I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the restaurants I’ve been able to visit during Summerlicious.  The choices available cover such a broad spectrum of flavours and restaurant styles that it’s really hard to go wrong.  There were certainly good things to be said about each meal I had at a participating restaurant.

Top of my list in terms of the entire experience was definitely Hemispheres at the Metropolitan Hotel.  The dining room is lovely with a well-spaced layout and high ceilings that make for an acoustically pleasant environment where conversation at your own table can be carried on comfortably, even quietly.   The service was excellent, professional and non-intrusive.  Best of all, the food was wonderful:  a corn chowder soup in a shrimp stock base, pan seared black cod that melted in the mouth and a fruit skewer dessert  with a slightly tart, tangy glaze.  Each course exceeded even my expectations.  Not a fan of cod?  My dinner partner had equally great things to say about the beef rib eye.  If you’re looking to enjoy a Summerlicious meal, or for a nice night out anytime, visiting Hemispheres is well worth it.

Mark McEwan’s Fabbrica certainly didn’t disappoint either.  The restaurant is fun; both very contemporary and very Italian, and perfectly suited to its location in the stylish open air Shops at Don Mills.  For an intentionally casual dining venue, the service was exemplary and the food quality did Mr. McEwan proud.  Amongst our group, I think we enjoyed every item on the Summerlicious lunch menu.  For me, the highlight was the stracciatella soup.  It was the best I’ve ever tasted, and I order it every place I see it, so you can be assured that it’s very, very good.

For view, it’s difficult to beat Toula at the top of the Westin Harbour Castle.  While you may get higher up in a few restaurants, you can’t get any closer to the lake.  Although I miss the rotation of the restaurant (it’s been ten years since it actually moved), the meal and the presentation made up for it.  My pasta was delicious.  However, the best meal item at the table was definitely the veal medallion.  Fortunately I was in a very sharing group and got to try a little of everything.

For service, Reds never disappoints.  The staff are so well-trained, and the timing from kitchen and bar so fluid, that they almost read your mind.  Admittedly, my choice of fried chicken may not have been the smartest, as it was a bit difficult to eat gracefully in front of business associates.

For fun, Real Sports is always a good call.  During Summerlicious, it’s a good call and extremely filling.  The chili-dog alone could feed a family of four.  A little tip: don’t wear your best off-white blouse.

For patio time, I’d recommend the Bier Markt.  With the combination of delicious food (they serve a really good Croque Monsieur) and gorgeous sunshine, you might have to resort to tasting one of their endless variety of beers.

And last, but certainly not least, the Hot House is consistently a quality restaurant where you can conduct business or enjoy friends.  Owner Andrew Laffey and his team serve up a menu that is well-thought-out and executed faultlessly.  Plus, they were the favourite for dessert, me for the sticky toffee pudding and my Publisher for the white chocolate and peanut butter pie.