SpotlightToronto.com
July 22, 2008
Nota Bene, lunch
Posted by Suresh
It’s a successful combination. Chef David Lee and Restaurateur Yannick Bigourdan of Splendido Fame (talk about quite the culinary history) open their second endeavour together, classic contemporary Nota Bene at the shores of the Queen West district…
Relax, after much speculation (and the band of online rumours), Nota Bene is now open. The next chapter in David Lee’s inspiring cooking style, offering fresh produce prepared with a variety of worldly influences. The interior is notably large, dissected into two main areas. A long bar with a lounge area by the window, perfect for after work cocktails. The large dining room is a level above, reminds me of Tundra across the street with minimalism and emphasis on strong browns . The entire venue is decked out in dark wood and highlighted by the colours in Alexandra D’arcy’s abstract urban landscape paintings.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinners (the menus are almost identical), and liquor service will be functional by the end of the week. I’m glad the bar wasn’t open — as otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to sample a delightful concoction of raspberry and elderflower water. [Please Note: As of July 23, Nota Bene's Bar is Open]
Calling on Asian influences was the crispy duck salad, with crispy skin and tender meat served atop green papaya slaw and tidbits of cashew. This was one of the highlights for me. The good stuff was at the bottom, a mix of citrus and sumac. Great for summer.
Flavourful steak tartare served alongside a handful of baguette slices, refreshingly delicious with highlights of herb overtures and cornichons. The only thing missing with this dish was an accompanying glass of southern French red or Chenin blanc.
The kitchen prevails again by taking fatty pieces of Barramundi, covering them in Tandoori spices and serving with slices of mango and cucumber, above iceberg lettuce sleeves. Meat canvas with sparks of citrus, sweet and mint.
Albeit not a fan of pappardelle pasta, I thoroughly enjoyed the main that we shared, a combination of Niagara Pancetta served with slivers of rabbit cooked in Spanish Soffrito, finish with peaches n’ cream. The pasta never overpowered and melted in your mouth.
Dessert was a spoil — pot de crème served 4 different ways — creating knee-weakening sensations during a short lunch hour. First, a coconut concoction - slightly sweet custard. Followed by a divine pistachio take, coffee, and then to finish, rich chocolate leaves you spent.
Charcuterie is available, as is a sampling of local cheeses, and the much hyped private stock of David Lee’s aged meats. Strip loin, rib steak served with Café de Paris Butter. My mouth is watering.
Service is multi-tiered and exemplifies all the strengths of an orchestra - same qualities that have made Splendido one of the best dining experiences in this country.
Lunch for 2
(3 appetizers, 1 main, 2 espressos, dessert)
$100.
Lunch, Mon-Fri: 12pm-2:30pm
Dinner, Mon-Sat: 5pm-11pm
Nota Bene
180 Queen Street West, Toronto
Reservations recommended.
416.977.6400
