Where: Chantecler – 798 Bloor Street West, Toronto.
Toronto’s Chantecler restaurant is back!! After a fire in 2019, Chantecler had to close down their Parkdale location. Unable to reopen on Queen West, they found a new spot located in the Bloordale Village shopping district (Bloor St. West between Ossington and Christie) that runs through the Christie Pitts neighbourhood. The space is beautifully renovated, airy and has a lot of natural light. Its an elegantly casual style French bistro with attentive and friendly staff.
Standout Dish: Whole Duck
Taste: I believe that the duck is their signature dish! They offered this on the menu at their Parkdale location and I it may even be better at this new location. It’s absolutely delicious! The whole duck features two confit duck legs and two dry aged roasted duck breasts served with thyme jus. The breasts are tender and juicy and the confit duck legs are perfect. There is also the option to order half a duck.
Thoughts: You should definitely start your dining experience with their signature gin and tonic. It is quite a refreshing cocktail! They make their own tonic that is flavoured with a mixture of roast cinchona bark, lemongrass, lime leaf & grapefruit peel. Another favourite to try is the steak tartare. It’s hand cut sirloin seasoned and topped with chives and an egg yolk and served with sourdough bread and a dollop of hot sauce on the side. This lands on my top three list of beef tartare in Toronto.
I should mention a hidden gem on this menu. The duck liver mousse is the prettiest and tastiest starter I’ve ever had. When this dish was served, I was impressed with the presentation. It’s made with mint concord gelee and pâte brisée (pie dough). To be honest, all the dishes here are great. (Scroll through the photos below). I recommend this restaurant to both visitors and locals as you will be sure to have wonderful experience that has great value. Chantecler will be one of my regular dining spots for sure. As a bonus for wine collectors/drinkers, they also offer an affordable corkage fee.
