RADIUS CAFE AND URBAN CASUAL DINING 

151 James Street South, Hamilton, On. L8P 3A2, (905) 393-1658 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 7 days, Late Night Fri. Sat.

The Radius is located in one of the nicer areas of the downtown area, surrounded by a variety of restaurants and pubs.  It is a relative newcomer to the area and is a large and fabulous space.  It consists of two venues, one side is a clean and comfortable space for dining.

There is also a very large series of patios on the outside of the building, including a large street side patio and an elevated rooftop patio.

We began by trying to have our drinks and food on the street side patio but the weather was not cooperating so we went inside.

We reviewed the menu and decided on our selections.

I ordered warm olives to start.  They were delicious and very hot.  We all shared them.

Katie decided to order the taco trio.  They consisted of pork belly, chorizo, Lake Erie perch and some seasonal toppings($15).  They looked good and tasted even better.

Tom ordered the Hamilton Burger which included pancetta, potato crisps, sweet corn relish, aged cheddar, sriracha mayo, fried egg.  It was delicious and very messy (the sign of a good burger).  It was accompanied by a small bowl of mustard and a small salad ($17).

I ordered the smoked BBQ chicken wings with grainy mustard and apple slaw.  They were delicious but could have been more meaty ($12).

After completing our dinner and libations we went through the hallway to the other section which includes a very spacious yet comfortable cafe.

We had a selection of coffees including a nice Americano and took a look around this great space.

Radius is a great addition to the restaurant scene in Hamilton.  It has a very nice interior, a very spacious patio with a view, a wonderful cafe space which is large and comfortable.  It is quite a large space to service, so the wait staff get a lot of exercise, but the service was reasonable.  The menu could be more extensive and the prices are quite high for the quantity of food but we are sure they will improve with time.  Their website needs improvement as well.
Recently there have been some drastic improvements to the interior. A wall was removed to open the space, a small bar located on one side was replaced by a much larger one.  The cafe was completely replaced and has become a relaxing lounge with lounge music and comfortable seating.  It is fabulous! Well done radius!

We recently came for a dinner with our 2 sons and were very impressed with the improvements.

Calamari were great! ($15)

Trout in parchment paper

Haddock and mashed

Braised Beef

Cocktail

Pork Chop

http://www.radiuscafe.net/

CIBO WINE BAR KING STREET 

522 King Street West, Toronto, On. (416) 504-3939, Open for Lunch and Dinner 7 days

Located in a very hot area, for new and trendy restaurants, on King Street West in Toronto, Cibo has arrived from Miami.  After reading about it we decided to give it a try. I called my son Mark, who lives near the area to call and make a reservation for 7 pm on a Saturday night in late July.

It is a very large space with many different seating areas.  We were seated in the front section near King Street, with a nice view of the outside and side patio.

They have an extensive wine selection.

We chose a nice Chianti ($55) that was very smooth.

A nice house baked bread arrived with a small selection of olives that were spicy and quite tasty.

My wife began with a nice caesar salad.  She really enjoyed it.

My son Mark began with a plate of calamari.  They were light and easy to eat.

I began with a wonderful salad that included shrimp, it was enormous and had a very good light dressing.

For our mains Mark (http://www.markallenrealty.ca/) and my wife chose the gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce.  These were very tender and fresh and quite a large portion.

I chose the lasagna with house made noodles.

The portion was very generous and as a result I was not able to finish it, so we packed it up to take away.  Many of the pastas are made on the premises and are displayed at a pasta bar.  The pasta here is quite good and fresh.

We completed our meals with a nice espresso coffee.

This restaurant is very large, with many different spaces. By the time we left the restaurant it was very busy and full. Their food is quite good (though a little pricey) and they certainly serve large portions.  The service is friendly and efficient. The menu is quite extensive and there are many wines available by the glass.  We will certainly return to try some other choices.

http://www.cibowinebar.com/

THE POACHER 

436 Pearl Street, Burlington On., (905) 639-6291, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
I have been to the poacher many times for many dishes.  It is a simple, authentic pub. I decided to have a dinner by myself on a hot July evening.  It just happened to be the evening of the Downtown Dash, a very popular Burlington 5 and 10 k run.  The Poacher was very busy and right in the centre of things.  It has a patio with a view and a smoking area (on the patio).

I decided to have a roast beef au jus sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy.

It was absolutely delicious.  The jus was not over salty, the bun was fresh and the mashed potatoes and gravy were outstanding!

I also enjoyed a Fullers London Pride pint for only 7 dollars as an added bonus.

It is a true British pub with a friendly clientele that seem to be regulars.

The meal was very reasonable including the pint.

The Poacher is a true unpretentious pub for all ages.  There are dart boards, atmosphere, good food and brews - the true definition of a pub.  Well worth a visit!!
http://www.thepoacher.ca/main/