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I Got Taste

ROYAL TASTE of the TOWN: NEW MENU at the MARQUIS LOUNGE and BISTRO

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Marquis Lounge & Bistro

92 Peter Street

Lounge & Bistro

The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Toronto prides itself on being overly accommodating. Several of their clientele are “regulars” who frequent the city during the week or prefer to call the hotel home for longer-term stays. In the past, guests would have had to make special menu requests well in advance. “But today,” says Tamara, who manages the popular Marquis Lounge and Bistro, “meeting the special dietary needs of our guests, is all in a day’s work.”

When it comes to accommodating dietary requirements, the chef will prepare any selection or specialty, in the restaurant or for room service delivery. I was delighted to hear from Tamara that the chef had prepared an exciting and varied selection for me from the new menu at the Marquis Lounge and Bistro. It now combines favorite items from the past and lots that’s new – a unique blend that typifies the up-and-coming area of King West. While I adhere to a lactose and gluten-free diet, my Italian-Irish guest is a dedicated foodie. Yet we were both able to enjoy the same, delicious selections!

Marquis Lounge at the Hilton Garden Inn - King Blue
We began our afternoon of tasting at 2p.m., after a day that began at sunrise. This was the perfect time for a sip of sparkling water and a select Cheverney, a white wine from the Loire Valley by Delaille. Bear select and Lifford Agency supply most of the wines to the Marquis Lounge and Bistro, none of which you will find at the local King Street LCBO.

There are several varieties of French (my personal favorites) and a delightful selection of Ontario’s finest vintages. The goal, explained Tamara, is to find and present wines that you might not typically find elsewhere, selections that provide superior value and taste for their guests.

The chef brings a combination of Caribbean and Trinidadian tradition to his dishes and will often feature a special menu that literally tops-up with a little more spice. A perfect beginning, the red pepper tapenade was just what I needed to alert my taste-buds of what was to follow. Served with a variety of fresh grains, the warm crusti-licous bread presented for dipping, was served alongside ripe black olive tapanenade and fresh flowerettes of butter. I was provided additional gluten-free options that were distinctively different, both visually and texturally.

My seasonal favorite still remains on the menu: big, fat, red, plump, Ontario-grown beefsteak tomatoes with freshly pinched sprigs of basil and shavings of parmigiano reggiano. I skipped the cheese, but enjoyed the boyish grin from across the table when my guest took a mouthful.

“The taste, the nuttiness  – you know that the cheese is authentic  – Ahhh Italy!” He swallowed again and kept smiling – and kept eating – piled portions served over a crostini – that when cut, didn’t crumble or break apart. Even with balsamic reduction drizzled a-top, the crostini-mountain maintained its structural integrity.

Everything presented well on white china plates. The grilled Portobello Mushrooms were topped with a colourful veggie-combo of tomatoe, zucchini and green onion, lightly tossed and sautéed, then sprinkled with crumbled feta and warmed under the broiler. They showed like a summer bouquet.

This, in itself, could have satisfied my mid-afternoon craving for a light and healthy lunch. It could easily suffice as my main meal anytime, coupled with a crispy, green garden salad and a splash of herb balsamic vinaigrette.

The next sampling was seared sesame Ahi Tuna, marked on a hot grill to perfection. A slice trough the tender surface exposed the succulent pink fish on the inside. This mild delicacy was prepared to melt-in-your-mouth. The tropical mango salsa on the side was the perfect flavour complement. Mashed potatoes and chinese broccoli blended both colour and texture on the plate. The portions were generous.

About the Author

King West is mainly where I work and play - both night and day. Making new discoveries with King Blue in Toronto’s coolest up-and-coming neighbourhood! Stay connected! @dawnboshcoff

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