Winterlicious at Badali Bar and Cucina

Winterlicious: a fun and affordable way to explore Toronto’s food scene. For two weeks every winter, you can enjoy a three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner at nearly 200 restaurants across the city.

Initially, my friends and I were planning to try a different restaurant, but after my reservation blunder we settled on Badali Bar and Cucina (now Hothouse in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood). I think the outcome of my failure was a great success though, as the food was incredible and the service was outstanding.

First up on the menu: appetizers. This is probably my favourite part of a meal because they’re usually fried foods (my weakness). Since I have a risotto obsession, I kicked off my meal with the smoked provolone arancini. They were crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside and perfectly paired with a spicy tomato sauce.

Next up was rosemary gnocchi with seasonal winter vegetables including butternut squash, red peppers and brussels sprouts. The gnocchi was served in a tomato basil sauce and topped with pumpkin seeds. The flavours and textures worked together perfectly, especially the added crunch of the pumpkin seeds. Of course I requested all of the cheese when the waiter offered fresh parmesan.

Last but certainly not least was dessert. My choice? A brownie bar topped with espresso tapioca pudding and strawberry balsamic coulis. It was rich in flavour and left me feeling perfectly satisfied with my meal.

Have you tried out a Winterlicious or Summerlicious meal? What was your favourite dish or restaurant?