Toronto: Summerlicious - July 6-22, 2007, bookings start on 6/19 for Amex cardholders

[HighFlyer]

Restaurant listing is up. Amex Front-of-the-Line bookings start June 19.

http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/summerlicious/index.htm


Summerlicious, presented by American Express promotes Toronto's restaurant industry and is the perfect opportunity to satiate restaurant lovers with the best of the city's eclectic cuisine.

Take advantage of prix fixe offers at 130 of Toronto's finest restaurants! The prix fixe menus are available at lunch and dinner at unbelievable price points!

Summerlicious kicks off on July 6 and runs until July 22.


Restaurant list: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/summerlicious?OpenForm

[Rosico]

nice, thanks highflyer ... time to 'treat' the wife to some nicer meals ;)

[wesleyw]

Thanks for the heads up.

[JesseD.]

Thanks - your deal has been posted on the main deals page. http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/comments/gta_summerlicious_july_6_22_reservations_open_june _19_w_amex_june_21_otherw

:cheesygri Cheers.

[EL820]

Tried Truffles & The Flow couple years back. Was not overly impressed...food portion was small, and the food was only ok. Of the two restaurants, I actually like the food at The Flow better.

Not worth it IMO.

[Ragged]

Well, love Summerlicious...especially this little place called Focaccia. To those that haven't been there before, I am recommending it. I've been to a few of the other restaurants and some fancy ones but if you want substance and great great service this is the spot you want to check out. Took my girlfriend there last night and they always have a $35 prix fixe. We're somewhat regulars there and our waiter Larry was extremely nice as always and we got a free appetizer from him and the food was exceptional as always.

So I urge you guys to check it out, give it a shot. Tell them Nancy and Antony sent you and he'll take care of you.

http://focacciarestaurant.com/

http://toronto.com/restaurants/listing/128467

You won't be disappointed...excellent service...try to avoid a saturday night though...if you go on Saturday, go early...trust me.

[doubleA]

Thanks OP! Was waiting for this...

[WickedSmurf]

Anybody got more restaurant recommendations? I'm overwhelmed by the long list to choose from.

[Talamasca]

Well, love Summerlicious...especially this little place called Focaccia. To those that haven't been there before, I am recommending it. I've been to a few of the other restaurants and some fancy ones but if you want substance and great great service this is the spot you want to check out. Took my girlfriend there last night and they always have a $35 prix fixe. We're somewhat regulars there and our waiter Larry was extremely nice as always and we got a free appetizer from him and the food was exceptional as always.

So I urge you guys to check it out, give it a shot. Tell them Nancy and Antony sent you and he'll take care of you.

http://focacciarestaurant.com/

http://toronto.com/restaurants/listing/128467

You won't be disappointed...excellent service...try to avoid a saturday night though...if you go on Saturday, go early...trust me.

I ate at Focaccia during Winterlicious '06. The food was great and I agree that Larry was a fantastic server. Easily the best restaurant server I've ever met in my life. He's one of those rare breeds, almost like a character in a movie or something. That restaurant wouldn't be the same without him.

Thanks OP for the heads up!

[s1301950]

Truffle was great. Super high end. Menu is so so though.

[Phr3sh]

how does this work...do you have to make reservations for this?

[reflex]

anyone know if we book with the amex card, do we have to use that card to pay for the meal?

[sfw]

I have gone to both Summerlicious and Winterlicious and enjoyed both. You do not have to pay with the amex.

[Eyeman]

Ok

[Rosico]

anyone know if we book with the amex card, do we have to use that card to pay for the meal?

don't need to pay, but they sometimes will confirm your reservation in person by asking for your amex ...

[YLSF]

BTW, there is a contest that you pay with your AMEX you can win an Amex cashcard or something. Forget the details now though...

[RestIsHistory]

For Canoe, call 416-307-3322 and not the # on their homepage.

Took about 20 min wait on the phone.

[rvs007]

For all the restaurants, you should be using the phone # listed on the summerlicious restaurant list to make the reservations, instead of their regular phone numbers, as some of them have a dedicated number for summerlicious (like Canoe).

It only took 2 minutes to get through to Canoe this morning at 10am (when their lines opened).

[petercockroach]

Canoe just pissed me off big time. I've had my cell on redial for a couple hours now and I finally got it ringing and got in the queue. 17 minutes later I hear *click* "Call ended".

Update: Finally got through to Canoe. Apparently they don't take bookings for Saturday...balls.

