CANTINE 

138 Avenue Road, Yorkville, Toronto On., (416) 923-4822, Brunch 10 am - 3 pm Sat. & Sun. Lunch Mon. - Fri. 11:30 - 2:30 pm, Dinner 5 pm to close 7 nights

On a bitterly cold and windy February Saturday evening, my son Mark (http://www.markallen.ca/) and I decided to try Cantine.  We arrived at about 6:30 and were quickly seated (luckily) at a casual table in comfortable leather armchairs. They were a little awkward to eat from, but very comfortable to sit in. The interior of this restaurant is very comfortable and invites relaxation.  Most patrons were drinking vodka martinis during the evening.  We began by ordering a nice bottle of Refosco wine.

A nice bread platter quickly arrived with spicy olives and olive oil for dipping.

I ordered a fried calamari appetizer.  It was tender and nice and hot.  They were accompanied by a lemon and a chipotle mayo that was rather bland.

Mark ordered the crab cakes.  He really enjoyed them.  They were also accompanied by a chipotle mayo.

I ordered one of this evening's specials.  It was a house made ravioli dish filled with portabello and crimini mushrooms, onions and garlic.  They were tender and outstanding.  The ravioli were covered in a white wine cream sauce, that was light and very tasty.  Between the ravioli were short spears of very tender asparagus.  A sprinkling of parmigiano reggiano completed the flavouring of this plate.  This was a wonderful light dish that I would order again.

Mark ordered from the regular menu and had the grain fed boneless half chicken, with veal jus reduction and seasonal vegetables, that included bok choy and broccoli and mashed potatoes.  Unfortunately, the picture did not do this dish justice since it was to dark.  Mark really liked it.

We both complete our meals with a wonderful tiramisu that was light and delicious.  It was accompanied by sliced strawberries and chocolate sauce.

Our meals were very good and well presented.  The food was not heavy and the sauces were light and tasty.  The service was timely and efficient.  A number of patrons seemed to know each other and probably were regular patrons.  The restaurant was filled by 7:30, so reservations would be a good idea. We found the restaurant very comfortable and will definitely return to try other dishes.

http://www.cantine.ca/

THE OXLEY PUBLIC HOUSE 

121 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, On. (647) 348-1300 Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week

My two sons and I decided to try the Oxley, after searching out a new place to eat in Yorkville, on a very cold Saturday evening in February.  The Oxley doesn't look like much, until you step inside and experience its charm. 

The bar is well stocked and has a variety of draft beers.

The inside is very dark and extremely homey.  Once you sit down you just want to stay.

After selecting our pints, which included Innis and Gunn and Fullers London Pride, we decided to order from the bar menu.  The bar menu was typical of a pub with a new flair.  We reviewed the dinner menu and found it a little pricey and had items we were not familiar with.  We suggest you view their menu online before coming here.  

Mark (http://www.markallen.ca/) ordered the BLT with maple braised pork belly.  It was accompanied by a nice salad.  He really enjoyed it.

Thomas and I decided on the hand chopped burger and chips.  The burger looked small (like a slider), but it was far more satisfying than it looked.  It was very tasty and filling and accompanied by chips that were very good.  The chips came with an unusual tomato like dip that was unique and tasted like licorice. 

The atmosphere was comfortable, the service was efficient and friendly.  We noticed a variety of patrons here including families with children, couples and groups.  It is definitely an inviting and warm atmosphere.

http://theoxley.com/