La Maquette

Last weekend, we used another one of those voucher for dinner, this time it was a $35 voucher for $80 of food at La Maquette.  I called to make a reservation a few days ahead of time but was told that the only time available on that Saturday night was 5pm or 8:30pm.  I selected the 8:30pm time slot but when we arrived the restaurant was not full at all.  The atmosphere was very romantic and it has a super classy environment. 

For appetizer, we ordered the Flash Fried Calamari ($14.50), it was served with sour cream yogurt and caper dip.  I actually loved this dish because the calamari was only breaded slightly so it seemed like only the outer part of the calamari was deep fried.  This dish is very different from calamaris from pubs and bars for sure since those are usually overly breaded.

My main course was the Mixed Seafood Risotto ($32).  The seafood included lobster, scallops and shrimps, and they were tossed in tarragon cream cause. At first, I thought that the portion was tiny.  However, it was actually very heavy and rich, so I ended up not finishing it up.

Mr. Y ordered the Roasted Muscovy Duck Breast ($38), served with blackberry, apple reduction and sweet potato.  It was very satisfying because it was cooked very differently than how I normally have duck (fried, in a Chinese-style). 

Overall, food was great, not amazing though given the prices.  However, the service was way too slow, we were there for almost 3 hours, considering we only had appetizer and main course. 

Osgoode Hall Restaurant

My first time at Osgoode Hall today, I'm so close to it from work and I never knew that right across the street from me is the Law Society of Osgoode Hall.  My friend was referred to the "Osgoode Hall Restaurant" by her coworkers, it surely is a hidden dining hall.  The restaurant is only opened from noon to 2pm in September to June.  The dining hall is surrounded with law-books and stained glass.  It is common to have judges and lawyers seated right next to you for lunch in Osgoode Hall!

Osgoode Hall Restaurant

My friend and I both ordered the "Chef's Menu' with 3 courses, we found it very much like a Summerlicious lunch for us.  For appetizer, Niagara Prosciutto with White Asparagus was served.  I found the ham a bit too salty.  The portion of the appetizer was small, and overall I wasn't too satisfied with it.   Pan Seared Lois Lake Steelhead Trout served with shiicake mushrooms, wild rice and beurre blanc was the main dish.  I love the fish because of the white and green sauces that comes with it.  The portion of the fish was perfect and it was very fresh.  Last but not least, the dessert was the best.  We had Ontario Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble with Almond Ice-Cream.  The mix of the dessert was very well combined because the rhubarb and strawberry sauce was very special, and never had anything like that.  The rhubarb and strawberry crumble really did filled me up, and I also love almond ice-cream. On the bias side, I must say that the dessert was the best of all in the lunch meal at Osgoode Hall Restaurant, and in 'to.live.my.life''s opinion, the restaurant deserves a 7/10 . *Just a quick reminder:  If you want a taste in this dining hall, there's only 3 more weeks and then you  have to wait until the fall in September!