Winterlicious 2014

The Best of the Danforth
By: Allie Chenoweth

Winterlicious runs until Thursday, February 13, which means there’s only one week left of delicious prix-fixes meals. If you haven’t taken advantage of the 10 participating restaurants in the Danforth area, now’s your chance!

Some restaurants like Pan on the Danforth and Ouzeri have adapted their regular menus to fit the prix-fixe format of Winterlicious, giving you a great opportunity to get some good Greek for cheap. But if you’re craving a truly Winterlicious experience, Morgans on the Danforth and Globe Bistro are two restaurants that have embraced the spirit of Winterlicious to create some mouth-watering menus.

Morgans on the Danforth:

This ambitious menu is the least expensive option for a Winterlicious dinner ($25), and you definitely get your money’s worth, if not more. Making a reservation is a must, since Morgans’ Winterlicious menu is drawing crowds—and rightly so.

Start off right: Do yourself a favour and try the Coconut Chicken, if only for the house-made Hogtown Ale Kolsch sweet and sour sauce—this stuff  should be bottled and sold immediately. As well, the Smoky Corn Chowder’s flavour lives up to its name, someone should call the fire department.

 

The main event: While the Korean Short Ribs is sure to be the popular choice (the kitchen only had one left by the time we ordered), it is the Kassler with Sauerkraut that ended up being the favourite of the entrées—double smoked pork that just falls apart and melts in your mouth. Deserving nods go to the Comfort Food Sampler for its crispy fried chicken, and the Jumbo Shells for cheese lovers.

 

End note: All of the desserts are delicious and clearly made to air on the lighter side, given the substantial preceding two courses. The Brown Butter Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwich will entice most diners (that brown butter glaze was pretty darn tasty), and Into the Darkness will appeal to any chocolate lover, but don’t discount the underrated Back to the Light—the lemon curd has incredibly bright flavour.

 

Globe Bistro:

In addition to offering top-notch service, Globe’s crafted some special Winterlicious cocktails and wine offerings. For the classy bargain hunter, note that the lunch and dinner menus are very similar, but lunch is $20 and dinner $35, though portions will reflect that. As well, be sure to peruse their extensive wine list and take advantage of half price wine on Sundays for a fabulous weekend lunch!

 

Start off right: The Smoked Haddock Croquette has great crunch and pairs so well with the dijon aioli and dill and herb salad. If you’re someone who needs convincing to jump on the kale bandwagon, definitely try the Kale Caesar Salad.

 

 

The main event: The Mushroom Tagliatelle is light and fresh—not the kind of heavy, creamy pasta dish you’d expect from Winterlicious, and it’s a welcome change.

 

 

End note: The Dark Chocolate Custard—though I wasn’t sure what to expect from its presentation—has heavenly flavours. Not your typical mousse-in-a-ramekin, that’s for sure.

 

If you’re looking to get your tastebuds fired up this February, or want to start Valentine’s Day celebrations a bit early, go to Toronto.ca/winterlicious for more information about the event and all of the prix-fixe menu listings.