north 44

I've become a bit of a Food Network junkie over the past few months.
Sometimes I'm looking for inspiration, other times I just love all the drama that can happen in a professional kitchen.
Who knew?
Gordan Ramsay's kitchen nightmares, The Top Chef, The Iron Chef (talk about drama!) Jamie's Kitchen, and one of my favorites...
The Heat.

A great show all about Mark McEwan and his catering business as well as his restaurants.
North 44, Bymark and One Hazelton.
I've been to Bymark and loved it.
Big daddy had lunch at One a couple of weeks ago and thought it was fantastic. I have yet to go, but is top of my list.
But for some reason we have never had a meal at the always popular North 44.
I'm not sure why, but hey, better late than never.
So we got a sitter and decided to go for a bit of a dinner date.
After a particularly challenging week of parenting a sleep-refusing 2 year old, it was exactly what we were both in desperate need of.
The restaurant was designed by Yabu Pushelberg and is warm, inviting and contemporary-yet not trendy- more classic modern.
We were greeted by the ultra professional and friendly hostess.
The smell of something smokey and delicious also greeted us, the second we walked in the door.
ahhh....this is looking (and smelling) good.
Sure the crowd is pretty conservative (and well heeled) and muzak was playing in the background, but who cares?
Bring on the meal.
and what a meal it was.
we each started with a glass of bubbly.
why not? it's date night after-all.
I started with a braised rabbit ravioli in a light reduction reggiano and crisp sage.
in a word.
Excellent.
It was exactly was I was craving on a chilly November night. warm and comforting yet not heavy.
It was paired with a generous glass of Valpolicella La Roverina.
Big Daddy had the Seared yellow fin tuna with a tuna tartare, water born greens, Japanese pear, Yuzu and coriander and jalapeno.
also excellent.
It was pretty tough deciding what to have as everything looked amazing.
and I'm sure it is.
For my main course I had the Duckling two ways. with pink breast and saute of Foie Gras and potato dumplings and cured figs.
really nice.
as was the glass of Hamelin Bay Cabernet sauvignon I had with it.
Big daddy had the Pan seared Bison Tenderloin with a savory crust, parsnip chive risotto, chanterelles and stewed apples.
He loved it.
we shared dessert- "when banana met chocolate" a trio of miniature chocolate torte, banana mousse in a crisp tuile and banana fritter and spiced chocolate sauce.
h.e.a.v.e.n.
The service was impeccable as was our meal.
Though I'm not surprised after watching how Mark McEwan runs his catering business on television.
A true chef. Most professional and most talented.
I highly recommend North 44 (or Bymark or One) for a memorable and delicious meal.

North 44
2537 yonge st
416.487.4897

Comments

[Gabriella]

i'm so hungry right now. Will add this to the list as well!

[Don Mills Diva]

Sounds amazing. I was there about 5 years ago and remember that it was great.

[metro mama]

Sounds heavenly.

[Ella]

North 44 is one of my favourite Toronto restaurants. It always pleases. I've been underwhelmed with the food at Canoe (maybe the great view is supposed to compensate), and other equally high profile spots, but never disappointed at North 44.