A Night Out in Toronto

One of the nice thing about the slowtravel community is the phenomenon known as the GTG (get together). This is when a group of slowtravelers, often instigated by someone from visiting the area, suggest a dinner out or some other form of social fun. People from the area (or who are also visiting) jump on the bandwagon and soon a party of sorts is being planned.

GTGs can be fancy like Palma's famous Desert GTG, or casual and relaxed, like the GTG we enjoyed with Ron and Wendy in Carmel last March. We have enjoyed GTGs in Rome, Venice, Montespertoli, Chianti, Carmel, Paso Robles, Pasadena, Palm Desert, and San Francisco. I suspect that Paul believed GTGs all happened somewhere else. Last night I proved him wrong when we enjoyed a GTG in Toronto.

We started off by heading to the ROM. Marion is a member and was able to bring three guests in with her at no charge. We are always up for a visit to the museum so we jumped at the offer. The idea was to experience the beauty and diversity of the South Asian sub-continent. The newly opened Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery contains over 5,000 years of history which is revealed through a beautiful collection of religious objects and sculpture, decorative arts, arms and armour, miniature paintings and textiles.  We all thought that the new exhibit needs some work; there is no flow and the displays seemed incomplete. Hopefully this is just one step on a larger transition.

After we had had enough of March Break at the ROM (think lots of children) Marion suggested heading up to the new restaurant at the ROM c5 (on the fifth floor of the crystal, hence c5) for a pre-dinner drink. Who were we to refuse?

The lounge at c5 is a chic location in the city to unwind. Soft leather lounge seating and original glass art installations set the mood, while the superb wine list, great bar menu and signature ROMtini make it the ideal destination for intimate social gatherings and private parties.

We order our martinis. Paul a Purple Haze made with Ketel One Vodka, Crème de Cassis, Citrus. Marion ordered the winner of the ROM Martini contest - the ROMtini which is mixed from Grey Goose Vodka, Hypnotique, Splash of Scotch. I decided upon the Maple Leaf which is made from Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey, Maple Syrup, Lemon. Our drinks were wonderful; it was such a civilized way to start our evening, wonderful people, a beautiful setting, well-made drinks and the late winter sun pouring in from outside.

We thought that we might need to order some nibblies to go with our drinks; it just would NOT do to show up tipsy at the restaurant! Marion suggested the Charcuterie Plate which was an assortment of Niagara cured meats, olives, froie gras, smoked lake Ontario trout, sweet cured straw mushrooms, and a pear gelee with brioche. She also suggested the frites which were served an Espellete Aioli. WOW this was an incredible start to an evening which promised more good food.

After enjoying our drinks and snacks, we grabbed a cab to the restaurant where we were meeting  Marg, Doru, and his wife Josette - Tutti Matti. This is one of our favourite restaurants in the city. The chef serves traditional Tuscan cuisine which is made by using only fresh seasonal ingredients. Everything is made in house, including the fresh breads and pastas. They carefully preserve the simple, hearty, robust flavours for which Tuscan food is known.

We were seated at the front of the restaurant away from some large parties at the back, however it was still challenging to hear one another. Marg had brought a very beautiful self-published photo album, "Roma e Napoli", over 190 pages of photos with captions from her recent trip to Rome and Naples. She had had it published through Blurb. I was amazed at the quality of her photos and the book itself.

The food was excellent as always. Our waiter was from near Sant' Andrea della Valle area in Rome and he was shocked to learn from Doru that his favourite childhood bakery had been remade into an Internet cafe. Apparently even eternal Rome is not protected from the fast pace of change.

The food was excellent and after dinner a photo shoot-out took place between Marg, Marion and myself. I have to say though that viewing Marg's photos has just reinforced for me that I need a new camera! I think I will order it tomorrow.

Marg, Doru and Josette

Paul and Marion

Shooting the shooter

It was a wonderful evening - thank you Marg for initiating it!

Comments

[MargM]

Jerry, nice food pictures.
Thanks for your kind comments (and for the fabulous
raspberry/appricot jam!)

You'll love the new camera.

[Jerry]

You're welcome. Now I just have to wait for the camera to arrive. At least I have to months to play with it before we head to Italy.

[sandrac]

Wow -- Jerry, that looks like you had a lovely GTG. It's a shame that Ottawa is just that little bit too far away for me to have attended. Especially during this winter's weather.

And the drinks and the snacks at the ROM look fabulous -- I'll have to stop in there the next time I'm in Tto.

[girasoli]

And....did you order the camera yet?

[Jerry]

The camera is ordered.

Sandra - you should let us all know when you are next in TO and we can try to get folks together for some chatter and food! c5 was greta - but not inexpensive!