[maggers]

I've been in the queue for the past 15 mins. I've been callling since 10am though. I hope I don't get disconnected

[jasonchan]

For canoe, It took me 2 hours of retrying (since it was always busy) and another 40 minutes on hold to get through. Looks like the Fridays are all booked up for dinner.

[raymeowmeow]

Finally got Bymark.. took me the whole morning..

[lilnymphie]

Yeah I've been on redial for a few hours now for Canoe. Fri. is full and Sat. they don't take bookings?! Darnit! I even had to check if my phone was just not working cos it's taking so long.

[fiydafire69]

For Canoe's line, do you need to press 1 for an attendent? I did that and let it ring for 5 minutes and no luck...This time I got a message that mentioned the Winterlicious bookings...anyone know what to do?

[HighFlyer]

For Canoe's line, do you need to press 1 for an attendent? I did that and let it ring for 5 minutes and no luck...This time I got a message that mentioned the Winterlicious bookings...anyone know what to do?

I'm just letting it ring and ring.....

[HighFlyer]

I'm just letting it ring and ring.....

That did it, after 10 mins, someone answered. Space is extremely limited now.

[Raven_007]

For Canoe's line, do you need to press 1 for an attendent? I did that and let it ring for 5 minutes and no luck...This time I got a message that mentioned the Winterlicious bookings...anyone know what to do?

Yes. BTW, they are closed for lunch on the weekends.

[YLSF]

Booked Canoe (been before, a friend wanted to check it out this year), Bymark (never tried), and Globe Bistro (seems to have received good reviews in the paper recently). I might add one more.

[commie]

Do not judge the true quality of the restuarant based on a winterlious or summerlious experience...

At alot of the places, its a difference experience.

[trek_junkie]

i manged to score a lunch at Jump! But no dice with canoe, I called all morning, no luck!

[jrice]

Is there any special reason no one books Canoe on Sunday? Friday/Saturday is all full but there are quite some spots on Sunday when I book this afternoon.

[lithiumli]

darn i didn't know that it was time for summerlicous booking already

[Choco]

Canoe(over-rated)
Attended Winterlicious during 05. Food was so so. Services was awful. In the beginning they over did it. Half way through the meal, our waiter ignore us. I had to ask another waiter (assign to another table) for water.

Edo
Only thing good was the appetizer

Hemsphiere
Food were yummy and services was great.

Truffles
the food was actually good. Service was okay. Only bad thing was we had to wait for our table 10-15 mins even we were on time.

Toula Restaurant & Bar
Services & Food were so so. If you go there, make sure you keep your receipt and that you check your monthly Credit Card bill . We were overcharged . If I recall correctly, they charge us an extra $10. My friend had to call CC company to correct this.

[ferkel]

Waterlicious.. thats what the waiters that work in these restaurants call it because most of the customers only want water to drink heheh.

[Rocketo]

since canoe is out of the picture can someone give me recommends to summerlicious..

ive been to bymark, flow, courtyard cafe...

courtyard was probably the best tasting so yeah any recommends?

[YLSF]

I would try to get in at Mildred Peirce. I have heard great things about it and I wanted to go to it two other "licious" times but couldn't. I heard it is closing down at the end of July so it will be a good time to check it out in its final "swan song"...

I have also heard that Batifole is great. I want to go there but during a non -licious time as it is generally reasonably priced and the venue is small (so, will get too LOUD during licious events).

I booked Globe Bistro this time around. It is new to the list..

[fiydafire69]

I was able to get Bymark after 2 tries yesterday afternoon. I gave up on Canoe since their phone system was frustrating me. Does anyone know of a good $25.00 dinner restaurant to book thsi time around?

[wesleyw]

I was able to get Bymark after 2 tries yesterday afternoon. I gave up on Canoe since their phone system was frustrating me. Does anyone know of a good $25.00 dinner restaurant to book thsi time around?

Can't go wrong with Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill for $25 IMO, but I have only tried their lunch and it was well worth the $15.
I also got through to Bymark, but was not impressed with the lady's attitude on the phone. She seemed very annoyed, but I guess thats what happens when she has been swarmed with phone calls the past 2 days.

[spong]

One resturant which no one is talking about is Richlee. It is a small resturant in the uptown (401 and Avenue Road) area. The food was great during last year's Winterlious. However, be prepare for a very crowded seating area (literally back to back) because the size of the place.

[spong]

So far I had booking for Bymark (my first time, really want to try it), Canoe (Good food, Great location), Richlee (Great food, Very crowded, though) and Auberge du Pommier.

One interesting thing is that Lai Toh Heen was closed in the past two days and no one is taking any reservation (Their answering machine is full).

