French food is, without a doubt, probably the finest food on this
planet. We are therefore quite thrilled to find a number of fine little
French restaurants, lunch spots and traditional boulangerie and
patisserie opening in neighborhoods in and around Toronto. Some of
these include Bonjour Brioche in Riverdale, Clafouti on Queen West and
Daniel et Daniel in Cabbagetown. But by far and away the best spot
in Toronto for fine French cuisine is a gorgeous uptown restaurant on Mount
Pleasant Rd. by the name of Celestin.
The restaurant itself is stylish
and elegant with a simple but stunning décor in black and vanilla white
with the focal point being an oversize arrangement of exotic flowers in
the main dining room area. The building was, for decades, one of those
old bank buildings but has been cleverly converted into this delightful
restaurant. (The vault remains and I noticed that it has been turned
into a wine cellar housing an excellent selection of product from all
parts of the world.
The first time we dined at Celestin
was on a Friday night at the end of a particularly stressful week and I
was in no mood for another over priced Toronto “gag”. What a delightful
surprise for me! From the moment we sat down there was a feeling of
calm at Celestin. We didn’t feel rushed or pushed. Just relaxed, happy
and welcome. But of course, isn’t that why we choose to dine out at
these kinds of spots in the first place?
The service was superb,
lighthearted, fun, funny, quick, clever and professional. (Everything we
should expect in a restaurant of this caliber but sadly do not always
receive). Our server appeared genuinely interested in our choices and
was able to expertly recommend several selections from the menu along
with starters, wine and sensational desserts.
But what of the food? Nothing less
than spectacular would describe the food at Celestin.
Chef Pascal Ribreau was born and
trained in Paris and his divine preparations reflect the centuries of
worldly sophistication found only in the finest kitchens of
France.
All starters seem unique, matching
exciting blends of fresh ingredients with traditional French fare. Old
favorites like escargot, lobster bisque and Foie gras, come alive with a
slightly modernist twist. The main courses are staggeringly good. Some
of the choices might be confit du canard, rack of lamb as well as fine
selections of seafood often including Lake Bass or Pickerel, depending
upon season and availability or the mood of the chef. The menu is
seasonal (of course), so you can expect interesting but subtle changes
regularly. By the way, for those of you who have chosen a vegan
lifestyle there is always an interesting vegetarian dish available. On
my second visit I chose the vegetarian dish for my main and it was
delicious, delightful and even beautiful to look at.
Also, we beg you not to ignore the
desserts at Celestin. Younger brother Marceau is an expert pastry chef trained by the finest
Paris has to offer. His artfully prepared sweets including a three crème brulee specialty, several decadent chocolate cakes and delicate fruit
tartes will have you weeping, and all this to compliment older brother
Pascal’s divine creations on the main deck.
Marceau, by the way, also prepares
a series of fantastic pastries, breads and sandwiches for a teensy
bakery, (also named Celestin and yes they are one and the same), just
next door to the restaurant. If you’re in the mood for a little French
but have decided to dine in you may want to pick up a baguette, tarte or
a slice of sinfully rich but not too sweet flourless chocolate cake for
your own pantry.
Dining at Celestin is not
cheap. Expect
two to cost about $200. depending on the wine with appetizer and
desserts which absolutely should not be missed. You may spend a bit but
you will leave richer for the experience.
