Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill

Whenever my Dad (who also loves food) comes to visit Toronto, we tend to have a conversation that sounds a lot like this:

Me: "So, where should we go for dinner tonight?" 

Dad: "I don't know, you seem to have some good recommendations, I'm up for anything - why don't you pick?" 

Me: "Ok, so how about we try (insert name of new restaurant), I've heard it's awesome and I think you'll love it." 

Dad: "Well, are you sure? [pause. pause. pause]...I might actually be in the mood for some oysters" 

Me: [usually with a grin on my face by this point] "ok, how about...Starfish then? 

Dad: "Oh, well if you insist...but we did go there last time I was in town...but if you're ok with that...I would LOVE to!"

Luckily, I share my Dad's love for Starfish. I think it's the combination of the fresh oysters (shucked in front of you if you're lucky enough to nab a spot at the bar), the incredible creative seafood mains, the mussels and delicious belgian-style frites, the crisp white wines - all served with a certain panache that make this a phenomenal spot. 

• Relish:Oysters. Fresh, delicious oysters. They come with three homemade sauces, fresh horseradish...could you ask for anything better? Mussels & frites are stellar, as are all of the mains of super fresh seafood with creative accompaniments. 
• Quaff: Wine. White if possible. An overall solid wine list, and a few good glass options as well (although you'll probably need a bottle as the meals here are never quick)! 
• Feel: On a busy night it's packed with a varied crowd truly enjoying wine, great food and good company. Some booths, a few high tables and a great bar all add variety. I wouldn't say that the feel is spot on (the tables may be a bit too big and square for a more cozy feel) but it has a bit of an aloof "you're here for the oysters right?" feel. The bar is definitely the best spot.

It is slightly out of the way, but I think that actually might add to the charm. It's definitely a gem that you would walk by a thousand times and never think twice about...so please make sure you stop next time!
Enjoy!


w: Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill

L'Unita

L'Unita is one of my all-time favourite restaurants. It has just a few redeeming factors: gorgeous northern Italian food, a phenomenal wine list that changes regularly, a great bar where you can sit and enjoy silent Italian black and white films, sexy lighting, awesome staff, and finally - it just so happens to be walking distance from my home. 

• Relish: The food here is consistently great. I've tried quite a few things, on quite a few of the menu iterations, but would highly suggest ordering a variety and sharing plates. Every once in a while I dream about their northern woods mushrooms, braised beef short ribs, pasta 'fatti in casa' with rabbit ragu....mmm. Oh, and please do try the cannoli...I didn't like canoli until I tried them here. I may now be close to addicted.
• Quaff: Amazing. Wine. List. A massive number of Italian wines, and consistently ~15 options by the glass. They're also great at letting me try a taste before selecting a glass, which is pretty awesome. I know they serve other beverages, but to enjoy your meal without a glass of one of their Italian reds would be a shame. 
• Feel: This is possibly what pulls it all together for L'Unita. Low lighting, small tables, big mirrors, exposed brick walls and space constraints makes this place feel intimate and special - which it is. Check out the postcards too. 

I'm thinking I might be due for another visit soon...

Enjoy!

w: L'unita italian restaurant

Murray Street

My first review is a little locale just off the busy Byward Market in Ottawa. Charcuterie, Cheese, and all manner of delicious in-betweens, a great wine list and pretty good lighting make this a fun spot for some wine, cheese and a very relaxed dinner. The poutine is amazing - spatzel instead of fries, ham and goey cheese...ranks up there with the best poutine I have had (disclaimer: I am by no means a poutine connoisseur, which may be why I liked it). 

• Relish: Great charcuterie plate, elk salami, smoked duck breast, terrine and local cheeses, poutine and smoked fish fritters. All delicious. I would love to go back to try a main (or two, or three).
• Quaff: Good wine list - much more interesting old world wines that the new world selections, a fair number by the glass (20 or so), and generous pours. Some local beers, although I have to say I didn't pay too much attention to those. I had a delicious old world Rose (and will remember to note the name down next time)!
• Feel: Quiet inside as the patio was full and we couldn't sit outside, but a great vibe and a fun young crowd. Would be a fun place to sit at the bar, and I could see this being an extremely cosy spot in the winter! 

I would go back, and would recommend it! Great for a quiet catch up conversation, a meal with a few good friends, or to sit at the bar. Similar in feel to Starfish. 


Enjoy!
w: Murray Street Kitchen
m: link to Ottawa restaurant google map

Welcome to Relish & Quaff

Hello,  
I've had a few requests to toss my 'restaurant list' online - so here it is! 
I'll be playing around a bit to explore this world of blogging, and am figuring out some form of interactive search, reviews categorization and mapping. Please toss in some comments here or there on what might be helpful, the feedback is very much appreciated. 
Unfortunately I can't take much credit for the name - all creative genius on that one goes to Anna. 
Enjoy!