Dinner with Tom Sietsema
Fine wine and food with The Washington Post's food critic.
When I was asked if I'd join Tom Sietsema for a meal at one of Toronto's finest diining establishments, I cleared the calendar and brought along my appetite!
Back in July, your trusty Food Trends reporter received an email from a colleague saying that she had recommended the Washington Post Food Critic get in touch while in Toronto for some restaurant suggestions. Like a curious kid waiting for Santa to show up, all eyes were glued to the inbox until, lo and behold, a note from Tom Sietsema popped up. In it, Tom said he was writing a “Post Card” from Toronto - a series he does in various cities- for the Washington Post (an expanded version will be published in the October issue of Northwest Airlines in-flight magazine).
Would You Be Free For Lunch with Washington Post`s Food Critic
His exact question read as follows: “I've never been to Toronto, so all will be new to me. But I'm in search of at least three restaurants that reflect 1) a hot spot 2) a classic and 3) a delicious bargain. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.” The wheels started spinning and needless to say, we were both delighted and flattered to be asked. It was the next part of the sentence however that was truly intriguing: "and if you're free in that time frame, I'd love you to be my guest for lunch or dinner,” wrote Tom. Would we be free for lunch or dinner with said food critic? In a word: Absolutely!
A caveat for anyone who continues to read this piece and erroneously assumes that we did all of Tom's "homework" for him - that's most definitely NOT the case. As a seasoned food critic, Tom does his own due diligence and researches places of his own accord. Getting a few suggestions from someone (or many) living in the city he's visiting is just good common sense - a guidepost in the restaurant landscape of what a local thinks is visit-worthy... Everything really is up to Tom.
Toronto Hot Spots: Cava, Canoe, Susur
In an effort to offer a helping hand, a detailed list was crafted, including hot spots Cava, Colborne Lane and Amuse Bouche. Classics such as Susur, Pangea, Canoe and Splendido were duly noted as were delectable bargains Tacos El Asador, Anatolia, Melody Restaurant and the venerable Korean Village (the tip of the proverbial iceberg). We met with Tom at Splendido one warm July evening.
Dining with a food critic is both fun and to be honest, a wee bit intimidating. This is a man who counts on his palate to make his living. Would Chef David Lee’s fare fit the bill? Would we bore him to tears? Would he be a stuffy snob? Yes, no (as I recall) and no in that order. Tom was a gracious “host,” engaging, honest and funny. We each ordered an appetizer and a main (as per Tom’s recommendation - dishes he wanted to sample and write about) and ate a third of our plate before passing it along clockwise. Now that redefines the whole tapas idea! This isn’t an ideal way to eat for germophobes- but it was a feast of flavours. Lots of variety, textures, and luxurious bites of fantastic food.
No need to bore you with my oohs and ahhs regarding Chef Lee’s dishes - let's let the pro tackle that one. Click here to read Tom’s Toronto Postcard in the Washington Post and here’s hoping it gives you hunger pangs to come and visit one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world!
