Top Picks for Winterlicious 2015

It's that time of year again where, after a short month of rest from all the belly stuffing during Christmas holidays, more eating! Although I shouldn't use the term "stuffing" for this culinary event as it is all about exploring and really enjoying what the Toronto culinary scene has to offer.

Before I go into my 2015 Winterlicious wish list, I wanted to highlight previous restaurants that I have been to during previous Winterlicious/Summerlicious events since they are also on this year's list: 

Aria (Menu): I would still recommend it for the delicious food, yummy wine, friendly service as well as awesome decor. Great for a girl's night out or a romantic date. 

Big Daddy’s (Menu): You can't go wrong with their clam chowder, fried pickles or jambalaya. 

  

Ciao Wine Bar (Menu): Very good deal for what it's worth. The food and vibe is great. Good for friend gatherings or romantic dinners. 

La Maquette (Menu): Best place for a romantic dinner with candlelit dinner by a fireplace accompanied by live music. Also, did I mention lobster?  

Weslodge (Menu): Cutting edge decor and innovative dishes without the hefty price tag. The scotch egg is delicious.

I will probably revisit any one of these restaurants this year if I can manage. This will also be my first year attending one of the culinary events as part of Winterlicious. Rosewater is no stranger to me so I am super excited about this one:

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Every year I try to check out new places, so here are my top 5 picks for Winterlicious 2015 (in alphabetical order):



America Restaurant (Menu): I was invited to the restaurant opening launch party and the food was amazing. The mac and cheese was probably the best I've ever had.

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Drake hotel (Menu): Seasonal comfort food and reinvented classics in a fun environment at one of Toronto's most popular boutique hotel.

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Habits Gastropub (Menu): Cozy college street bar offering local and fresh ingredients, with a great craft beer and whisky collection. They have 7 choices for the main entree! Good for groups that want to try various dishes.

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Mildred's Temple Kitchen (Menu): Nicely lit with lots of natural lighting and with a vast space, the restaurant offers market fresh contemporary dishes. I'm definitely having the chicken and waffles, but too bad I can't have their legendary fluffy buttermilk pancakes as dessert.

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Estiatorio VOLOS (Menu): An authentic but modern expression of Greek dining that takes you beyond typical Greek clichés.  Lobster with feta cheese? Yes, please. 

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Be sure to make your reservations quick as lots of the restaurant bookings fill up fast!