CLUCK, GRUNT & LOW (and BOOOOOO!)

Cluck, Grunt & Low (Southern BBQ)

362 Bloor St. W.
416-962-5050
http://www.cluck.ca/


Built on the location of two previous failed restaurants, Click Grunt & Low tries to offer Toronto a taste of the South. Nicely decorated southern interior is wasted with the slow service and mediocre food. Restaurant works on a quantity over quality basis. Kansas ribs are average, using sauce to hide the toughness of the meat. Potato salad has an abundant of onions and collard greens are bacon-less with an overwhelming amount of garlic. New Orleans dirty rice is blend and tasteless. Service clearly needs work as hour-long waiting time comes without an apology. Waitress misinforms about lack of cornbread as we watched the adjacent tables receive them, and late-comers experience faster service than early arrivals. Bar offers beer and wine at a reasonable price.

Atmosphere: 3 / 5
Service: 1 / 5
Food: 2 / 5
Price: Sandwiches at $10, BBQ dishes at $15

Overall: 2 / 5
Visit Again: No.

FIRE ON THE EAST SIDE extinguishes hunger with good food

Fire On the East Side (Continental/Southern)

6 Gloucester Street
416-960-FIRE
http://www.fireontheeastside.ca/index.html

A hip and classy joint for the urbanites of Yorkville and Church st. with a list of creative dishes. Weekend brunch menu provides specials and complementary banana bread. A choice of fries or salads (or both!) is offered. Don't be shy in ordering a mimosa or Caesar (look around, everyone is doing it). Dinner yummies include the trinity corn chowder - a creamy soup of corn, crab and beacon with a southern kick - and the enticing butternut squash agnolotti with dried cranberries and candied walnuts. Order a dinner cocktail from their long list of selection while waiting for your food. Servers are friendly and outgoing. Be warned that the place is packed during brunch and on weeknights.


Atmosphere: 3.5 / 5
Service: 3 / 5
Food: 3.5 / 5
Price: $11-14 brunch menu, $18-$25 for dinner menu

Overall: 3.2 / 5
Visit Again: My favorite brunch place

SULTAN'S TENT a good choice for "dinner and show"

Sultan's Tent (French/Moroccan)

49 Front Street East
416-961-0601
http://www.thesultanstent.com/

Small isolated rooms separated by thin curtains dominate the restaurant and details give authentic Moroccan feel. Prix Fixe menu has large selection of meat, seafood and veggie (some items require price add-on). The salad lacks lacks flavor in comparison with the smoked duck breast. Maftoul adds a gentle kick to the palate. Chicken Marakesh is not too dry but somewhat lacking in flavor with side vegetables. Crushed pistachios add uniqueness to the classic creme brulee. Dancer engages participation from audience and adds entertainment for all occasions. Waiters are attentive while giving the right amount of privacy. Extensive international wine list.



Atmosphere: 4.5 / 5
Service: 4 / 5
Food: 4 / 5
Price: $39.95 per person (price add-on for certain items)

Overall: 4 / 5
Visit Again: Hopefully Eventually