vox Sep 15,2006

my meal at perigee was exemplary. very few fine dining places in toronto provide DIFFERENT courses for each diner participating in the tasting menu, so that was a lovely touch. i like that the food is very high-end (down to the bread and butter/condiments served at the beginning of the meal) but served in quite a low-key atmosphere.

thegreatfoodhun Aug 31,2006

Just a slight caution.
Both the tasting menu and the 'accompanying wines' are now the most expensive in Toronto (for example more expensive than the equivalents at Susur, Splendido, Sen5es and Truffles). Of course, if it's wonderful then good luck to them, but everyone should be aware of the costs.

5 course = $95
6 course = $115
7 course = $125

regardless, dinner at Perigee is worth the price!

susancinsf Aug 31,2006

this was my most enjoyable fine dining experience in a long, long time, and more than worth saving up my Conference per diem and chipping in my own money to experience!

the wine prices were high, I didn't think they were out of line, and the pours were *very* generous. In every case I got more than the 2 ounces stated per pour on the menu: in most cases it was more like 4 ounces...and all of the pairings were excellent, varied, very well thought out.

So, great wine portions. food portions were not very small, but nor was I totally stuffed, though I was definitely just the other side of satisfied by the end. I was happy just to walk the block or so to the main street from the Distillery to catch a taxi, and then collapse into bed.

As for the menu I had, I got the six course menu, and highlights included:

-a bellini with fresh peach nectar to start: excellent, but I probably would have skipped it if I had known how generous the wine pours would be.

-lobster; delicious, perfectly cooked;

-the sweetbreads on beets, which I thought was outstanding, but then I didn't have the fois gras to compare them with... :-)

-a pork belly that made me swoon (I love pork belly, and the Chef was pleased to see how my eyes lit up when it was put in front of me);

-my main course was a venison 'pot au feu', which was absolutely stunning. Probably the best venison I've ever eaten. However, I put the dish name in quotes, because I don't think it was traditional: I believe the meat was roasted before being combined with the lovely, perfectly cooked vegetables...but, it is possible it was just seared first (?) In any event, it was tender and delicious.

-I also had the lemon citrus napoleon; and those are flavors I love as well, although the lemon filling was a tad too sweet for my taste. Probably the lease successful course for me. Not that it wasn't very good: it was; it just wasn't a standout.

-I also got a biscuit or cookie and the perfect little marshmallows with my bill.

Service throughout waormativs outstanding: infe and friendly without being overbearing, and timing and pacing was spot on. Moreover, the entertainment value of eating while watching the kitchen, being surprised with each course, and having the chef come over periodically to describe his dishes and give and get feedback can't be overstated. I had a lot of fun, enjoyed every minute, loved the food, loved the wine, and definitely would return in a heartbeat! Yes, also highly recommended.

George Aug 29,2006

I enjoy the "theatre" aspect of Perigee and the blind tasting menu can be excellent. However compaing it with splendido, I prefer the food at Splendido. Let's say the meals are on a par, then I guess it depends on whether you want the more traditional atmosphere and extraordianry service at Splendido or the perhaps the more upbeat kitchen theatre at Perigee. They are both fine restaurants.

jajc Jul 19,2006

A great choice for a special evening...my husband took me there for my birthday. The whole experience is amazing (food / service / wine). If you let them know ahead of time that it's a special occasion ... you may get something extra special!

Jo May 13,2006

Agreed. I've only ever done the 5-course menu and have always been completely full. As Dylan mentions, there's an amuse bouche, an intermezzo and a "pre-dessert" (my personal favourite!), so your 5-course dinner actually ends up with 8 courses.

Dylan May 12,2006

My partner and I both have healthy appetites but on intuition backed out of the 7 courses at the last minute. I went for 6, he went for 5. Both of us left stuffed. Remember there are "extras" before and in between those courses, plus you might very well want tastes of what others are eating. 5 is plenty, especially if you are also having accompanying wines.

Misterblister May 11,2006

Perigee is my favourite restaurant in the city currently. In a word: masterful. No menu, so be prepared for a surprise. If you're a foodie with an open mind, you'll be beaten into blissful submission that will remind you of why you fell in love with all things culinary.

I just love it.

jo May 11,2006

I've been there for dinner twice and the dessert tasting once (that was unbelievable!) and I really love it there.

The servers are all very nice and will give you a list of items that you may have aversions to (e.g., organ meats, seafood, etc.) and ask whether you want the 5, 6 or 7-course dinner. Then Chef Riley will put together a menu based on your preferences. You and your partner will each get a totally different menu. Chef Riley will explain each course to you and you're free to ask him questions. I find the courses creative without creeping into the "over the top" zone. He's great with using surprising combinations that usually work really well, and I love his use of textures as another dimension of the food.

The meal is very leisurely (your table is yours for the evening, no second seating) and the courses are just the right size so that you are full by the end, but not so stuffed you feel ill.

The wine list has constantly improved and they now have a lovely tea list from the Tea Emporium. Enjoy your evening and please report back on your experience!

brian arnolds Dec 21,2005

this is probably the best fine dining restaurant in this city. it is a fine dining experience at its best! the food was fantastic, service was courteous and attentive and the fact that we would watch the food being prepared in their open kitchen made this a food lover’s dream. if you want to treat yourself to a wonderful dinner, this is definitely a place to try.