Cafe Bar Pasta

I mentioned Cafe Bar Pasta in my last post before I realized I hadn't posted my views on the restaurant. Owner Tom Bielecki is an old friend who used to come by our home in Toronto when I was younger and play basketball with us. Toronto was a spur of the moment trip with my girlfriend, Maria, and I thought I'd reach out to the restaurant and see if I could get in the door. When I called to get a reservation I never expected to ask for Tom and then realize I had already been talking to him for a few minutes! Our conversation was great and he was extremely accomodating to us and made sure we were in the door a day later.

I can't say enough about the restaurant. Chef Jay Scaife is doing absolutely amazing things in Toronto and I wouldn't surprised if he became a household name shortly. If you're interested in trying something other than your typical steak/burger/salmon then this is a place you simply must visit. Tom took my girlfriend and I under his wing for the night showing us everything from the Italia Mini (pasta maker from Italy) downstairs where they make their pasta in the mornings to the office/basketball court out back. The Chef's Table back near the kitchen is a must next time I'm in town. The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant is one of the best features. The decor is unique and personal (ask Tom for it's description!), the drinks are buzzing and the food is delicious.

We started with Sweetbreads and Chilled Octopus. The Sweetbreads were awesome. I find them typically to be served fried and these weren't and served warm with lime juice. Maria had never tried Sweetbreads and couldn't believe it was the thymus gland from a calf. The Octopus was unique. Maria and I both thought it was the perfect appetizer for the meal. They were served chilled with some citrus and with Bone Marrow in the actual bone. If you've never tried Bone Marrow or had it to complement a dish you have certainly missed out. It's one of the fine touches that can take a meal over the edge. Also it was really fun using little spoons to scoop it out onto the Octopus.

The Pasta is absolutely ridiculous. I will never call pasta anything or than an artform because my pasta and Chef Scaife's pasta are two completely different things. Maria had the Beef Cheek Ravioli and I had the Cauliflower Gnocchi. I was also tempted by the Green Eggs and Ham Carbonara on the menu. I had heard such great comments that night about it. Trust me GET THE PASTA!

Tom brought out some desserts after Maria and I were nearly ready to burst. A Blue Cheese Cheesecake and a Date Cake are much easier to eat when they are ridiculously delicious! The butterscoth glaze on the date cake was perfect. I had never even tried dates before that night.

My experience was wonderful and I look forward to returning every time I visit Toronto. Simple, elegant and delicious food. A killer combination.