1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

sweet olives and current jam, and artichoke with blue cheese sauce. Equally delicious and a feast not only for your taste buds, but for your eyes. My dish looked so nice, it made me feel terrible for sticking a fork in it.

The choices of herbs exploded in my mouth the first fork full. So intense and so new that my taste buds were astounded that anything could taste that - interesting. There were no cover-ups.

Followed by a warm leek and duck confit tart, soya-stained spiced foie gras and chili bitter chocolate sauce, the second dish did not disappoint. I unfortunately had to pass the duck over to my fiance though, as he enjoyed his seared foie gras, sweet and sour butternut squash, wild blueberry preserves and marsala sabayon, since I'm not a duck fan. I can't critique what I don't normally enjoy - no matter how you make it.

After the two sensory overload dishes came a soothing guava sorbet with gooseberries and pineapple lemon grass for the both of us. A mini dessert in the middle of dinner. It was presented in an extra large bamboo with smoke spouting from the sides. It made me feel like I was in a tropical rainforest after a thunderstorm. It was a wonderful effect.

As my smoked wild salmon over-top a confit potato (4 of them, and my favorite dish) and his caramelized sable fish covered in winter melon and king crab, surrounded by fresh jasmine flowers came, I couldn't help but notice that the older couple beside us, who of course had the same menu, was eating at the exact same pace we were. I slowed down. I couldn't help but notice that the woman was getting the same dishes I was, so I wondered: were the dishes distributed by gender? We never did specify who wanted what.

Another two dishes followed and although the portions weren't great in size, I was getting extremely full. The cherry tomatoes with dandelion were smartly catered in a pea-like dish, to avoid any chance of a flying tomato at another patrons head I'd assume. I for one, have a terrible time trying to poke a cherry tomato with a fork, so this presentation was perfectly designed for someone like me.

Lastly, dessert came on a two-tier platter with ten (did I mention TEN?) different desserts to share from. My plate was decorated sweetly with chocolate sauce in the form of "Happy Birthday". I was in heaven. By the last bite, and we did manage to finish all ten, I was fulfilled and extremely appreciative of Chef Lee.

He truly is a master of the culinary arts.

The check came to just under $400 (including tip) which is a fine price for the experience. Exquisite food and fantastic, friendly speedy service from Chef Lee's knowledgeable staff gives the restaurant five stars, in my opinion. We went home satisfied, intrigued and with an autographed menu by Chef Susur Lee himself!

Next, we'll be checking out Chef Susur Lee's second restaurant: Lee. Which neighbours SUSUR and offers a slightly different atmosphere catered more towards a youthful crowd. Can't wait!

Learn more about this author, Tina Sin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Restaurant reviews: SUSUR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada?
We want to hear your view. Write now!