Insider Tips to Summerlicious 2010

From July 9 to 25, Toronto’s 8th annual Summerlicious takes place. One-hundred and fifty of Toronto’s best restaurants offer lunch and dinner prix fixe menus. For lunch the prices range from $15-$25, while dinner is either $25, $35, or $45. Restaurants will begin taking reservations June 24, but American Express Card Members can start booking June 22.

Before you make a reservation, there are many things to keep in mind when choosing a restaurant. The reduced prices are great, but mean nothing if the service and menu are not up to par. That’s why it’s always important to skim the restaurant’s regular menu to ensure that the Summerlicious price is good value - they should be serving their best dishes and most famous specialties.

We did the research for you, and have come up with five restaurants that have great value for nothing less than a lip-smacking experience.

93 Harbord

For a taste of the Mediterranean, 93 Harbord offers some of the best. They serve contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine with Moroccan influences. Classic Middle Eastern ingredients are combined in unexpected ways - like the Roasted Tomato and Fresh Mint Soup, Fig and Walnut Roasted Lamb and refreshing Pomegranate Sorbet. You’ll get great value on their prix fixe menu, as it is only a few more dollars than one regular priced entrée.

Dinner: $25

Summerlicious Menu: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious/A814D2C6CDC494E4852574DC006C5826?OpenDocument

Website: http://www.93harbord.com

The Host

For those with an appetite for spice, The Host is sure to please. They offer high-end Indian cuisine with an assortment of exotic flavours and colours in every dish. Accommodating service and lavish décor create an upscale dining experience. Luckily, they’ve included the Pista Kulfi on the Summerlicious dessert menu. This homemade pistachio ice cream is a must-try! It’s the perfect dish to soothe your palate after an adventure of ethnic flavours.

Lunch: $15

Dinner: $25

Summerlicious Menu: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious/EC0229D6944185F585257458004FAA0E?OpenDocument

Website: http://www.welcometohost.com/home.html

Jump

Take advantage of Summerlicious and dine at one of Toronto’s best restaurants for $35. Located in the Financial District, the industrial chic interior and top quality food draws in a hip crowd. Join the Bay Street business crowd and order lunch, which offers a similar selection of dishes as their dinner menu. Friendly and knowledgeable servers will guide you through your meal.

Lunch: $20

Dinner: $35

Summerlicious Menu: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious/8EA098C3874001EC85257004007A3B6C?OpenDocument

Website: http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Jump.aspx

Toula

Enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Ontario while you dine at Toula. An Italian restaurant located on the 38^th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, Toula’s prix fixe menu won’t disappoint. They’ve chosen their finest dishes and have gone so far as to include black truffle on the menu. If you aren’t into pasta, they have a variety of meat and seafood options. Enjoy hearty Italian food while overlooking a breathtaking view.

Lunch: $20

Dinner: $35

Summerlicious Menu: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious/2CF6E9DB0B877C3D852570C400590237?OpenDocument

Website: http://www.toularestaurant.com

North 44

Take the opportunity to sample food from one of Toronto’s finest chefs at North 44. The executive chef is Mark McEwan, owner of McEwan’s grocery store, and star of the Food Network’s The Heat with Mark McEwan. North 44 has an international and celebrity following that keep coming back for McEwan’s latest culinary creations.

Dinner: $45 dinner

Summerlicious Menu: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Summerlicious/E6B239840F2AC5D7852570230077A1DA?OpenDocument

Website: http://www.north44restaurant.com

To make reservations or view the full list of participating restaurants, visit: www.toronto.ca/summerlicious