction. This film is different from most in this genre because it goes back to the recent past.

The book was written by Kazuo Ishiguro and adapted for film by his friend Mark Romanek.

The story was very compelling. It did raise issues that made me think and philosophize about life. The actors were well suited for their roles.

At the beginning of the film we meet Kathy H. We know that she is involved with some medical procedure but it is not made very clear.

The film then takes us back to the 1970’s to a fashionable private English boarding school. We learn that the students fear leaving the grounds but don’t really understand the reasons. The teachers are very firm, prim and proper. At that time Kathy H is a young student. She is very fond of Tommy, a young boy who is having social problems. He is bullied and the other boys make fun of him. He doesn’t seem to fit in. Kathy is warm and kind and the two become good friends.

As they get a little older Ruth becomes friends with Kathy and Tommy. In fact she becomes Tommy’s girlfriend and Kathy has to pretend that this relationship is acceptable as she values Tommy and Ruth as friends.

A lady arrives at the school and wants to take art work created by the students back to her gallery. We know nothing more about this action until near the end of the film. At that time we learn the purpose of collecting the art. It is all very clever.

One of the teachers ‘spills the beans’ and tells the students that they are ‘carers’ and ‘donors’ and their lives are going to be of value to another person. The teacher says.” We know that you will have your life set out for you. You were created to give your vital organs away.” That teacher was fired and never seen again by the students. Obviously the students were dumbfounded. I also was shocked and knew that all the following scenes were going to take me to a place that was uncomfortable.

In 1985 the three companions are moved to the cottages as the next step of the process. They are now more mature and old enough to understand what is ahead.

Ruth was told that if two people truly loved ach other they could get a deferment.

There are many issues to consider in the film. Ruth was in love with Tommy. The audience is always given the feeling that Tommy really cares for Kathy. If that is the case he wouldn’t be able to prove that it was true love.

As the film progresses Ruth and Tommy are getting more ill as the procedures take effect. Thank goodness we do not see what is happening medically. One scene did show a transfer of organs but it was brief and not to difficult to watch.

The film takes some twists and turns at the end. It was also very emotional. It does present some issues for thought. What is true love? What is the meaning of life? Should one go along with an expected path set out for us?

TIFF

There will be no reviews for the next two weeks as I will be attending the Toronto International FIlm Festival.

As soon as it is over I promise to 'get back to the job.'

To all my Jewish friends I wish you a very happy New Year and best wishes for good health in the year ahead.

In fact I wish everyone good health and good times.

Annabelle

Going the Distance

Going The Distance

I know I am obsessive about seeing films. This is a hectic week. My Book Club is coming to my place for our first discussion. I’m having my family (12) coming for dinner on Saturday and the Film Festival begins this week. I could have stayed home and cleaned or twiddled my thumbs in expectation.

My son, in Chicago, recommended this film and I like to follow my children’s suggestions. I find it amazing that Drew Barrymore has been acting since she was 5. She is adorable and so perky.

She plays the part of Erin, a young want to be reporter. As the film opens she is an intern for a large paper in New York. When that program ends she plans to head to San Francisco.

This is such a typical Hollywood film that follows the prescribed formula. Cute girl meets the guy. They sort of have a relationship. Problems develop. They work out the problems and voila it all has a happy ending.

Erin meets Garret. I like the fact that he is her real life boy friend. Their magic showed and it was delightful. This part of the film was enjoyable.

What I didn’t like were his boorish friends. I can do without the toilet humor and gross talk. Garret’s buddies do warn him about having a long distance relationship.

At first the two love birds are on the phone every night. They bill and coo over the phone. Obviously it is hard to sustain such a relationship and eventually it falls apart.

Erin begins to succeed in her calling as a journalist.

But of course the two are destined to meet again and oh well you can guess the end.

Treadwell

Treadwell 61 Lakeport Road Port Dalhousie 905 934 9797

My sister and I were invited to lunch at Chuck and Brita’s fine estate in Saint Catherines. We sipped champagne and ate fantastic appetizers. At that point we were told that we would be their guests at the famous Treadwell restaurant. Brita’s daughter was married a year ago and the reception was held here. I recall enjoying one of the most divine meals ever. I can still remember the explosion of flavor from the Sticky Pudding. The restaurant advertises farm to table cuisine. It is much more than that. It is gourmet delicious and the presentation of each plate is very creative. They are noted to be one of the finest restaurants in Ontario.

Port Dalhousie is a charming village. It is on the water. It is fun to stroll on the main street and look at the shops. We could have dined outside on the patio. It is always lovely to sit outdoors and look at the water and the beautiful scenery. We opted for the quiet indoors.

We were warmly greeted by James Treadwell who continued to visit our table and make sure that we were comfortable and satisfied. Apparently many of the patrons at his fine establishment come from Toronto and even as far as Quebec. No wonder. Anyone with a fine palate will appreciate that this is a ‘cut above’ most restaurants. Treadwell is noted for the tasting menu. Do inquire. At lunch a 4 course meal is $40.00. It allows you to taste various dishes and have new culinary experiences.

On this occasion we were satisfied to have a light lunch before the drive back to Toronto. It was such fun to sit at the window and watch the young boys jumping from the bridge into the river below. We also enjoyed the bike riders who raced on the bridge over the river. There was much to see and a lot to discuss. Once the food came we found we were very quiet as we busily engaged in the fine art of great dining. Tomato Soup was the daily special.($6.00) I was tempted to order the Beet Salad composed of roasted heirloom beets and cherry salad with the best feta, dill and hazelnut vinaigrette.($14.00) Tomaotes is a salad composed of tree and twig heirloom tomatoes with Monforte Toscano and basil.($12.00)

My brother and sister were thinking alike on this day. They ordered the Soup and Sandwich special.($14.00) A small cup of that creamy fresh tomato soup was on a lovely large white platter. The sandwich was enormous. The healthy portion of ham and cheese was on freshly baked bread.

