Location Review225 Front Street W
Toronto, Ontario
Phone:416-597-8142
Menu
Azure Restaurant & Bar has been around for quite some time. Located in the InterContinental Hotel (@ICTorontoCentre), the restaurant prides on delivering a modern Mediterranean fare using the best Canadian ingredients. The truth is, I've been here before. Around half a decade ago I visited during for a fixed-prix Summerlicious menu. I don't exactly remember how the dinner went, but the fact that it barely left a memory probably means it was nothing to write home about.
Fast forward to the present. When I was informed that Azure had been undergoing a full restaurant revamp (read lunch, dinner, dessert and bar menu face lift to be released), it struck some interest in me. I wonder how it is now? The only way to find out, was to make a visit to the restaurant and try the Summerlicious (@liciousTO) menu once again.
Azure Restaurant & Bar
Summerlicious Menu
Azure ($12) - grey goose l'orange, blue curacao, peach schnapps, and sprite
Azure Caesar ($13) - pepper infused vodka, Tabasco, Clamato juice, and olives
My dining companion Jess and I, could hardly resist ordering a couple drinks as soon as we sat down. Perhaps it was the influence of this Toronto heatwave, but really it's hard to deny a good cocktail!
Assorted breads with spice-infused butter
Sweet Corn & Saffron Bisque - Goat Cheese Crouton, Tarragon Oil
While I was expecting this Sweet Corn & Saffron Bisque to have a little more corn flavour to it, it was by no means a terrible soup. In fact, this smoothly pureed bisque was quite creamy and enjoyable. The melba toast with goat cheese floating was the perfect touch. Adds a nice visual and a crunch!
East Coast Crab Cake - Lemon & Dill Remoulade, summer fruit salsa
I don't have any other words to describe this other than the fact that it was a simple crab cake, plated beautifully. I particularly enjoyed the refreshing contrast from the fruit salsa, and wish there was a bit more of that.
East Coast Crab Cake - Lemon & Dill Remoulade, summer fruit salsa
Canadian Farmed Beef Strip Loin - Rosemary & garlic potato puree, baby vegetables, and port jus
When I think Summerlicious and other fixed-prix menus, I always envision a mass production of dishes which sit under heat lamps for long periods of time. But the mains at Azure really altered that preconception. The all Canadian Farmed Beef Strip Loin was an exceptionally executed piece of Wellington beef. Perfectly seasoned and so tender that I swear I could cut the steak with a butter knife if I wanted to.
Canadian Farmed Beef Strip Loin - Rosemary & garlic potato puree, baby vegetables, and port jus
Pacific Organic Salmon - orange and shaved fennel slaw, raisins, pistachio, asparagus and pernod tomato puree
And then there is this Maple which Jess ordered. She seemed pleased about the dish, and specifically commended the on the flavourful tomato puree. They definitely weren't holding back on the portions of this dish either!
Ice-Wine Strawberry Panna Cotta -Fig Compote, Caramel Tuille
Dessert tends to be my favourite part of the meal. Even with the spectacular first two courses, Azure managed to deliver some memorable final impressions with the desserts. From the Summerlicious menu, Jess and I shared the Panna Cotta and the Baileys Chocolate Torte I absolutely loved the Panna Cotta which was silky smooth and not overly sweet. It was a good thing we that first, because the cake was an incredibly indulgent dessert. Perfect for those dark chocolate lovers!
Baileys Chocolate Torte -Vanilla mousse, Summer Berry Compote
Genoise Cake-with sour cream mousse and candied bacon
The last dessert was not on the Summerlicious menu, but brought to us by our waiter as a surprise. He mentioned that this Genoise Cake it would have a permanent spot on Azure's soon to be launched summer menu. A spongy Genoise cake covering a parfait of gooey maple ganache and sour cream mousse. And if that wasn't sinful enough, the candied bacon on top off the already fantastic meal.
After a delightful 3 (and a half, counting that extra dessert!), I'm confident to say that my perception of Azure and Summerlicious menus have been officially changed. This well-executed menu has me curious to see what's in store for their soon to be launched new menu!
On top of that I want to add that service was phenomenal. The wait staff were attentive and professional, while still keeping a friendly and warm air. I almost felt like a familiar returning diner that night! If the service and food tonight is any indication of what future non-Summerlicious visits will be like, then I'm definitely looking forward to a return visit!