[fiydafire69]

I decided to pay the extra $10 per person and booked Truffle's since my boyfriend wanted to try it. Got through first time on first ring. The host on the line was very nice but they did require the entire AMEX number and expirary date plus he told me about parking and dress code and such.

[wesleyw]

I decided to pay the extra $10 per person and booked Truffle's since my boyfriend wanted to try it. Got through first time on first ring. The host on the line was very nice but they did require the entire AMEX number and expirary date plus he told me about parking and dress code and such.

Also note their cancellation policy. Cancel 24 hours in advance or they will charge your card (forgot how much though)

[fiydafire69]

He msntioned the cancellation policy as well but he said the day before the booked date, they will call to confirm we are still coming and we can cancel then at no charge. Which is nice just as a reminder call.

[raptorfan]

anyone been to LoLo? I was thinking of booking on there. Never been to any "licious" event.

[garish]

Well, love Summerlicious...especially this little place called Focaccia. To those that haven't been there before, I am recommending it. I've been to a few of the other restaurants and some fancy ones but if you want substance and great great service this is the spot you want to check out. Took my girlfriend there last night and they always have a $35 prix fixe. We're somewhat regulars there and our waiter Larry was extremely nice as always and we got a free appetizer from him and the food was exceptional as always.

So I urge you guys to check it out, give it a shot. Tell them Nancy and Antony sent you and he'll take care of you.

http://focacciarestaurant.com/

http://toronto.com/restaurants/listing/128467

You won't be disappointed...excellent service...try to avoid a saturday night though...if you go on Saturday, go early...trust me.

they have $35 prix fixe during non-licious season, too?

[timmee21]

more recommendations and reviews can be found here:

http://www.ourfaves.com

[mcgillli]

Anybody know if any restaurants have extended their summerlicious promotion like to the end of the month? I know some restaurants extended the promotion by about a week for winterlicious.

[Waiwai]

Out of curiousity, do you need to mention that you are going for Summerlicious? My friend made a reservation at one of the restaurants through their online form, but the confirmation email that I was sent only confirms the date, nothing else. Sorry about the question, this is my first time going.

[nel602]

just booked 5th elementt has anyone ever gone? feedback?

[cruisn76]

Tried Monsoon restaurant last year and it was not bad. They had fusion menu at the time which was an interesting change for once.

[Dash]

I noticed Nectar isn't part of summerlicious this summer. Just as well too. I absolutely hated that place.

[Dash]

Tried Monsoon restaurant last year and it was not bad. They had fusion menu at the time which was an interesting change for once.

isn't monsoon always fusion?

[sigh...]

I noticed Nectar isn't part of summerlicious this summer. Just as well too. I absolutely hated that place.

Nectar actually closed down. The new place is now called Marben.

[sungfra]

just booked 5th elementt has anyone ever gone? feedback?

5th element is alrite. they have been having special at least 1 per mth. Try searching the forum and you will see more infor about it.

[YLSF]

Any reviews?

Bump up since the event is running now. Still probably reservations available for some of the not so famous spots.

[ginabobolee]

EDO $25 dinner

Definately worth it

The appetizer was great and so was the dessert. The main course was only all right. But they offer cold noodles and sushi in between (both are very good). So it's kind of like 5 course meals. The only thing I don't like is the waitress. For some reason, she kept telling us how great summerlicious is to promote their food. I understand that if she mentions it one time. But she at least said like 4-5 times....bit weird.

[spong]

Bymark was a surprise for me. Beween my wife and I we ordered all items on the menu; and we found that the portion was big for the summerlious menu and very very good.

For dessert, be sure to order the almond manger. It is much better than the strawberry shortcake

[ferkel]

Bymark was a surprise for me. Beween my wife and I we ordered all items on the menu; and we found that the portion was big for the summerlious menu and very very good.

For dessert, be sure to order the almond manger. It is much better than the strawberry shortcake

Thats strange.. I encountered the complete opposite. The portions were scaled down but I'm okay with that, but i found the food was heavily over seasoned with salt. We found the strawberry shortcake much better than the almond pudding cup. Interesting experience for $20 per person, but the service was only onpar with a Spring Rolls.. expected a bit more especially when there were only a dozen tables occupied in the diningroom for lunch.

[kelevil]

king edward lunch - it's sub-par imo. service was okay, waiter treated people like they didn't know much about fine dining - heard "Gazpacho is a cold soup." at least 10 times during the course of the meal.

auberge du pommier dinner - very nice main course (tried all three since i was going in a group), but the dessert wasnt as good as i expected: clearly just taken out of the fridge.

