Modus 416.861.9977 Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon-Sat http://modusristorante.com/
In the heart of downtown Toronto, tucked away on a southwest corner of King and York hides a contemporary Italian restaurant, lead by chef Scott Woods. High ceilings and an open kitchen give the room an elegant, airy feel. Service is above the average.
The menu is concise, completely focused on making the few, a good few. Carpaccio di vitello Rossini (veal carpaccio, truffled potato crema, terrina de fois gras, with roasted mushroom salad) is nutty, creamy and luxurious. Strong suits are definitely the pastas. Spaghettini (mozzarella-stuffed prime beef meatballs, spiced Roma tomato sauce, and toasted basil breadcrumbs) is sweet perfection. I was, however, disappointed with the surprisingly dry, grilled whole red snapper “Dentice”. It’s missing the best part of the fish – the cheek! The anchovy salse e condimenti (basil, garlic, olive oil, parsley, oregano) is flavourful and light, ideal to moisten the parched fish – maybe that’s why they have it.
My wine for the evening was wonderful, Duckhorn Migration 2009 Pinot Noir – can’t go wrong with this winery.
If dining at this Italian Ristorante, stick with the chefs flawlessly executed pastas or antipasti, otherwise one might leave disappointed.
