Our Faves

Lee's latest fine, but legacy calls for more

Rated this place:

...Servers greet you with an arm’s-length cool and competent professionalism. Yet the overall dining experience delivers a major disappointment. Perhaps it’s our fault for presuming that we would be getting the full Susur sensory-overload treatment. Ahh, remembrance of things past.

It’s not that the food ain’t good. In fact, with the exception of an ill-conceived strip-loin special ($38), in which tepid slices of perfectly rare steak pair with pastrami chips (yes, you read that correctly) in a cold foie-gras reduction and blueberries that put the whole flavour balance out of whack, the cuisine is way better than your average eatery. But this is a Susur joint: is it too much to expect the bestest of the best?...See Full Post

Madeline's is a Worthy Successor to Susur

Rated this place:

Chef "Dom" or Dominic Armanal is the mastermind in the kitchen at Madeline's. Once in a while, you'll even see him step out of the kitchen, arms folded over his chest, intently watching the front-of-the-house - just like Susur would.

The newest addition to the Susur Lee portfolio state-side, Madeline's took over the space that was once one of Toronto's favourite restaurants: Susur, just prior to chef Susur Lee's move to New York City. The restaurant's new decor is impeccably stunning with a contemporary-meets-Morocco-meets-Asian flair, an all-over fusion-theme that is also seen in Armanal's cuisine. Tapas or appetizer-style dishes make up a menu selection meant to be shared with the rest of the table while prix-fixe menus are also available.

Dungenees crab cakes, slow braised pork bellow, crab + lobster bisque, seared foie gras and scallop provencal is just a taste of what you'll find. As long as you don't notice gothic chickens mounted on display, Madeline's will still make you feel like you're at home at Susur's but will be much lighter on your wallet.

• Favourite thing(s) at this place:
• tapas
• crab cakes
• appetizers
• fusion
• young professionals
• fancy date