ENOTECA SOCIALE (1288 Dundas West, at Coolmine, 416-534-1200, sociale.ca).
Long-delayed, this sequel to Silver Spoon and Pizzeria Libretto looked like a sure thing from the get-go. Instead, a pushy server, overpriced prix fixe and an uneven rustic Italian card have kept us from hurrying back.
GUU (398 Church, at McGill, 416-977-0999, guu-izakaya.com)
It helps to be drunk to appreciate this heavily hyped Vancouver import’s Korean-Japanese mashup menu. Deep-fried Brie? Think a slightly better Sushi on Bloor with non-stop shouting.
RUBY WATCHCO (730 Queen East, at Broadview, 416-465-0100, rubywatchco.ca)
If we wanted to eat exactly the same roast chicken and mashed potatoes as everyone else for $49 a pop, we’d visit our mothers. And We wouldn’t get a lecture.
Worst of the wurst
WABORA (550 Wellington West, at Bathurst, 416-777-9501)
Because this offshoot of the best sushi joint in Bracebridge – some claim to fame – doesn’t have a website, we popped into the swanky cantina soon after it opened in August to check out its menu. When we pulled out our camera to get a quick picture, management showed us the door. We can take a hint.
SUSHI QUEEN IZAKAYA (655 Bay, at Elm, 416-979-3288, sushiqueenizakaya.com)
Guu or goo? While it’s certainly an improvement on the sorry sushi assembly line that preceded it, this Guu wannabe hasn’t quite grasped the concept. Witness its Godzilla Roll, a monstrous maki of hot rice, lobster, scallops and tempura shrimp drenched in flying fish roe, Kewpie mayonnaise and – shudder – broiled cheddar cheese.
Goodbye
Veggie Valhalla Calico in up ‘n’ coming Bloordale… short-lived St. Clair bistro Leopold… the Annex’s all-you-can-eat Nataraj… Queen East’s Pulp Kitchen… La Palette on Augusta and the doomed El Barrio in Kensington… Spadina’s Saigon Palace… Greg Couillard’s erratic Spice Room in Hazelton Lanes… Yorkville’s Lobby across from the ROM…popular Dundas West brunch spot Musa, due to fire… Matignon on St. Nicholas… Samovar, the latest in the long list of defunct watering holes that have attempted to transform the gorgeous art deco space in Cabbagetown’s Winchester Hotel into a going concern. Here’s a tip for potential occupants: if you open, they will not come.
