Winterlicious at The Boiler House
Every winter in Toronto is insufferable. The wind cuts at any inch of exposed skin, salty slush threatens to ruin your best pair of shoes, and the endless horizon of clouds leaves everyone feeling lethargic. Luckily for locals and tourists who dare to visit this city during the winter months, there is a silver lining – Winterlicious.
For two blissful weeks, restaurants and bistros have a prix fixe menu that they offer at an unbeatable price. The point: To highlight specialty dishes, provide a more affordable dining experience and to force the general population out of hibernation. The best way to take advantage of this event is to make reservations at the pricier restaurants that you’ve been wanting to try but were fearful that you’d shell out $500 for a meal you might want to throw-out. For out-of-towners, try the restaurants that you’ve read rave reviews about and gain bragging rights for getting to experience several of them during your visit.
The Boiler House is a prime example of a higher-end restaurant offering an exquisite 3-course dinner menu for only $35 CDN. (4 courses if you include the teasingly delicious amuse-bouche). The interior is a perfect blend of exposed brick, dark steel and thick slabs of amber wood. A solo-guitarist serenades the entire room from a second floor loft stage as soft pinks, purples and oranges illuminate the wall behind him. Wooden booths literally encase guests who choose to dine in the bar area and a floor-to-ceiling shelf tempts wine connoisseurs with its impressive selection of vino.
The food was spectacular! Everything came out on time and the quality didn’t reflect the cheap price, nor did it seem as though it was cooked in large batches. The roasted cornish game Hen was cooked to perfection and the sirloin pot pie was tender and perfectly matched with its vegetable stew of fava beans and eggplant. I recall saying out loud to my guest, “I could eat this everyday.” Dessert was a bread pudding. What I visually remember about this dish is very vague because it didn’t last on my plate for that long—I practically inhaled it like a marathon runner gasping for air at the finish line.
On a regular night, The Boiler House can be quite pricey. But if the bill is of no concern to you, then feel free to make reservations for dinner at anytime during the year. For those of you planning to visit during the summer months, there is a Summerlicious that will be taking place from July 9th – 25th. Restaurants start taking reservations on June 18th. If The Boiler House is participating, please don’t miss the opportunity to dine there.
The Boiler House is located at 55 Mill Street, Toronto, Ontario, 416-203-2121