[CHINAdeals]

TOULA (http://www.toularestaurant.com/) sucks

more to come ...

[tharkad1]

Anybody know if any restaurants have extended their summerlicious promotion like to the end of the month? I know some restaurants extended the promotion by about a week for winterlicious.

Tundra at the hilton is running their summerlicious menu until july 31st!

[wesleyw]

Tundra at the hilton is running their summerlicious menu until july 31st!

Truffles have done the same in the past..not sure if they're doing it again this year though. You can try calling and asking.

[YLSF]

My first summerlicious for this year was Canoe tonight. It was my second "licious" experience at Canoe, I think last time I was there for Winterlicious one year. I enjoyed the evening better tonight. Probably based on both the company and the food.

I had the goat cheese appetizer, the lamb and the chocolate cake. Everything was great. I had a taste of the shimp, the salmon and the tart. I prefered my choices although the salmon tasted very good also.

The service was great, very attentive EXCEPT for the bar tender in the lounge area (they made us wait a while to get a table... I would say 15 minutes or so but I wasn't looking at my watch!). Anyway, I didn't know what I wanted to order and it took him a while for him to bring the drink menu and then even longer for him to come back and take my order. The area didnt' seem all that busy.

Anyway, the evening was really nice. Even when walking out EVERY single employee thanked us, including even some bus boys that were out in the hall way.

Definitely recommend everyone to try out Canoe at some point! It seemed like quiet a few were eating off the normal menu also...

[Dash]

Nectar actually closed down. The new place is now called Marben.

haha, thank god. I hated that place. is it still the same owners though?

[bdragon]

My first summerlicious for this year was Canoe tonight. It was my second "licious" experience at Canoe, I think last time I was there for Winterlicious one year. I enjoyed the evening better tonight. Probably based on both the company and the food.
...

I'm wondering what the dress code is at Canoe.

[CHINAdeals]

I'm wondering what the dress code is at Canoe.

i wore dress pants/shoes/dress shirt.

i dont' remember wearing a jacket.

don't go in jeans/tie though..definately 'older' crowd.

seemed like few ppl were paying 'summerlcious' rates when i went

[HighFlyer]

i wore dress pants/shoes/dress shirt.

I did the same. There were 1 or 2 that wore jeans and they definitely stuck out.

[YLSF]

Yeah, I agree.. don't wear jeans to Canoe... Really people now adays are a bit "too" casual in dress. Even going to the symphony, plays, shows, etc I see people wear jeans all the time. Kind of takes away from the experience... I like when everyone is dressed up! .. haha

[wesleyw]

Even going to the symphony, plays, shows, etc I see people wear jeans all the time.

I've even seen flip-flops being worn at musicals...

[akeogh]

We went to Bymark last night and really enjoyed it. The food, service and atmosphere were fantastic and we found the portions to be fine. Honestly, if you're main concern is portion size, these type of places will likely always disappoint you.

If you are driving there, park in the TD building lot as Bymark like Canoe will validate your parking.

[Talamasca]

We went to Cfood last night at Yonge/Eglinton. Very small restaurant but with a nice, cozy vibe. I had popcorn shrimp (complete with popcorn!), seared baby halibut, and a chocolate torte for dessert. Very nice meal for $25 and the neighbourhood is really interesting too.

[themadmakmess]

Anybody know if any restaurants have extended their summerlicious promotion like to the end of the month? I know some restaurants extended the promotion by about a week for winterlicious.

Fred's Not Here will have its Summerlicious menu on Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th. I was informed about the extension when I called to make reservations earlier today.

[HighFlyer]

Gone.

[KorruptioN]

I have a reservation for 2 at the Canoe for 6PM tonight but can't make it. If there's anyone who wants this, please PM me by 3PM, otherwise I will call and cancel.

!!!

Somebody take this!

[HighFlyer]

!!!

Somebody take this!

It's now been spoken for :)

[happily_married]

Yeah, I agree.. don't wear jeans to Canoe... Really people now adays are a bit "too" casual in dress. Even going to the symphony, plays, shows, etc I see people wear jeans all the time. Kind of takes away from the experience... I like when everyone is dressed up! .. haha

what about wearing designer jeans?

[Gantz]

Just wondering if anyone knows of any other restaurants other than Tundra that's continuing with Summerlicious past the 22nd July?

[nini1204]

has anyone been to La Maquette yet? thoughts? recommendations?

[mv10]

what about wearing designer jeans?

jeans are jeans, even the 1000 dollars jeans don't change the fact that it is casual wear and completely informal. Go to up scale golf club, and they kick people out with jeans regardless who designs the jeans.