Brita enjoyed her Perch.$16.00) The fish was pan fried and served with a smoked bacon potato salad. A poached egg was nestled on the top of the portion.(16.00)

I did consider the Omelette,($!5.00) Free range eggs are cooked with smoked trout and arugula.($15.00)

I was very happy with my choice of Pasta.($18.00) The housemade pappardelle was perfectly al dente. It was so flavorful. Tree and Twig tomatoes with virgin canola oil added that little ‘zing of flavor.’ Little pieces of fried basil were immediately devoured with great satisfaction. It was an exquisite dish.

Treadwell is also noted for their fine catering. It is a delightful drive to experience a gourmet feast. The restaurant tries to purchase all the ingredients from within the area. The fruits and fine wines of Niagara are so accessible. Jason Williams is the chef de cuisine. He is a master at his art. Stephen Treadwell and his son James work so hard to maintain the finest standard.

Life During Wartime

Life During Wartime

I didn’t know what to make of this bizarre film. It truly is wacky and yet I found myself enjoying it. Incest, dysfunctional families and pedophilia are hardly topics for humor. In this film you may feel disturbed about the situations but they are handled in quite a funny manner.

Trish is one of the main characters. She has told her three children that their father is dead. In reality he has been in jail as a pedophile. She tries her best to meet the children’s needs but in good parenting she would be considered a failure. The young daughter takes drugs from the cupboard with ease sanctioned by the Mom. The middle son is approaching his Bar Mitvah. He is practicing his speech about becoming a man. He and his mother discuss sexual issues that would make you squirm. Trish comes home from a date and tells her son she was ‘all wet’

Trish dates Harvey. He is a middle aged unattractive divorcee. She wants so much for a normal life. Harvey thinks there is a chance at a relationship. He tells Trish that he can’t afford to fail again. He brings his geeky son for dinner. The family dynamics are hardly a positive experience. Trish and Harvey talk about going to Israel. Harvey told Trish he voted for Bush and McCain because of their policy to Israel. (Funny but pathetic) Trish had told her son that his father was a pervert. She instructed the son to scream if a man ever touches him. Poor Harvey hugs the son when he seems upset. The son starts to scream and poor Harvey is frightened away.

Trish’s sisters are also a ‘piece of work.’ One sister talks in a little girl voice. She always has a dead pan look on her face. Her attire is anything but stylish. She does social work rehabilitating black ex-cons.

Shirley lives and works in Hollywood. She is very successful in her work. A string of Oscars sits on a shelf in her home. She is of no help in empathizing or supporting her sister.

Many of the sets are fairy tale like and whimsical much like the lives of the characters involved.

The story becomes more involved when the father is let out of jail and comes back to see his children.

The issues are all very real. They have been exaggerated and presented in a comedic manner. I wish I had of known more about the writer and director before I went to the film Todd Solondz is known for his other films. Life During Wartime is apparently a sequel to his very successful film ‘Happiness. I think it is safe to say that this current film will not be pleasing for many people. I considered it a film experience and I quite enjoyed it. I chose to see the people as characters and not real people. They presented very serious issues but made it all easy to digest by presenting it in a ‘screwball’ fashion.

Lisbon by Night

Lisbon By Night 802 Dundas St West 416 603 6522

This restaurant is a Portuguese event. Every night is a fish festival offering a variety of grilled fish perfectly seasoned. I am not surprised that Lisbon By Night won an award from Summerlicious 2010. You walk up a steep set of stairs. On the second floor is an enormous room. A small stage is on one side. On this evening we were treated to a solo musician who played a keyboard and sang Portuguese songs. I almost melted listening to the music.

You must try the Fish Rodizio. (only $20.00) The very best Portuguese bread is presented. Fine olive oil and balsamic vinegar is on the table. From then the fun begins. Platters of fish are presented to each table. You help yourself to each offering. The server continues to come around with a variety of platters. They want you to try everything. You just keep eating. The platters continue until you say; “Enough.” We just kept eating and eating. At the end I almost had to get on my knees to plead that I had dined on quite enough for the next year.

Bowls of delicious roasted potatoes and the best rice I have ever tasted are placed on the table. There was also a bowl of fresh salsa. I was eating it alone. It was so tasty. On this evening we tasted calamari. shrimp, salmon, swordfish, sea bream, grouper, and mackerel plus more that I can’t even remember.

This is the most deluxe feast imaginable. The next table ordered a large Fish Platter. Every fish imaginable was piled on a platter. A group of 4 people were eating and eating. The pile never seemed to diminish. It was a work of art.

If you don’t want to indulge in the Fish Festival Rodizio ( I heartily recommend it) you have a full menu from which to select the finest of Portuguese food. Meat lovers will delight in the dishes offered. There is a variety of Pork offerings.

Fried Sardines are the best in town. So many different types of fish are offered as single plate options.

Our server, Susanne, is the best in town. I enjoyed her company and good service on my last visit. She is amazing. She kept urging us to try more. She explained the dishes. She was delightful company.

We even indulged in some ‘heavenly’ dessert that had more calories than I wanted to count. We stumbled out of the restaurant with a big smile on our faces. We knew we had dined on the best. It was a total experience and we loved every minute.