So your Twitter and Instagram feeds have been taken hostage by snap-happy Winterlicious diners, eager to show off their deal of a delicious dinner, and leaving you licking your finger to get the salty crumbs off the bottom of the chip bag. Maybe I’m pretending this is you, but it’s really me. There are dining deals to be had outside of the popular ‘licious program and the newly revamped The Curzon in Leslieville is quietly showing off their new menu.
Having recently undergone a facelift courtesy of the hit show Restaurant Makeover, this not quite five-year-old spot went from serving standard greasy bar food (nachos, burgers, wings), to Albacore tuna crudo, braised shortrib croquettes, and chicken boudin blanc. The new North American tapas-style menu is courtesy of new chef Deron Engbers. His cooking style has a European flair and his instructions from owner Mike Homewood, were simply that the food be accessible and not pretentious. Many of their products are sourced in the neighbourhood at Leslieville Cheese Market, Hooked Inc., and Rowe Farms.
Starters, sides and “desserty type stuff” are all $5. The main plates are meant to be shared and priced at $11 each. Until the end of February you can get 3 for $30 and that includes two Wellington beers or two glasses of Peninsula Ridge wine. It’s a stunner of a price for a meal that can include the incredibly popular grilled pork loin with green onion relish and Jerusalem artichoke hash, airy and soft potato gnocchi with cherry tomato confit and cauliflower cream, or the perfectly cooked seared Goosen Farms trout. The Frenched chicken wings stayed on the menu post-TV show takeover. And they can be eaten (somewhat) daintily.
Designer Paula Velez from Restaurant Makeover created a warm and nature-inspired room that’s perfect for drinks and lounging, dinner, and then dancing. Yes, a dance spot in the east end! The Curzon aims to bring the atmosphere of a downtown lounge to the east side with a DJ and dancing after the dinner crowd has been fed. Locals are well aware of the new menu and dishes by Deron, and more west-enders are realizing The Curzon is a worthy destination for everything you want in a night out. As I was told, “Come for the food. Stay for the night.”
Follow The Curzon on Twitter: @TheCurzon
In the interest of full disclosure, Queen Street Partners, owner of Toronto Standard, also owns the building The Curzon resides in.
____
