Slif

Part of the W 4th Ave new-boy triangle (Fuel, Gastropod, Bistrot Bistro), Fuel was the first of the three to open late last year. I’ve been 3 times in the last few months and I can honestly say, it’s my favourite table in the entire city. The food is excellent, pricing reasonable, and service is absolutely astounding.

I’ve had lunch twice there and the lamb shoulder sandwich is astounding. It’s flavourful, very tender, and for the size, is a steal at $14. They also have a soup/sandwich/dessert special at $25, and app/entree/dessert at $35.

Now for the main reason why I keep coming back, I gotta tell you about dinner.

There were four of us, and 2 of us ordered a 4 course tasting menu. Only 1 friend didn’t order an appetizer. When our starters arrived, the manager brought him an amuse bouche so he “wouldn’t feel left out.” Nice touch.

When our 2nd course arrived, we received a ramp leaf risotto – resulting in a very VERY green risotto, but when you bite into it, you get a smooth flavouring of cheese. It was unusual to say the least, but not at all bad. When our server came to check on us (which she did constantly, and would always offer welcome friendly banter) – she asked us how it was.

My friend could only respond with “weird” because it honestly didn’t taste the way it looked She took this as us being disagreeable with it, even though I was clearly tucking into my plateful.

Without asking, she brought us out an extra course of arugula greens salad, PLUS wine as a replacement (even though we finished off the risotto)

That’s just outstanding in my books.

The rest of the food was very good as well, but it’s truly the attention to detail and service that gets me to keep spending money at this little room on W 4th. Sorry Cru — your food was good, but your snootiness finally got to me.

One of my favourite tables… well really… anywhere! A boisterous atmosphere where I would stay forever if they didn’t close… and run out of food.

In a city where great restaurants are a-plenty, and sexy new CFD joints pop up all the time and are in disturbing proliferation, where do I go when I want a guaranteed satisfying meal?

White Spot.

The classic.

Not over-reaching and upscale-wannabe Earls.
Not crap-on-a-plate-for-$25 Milestone’s.
Not we’re-a-club-no-we’re-a-resto-with-hookers-for-waitresses Joey’s.
Not forever-teetering-on-mediocrity-Sammy J Pepper’s.
Cactus Club is on a turnaround so I have no issues with them anymore – but I digress.

I don’t remember ever having a single bad meal, nor even a mediocre meal at White Spot. From back in the days of my pirate packs (and their stubborn refusal to give them to me now…), to my favourite plate of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and to their seasonal specials – I’ve a special place in my tummy for Mssr Chuck & Co.’s culinary delights.

A simple dish of pasta deceivingly hides a plateful of flavours. Pizza topped with ingredients far-flung, plated on an amazingly crispy thin crust. Sandwiches stacked masterfully, and filled to fill. And best of all, service with a smile that matches the quality of the food.

Now if they’d only let me order a pirate pak for myself. I mean COME ON.