So on Sunday evening it was my one year anniversary with the boyfriend. So in ritual retreat we dressed up and headed toward a nice restaurant to celebrate. Although this time he chose a quiet, quaint resto over an overdone, fancy-pants, pretentious one.
We went to La Palette in Kensington Market. A cute and cozy French Bistro where I had never been and had little knowledge of (and truth be told was a little wary of since my forays into "the market" have usually been filled with granolas staring at me and wondering who let the King Street girl in).
Upon entry I knew I was in for a treat. Of course I had read up quickly online to read recent reviews and check out the menu (as any good A type would) and had a general feel and vibe of the place but in person it exceeded expectations. The paintings were not just 'cute' they were 'adorable.' The tablecloths were not a 'picnic checkered print' they were a 'tea-stained rose antique.' This is a great start - especially considering my aversion to boys picking out restos for special occasions pour moi.
The server, Shamez, was en pointe. When undecided about my wine choice he brought out a taster of four wines from different regions, all to ensure my satisfaction. I settled on a Cote du Rhone to match my 'mixed grill' of Bison and Caribou (from Nunavut). You say I was at a French Bistro? I felt like I was in a Quebecois Laurentians find. And I loved it.
My mixed grill (which was supposed to be 8 oz. and felt like 10 oz.) was medium rare and spiced to perfection was amazing and I couldn't get enough of either and loved them both. So I ate it all and just tasted my vegetables and mustard mashed potatoes. It was hilarious when the waiter cleared the plates because I full on ate 10 oz. of meat and my boyfriend cleared 8 oz. only. It was one of those quintessential moments when I was acting all coy and cute but yes I did just eat a huge amount of wild game and barely touch my veggies and pecked at my starch. Oh how feminine I am, I am.
And we topped off the night with creme brulee and a glass of Calvados that were both delicious. And I was left with a sweet taste in my mouth that this new find of mine could quickly become a regular affair, and not just on those special occasions.
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Nice restaurant indeed.
ReplyDeleteSince I've vegetarian, my opinion on French cooking barely matters, but we've liked Batifol in East Chinatown just as much if not better, as well. Another great French place.
Sounds like a delightfully place!
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