Dinner at Concession Road

Concession Road is a new venture from the winning team of Derek Valleau and Harsh Chawla. Derek and Harsh are the hard working owners behind my favourite Indian restaurant, Pukka. When I heard that they were behind this new spot, I knew that it would be delicious, and I was right. They both really believe in the St.Clair neighborhood, and love how supportive the locals are.

Concession Road is a French restaurant helmed by a talented Japanese chef, Chef Masayuki. The dishes are classically French, with some twists. The restaurant got it’s name from the original name for St. Clair. Who knew?

The meal started off the way I want all meals to start off- with fresh bread, served with a olive tapanade. The bread was chewy with a nice crust, and the tapanade was delicious.

Next was a Romaine Salad ($12.50): Romaine hearts, orange segments, hearts of palm, olives, avocado, manchego drizzled with a sherry vinaigrette. Simple, but nice.

Beautifully presented Beef tartare ($18.50) is served with asian pear, pickled vegetables, toast, and a tiny quail’s egg yolk.

These Crispy Shrimp Bonbons ($11.25) with citrus salad and a red pepper reduction to die for may not seem very French, but were my favourite appetizer.

Vegetable stuffed chard ($18.50) with vegetable sauce, chive oil, beet crisps, toasted pumpkin seeds will make you love veggies again.

Delicate Steamed Portuguese rockfish was served with a tomato beurre blanc and fresh dill. A favourite dish of mine.

Sautéed calves liver ($22.50), with Korean BBQ sauce, sweet potato and king oyster mushroom, was a huge hit at the table. I’m not a fan of liver, but I tried a bit and found it flavourful and crispy. I was a huge fan of the onion ring that topped it!

I saved my favourite for last! This dish is in the style of Japanese Fried Chicken (hence the name). “JFC” Menonite-farmed fried chicken ($19.75) are tender chunks of chicken served with buttermilk mash, tomato and preserved lemon mayo.

The dessert trio was perfect. Chilled souffle cheesecake, hazelnut bark and Callebaut chocolate terrine, local berries, whipped cream.

Concession Road also has a fantastic bar menu with handcrafted cocktails including sake and absinthe! That’s right, they serve absinthe.

This was my first time having absinthe in Toronto (I’m a pro, remember?) and it was nice to see them distill the Lucid absinthe in the traditional way with a glass water dispenser.

If you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood spot with unique eats and delicious cocktails, then be sure to visit Concession Road! Take a look at the full menu here.

Concession Road is at 760 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto.