Feeling Naughty at Coquine

Well once again, it's taken me forever to get around to writing a post about a new restaurant.

It's not that we don't eat out anymore- though admittedly far less frequently than in the past.

I find myself going back to the same ol' same ol'- not wanting to risk a bad meal on a precious date night dinner.

Plus sometimes it's just easier to go where you know.

So that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

But that's not to say that we haven't hit up a few new spots in the past few months.

Coquine on Yonge st. being one of the newest hot uptown restaurants.

So strange telling the babysitter that we will be at Coquine- which is pronounced like the white stuff that makes your gums go numb.

Not that I would know.

Anyhoo-

It's a casual french style Bistro which is long over due in mid-town Toronto. 

or any part of Toronto for that matter.

It's got that classic, clean yet modern french feel.

It has two patios- one facing Manor Rd and the other facing Yonge.

There are communal tables adjacent to the very lively bar and two separate dining rooms.

The place is pretty happening- especially for the 35+ crowd and I couldn't help but notice quite a few cougars on the prowl.

But if I was single I would come here too.

Our waiter was far more attentive to the foxy cougars sitting beside us than to a boring married couple on a quick dinner date- but I found it more amusing than annoying.

But seeing as big daddy was hungry and we waited over 30 minutes for a table- he didn't find it all that funny when even though we sat down before these two hot 40 somethings- they got everything before us.

But whatever.

I had my wine and I was enjoying people watching.

So I suppose we should talk about the food.

It's a pretty typical french bistro menu- nothing too exotic or unusual.

Nicoise Salad and the Coquine Salad- Arugula with warm niagara prosciuotto wrapped figs, gorgonzola, candied walnuts and a sherry vinaigrette $12 ( being the cougar entree of choice- from what I could see on most tables- gotta watch that feline figure), Cassoulette, moules & frites and several different pasta dishes- not exactly french- but all sounded quite good- especially the Beet Gnocchi tossed with sweet peas in herb butter sauce topped with fresh ricotta cheese $14

I had the Mini Burger Trio- three mini truffle burgers with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions and smoked mozzarella on mini brioche buns $13.

really tasty.

Big daddy had the 8oz New York Striploin with a caesar salad, frites and bordelaise and the gorgonzola cheese $23.

Also very good.

I spied the Halibut en Papillote on another table and made a note to myself to try that next time we go.

Because, yes, I will definitely go back to Coquine.

I even think it would be fine to bring the kids if you go early enough - before the cougar crowd arrives.

Or it might even be a fun place to go with some girl friends just for a laugh.

Maybe just leave the wedding rings at home just to ensure better service ;

They are open for lunch and brunch on the weekends as well.

Coquine

2075 Yonge st.

416.322.6767

Comments

[kgirl]

I love this review because I too, am just as conscious of (and entertained by) the people around me at a restaurant as I am the food on my plate.
Sounds like a place I'd hit with some of my hot girlfriends ;)