Skip to Content

A Taste of Burlington Winter 2015 Launch: 10 Drool-Worthy Small Bites #TOBWin2015

10 Drool-Worthy Small Bites

Earlier this week I was invited to attend A Taste of Burlington’s Winter Launch at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre in Burlington, Ontario.  A Taste of Burlington is a local prix fixe dining program featuring twenty-eight of Burlington’s finest restaurants, all presenting three-course prix fixe dining menus at $15 or $20 for lunch and dinners at $30, $35 or $40.  The Winter Launch gave us a taste of what is in store for Burlington diners during the winter program running from February 22 – March 15, 2015 at participating restaurants.

I was really excited to taste all the amazing looking food being presented by Burlington’s finest restaurants.  Unfortunately some of the restaurants were all out when I got to them which was a little disappointing – I guess they must have been pretty good! 

Here are 10 Drool-Worthy Small Bites highlighting some of my favourite restaurants you can visit for prix fixe dining in Burlington!  (In the order I tasted them.)

Aush Reshteh Soup

Rayhoon Persian Eatery

Serving: Aush Reshteh Soup

I have to say I really liked the oil and fried onions in this soup, it really finished it off and complimented the flavours and texture of this thick soup.

 

Flat Bread with Caramelized Onions and Cherry Tomatoes

Rawlicious

Serving: Flat Bread with Caramelized Onions and Cherry Tomatoes

This plate was pretty much an entire meal with  a Vegetable Wrap topped with a tangy sauce, almonds, the flat bread and a macaroon. It really amazes me what Rawlicious is able to put together using only raw foods.

 

Succulent Maple and Bourbon Glazed Beef Ribs with a loaded yukon potato foam, bacon jam and chives

Stone House

Serving: Succulent Maple and Bourbon Glazed Beef Ribs with a loaded yukon potato foam, bacon jam and chives

Everything about this was delicious.  The Beef was tender and succulent with just the perfect amount of sweet.  The foam was actually amazing.  I’ve had foam before and just didn’t get it but this one was so well executed it was really unbelievable.  It made the potatoes taste incredibly light and airy.

 

Forfar Bridie with Scottish Spiced Onions

Purple Heather

Serving: Forfar Bridie with Scottish Spiced Onions

I am a big fan of meat pastries and this was quite a good bridie plus the Spiced Onions really brightened up the dish and balanced everything out.

 

Roasted Root Vegetable & Baby Kale Salad

Water St. Cooker

Serving: Roasted Root Vegetable & Baby Kale Salad

I don’t know what I liked more, the creamy goat cheese (goat cheese seems to be on trend this year!), the crisp greens, the amazing root vegetables or how well it all came together.

 

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Beaver and Bulldog

Serving: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

I’m pretty sure I am going to have to figure out how to reverse engineer this one if I am not able to get out and visit the Beaver and Bulldog soon.  It’s a quinoa salad with pumpkin seeds, goat cheese, Cranberries, chickpeas, dried cranberries and a lime soya vinaigrette. The textures and flavours really complimented each other. 

 

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf on a Yukon Gold Potato Puree with a Stout BBQ Demi-Glace

Pepperwoods

Serving: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf on a Yukon Gold Potato Puree with a Stout BBQ Demi-Glace

I have no words for this.  It was rich and savoury with just a touch of sweet.   I could happily eat this all day long.

 

Grilled Grouper Gyros with Tomato & Red Pepper Martini Relish and Spicy Herbed Taztziki

Ivy Bar and Kitchen

Serving: Grilled Grouper Gyros with Tomato & Red Pepper Martini Relish and Spicy Herbed Taztziki

I love how robust and fresh tasting this was plus the micro greens really brightens things up!

 

Sous Vida Banana Cream Pie with Homemade Chai Marscapone on a Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crust

Queens Head Pub

Serving: Sous Vida Banana Cream Pie with Homemade Chai Marscapone on a Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crust

Seriously likely one of the best things I have ever ate.  Queens Head Pub consistently puts out amazing and innovative dishes, if you can only make it to one Burlington Restaurant, the Queens Head Pub is a must!

 

Salmon En Croute

West Plains Bistro

Serving: Salmon En Croute

This was a lemon brushed salmon wrapped in a puff pastry with goat cheese, asparagus and sundried tomato, finished with a vodka cream reduction.   I’ve always heard and trusted the don’t pair cheese with fish rule but after eating this I am completely reformed.  The delicate flavours and textures of the salmon and goat cheese went together so perfectly it makes me wonder why this isn’t regularly done!

 

Also present was Cameron’s Brewing Co. with their award winning craft beers.  I sampled their Resurrection Roggenbier.. twice because I loved it so much the first time!  It is smooth and dark and full of the mellow flavour or banana. 

I finished the night off with an amazing cup of fair-trade coffee from Lakehouse Coffee House.  I chose to try the Reunion Island Guatemala roast and it was brewed to absolute perfection.  A perfect end to a perfect evening!

If you want to experience all the great tastes of Burlington be sure to visit A Taste of Burlington for all restaurants, prix fixe menus and pricing.

 

Sous Vida Banana Cream Pie with Homemade Chai Marscapone on a Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crust

 

Victoria Ess

Wednesday 3rd of June 2015

Those all looked amazing, especially the raw flatbread! Did you make it there for the actual event?

Always Gabby

Monday 26th of January 2015

I want all of these, especially that Mediterranean Quinoa salad. YUMMERS.

Debi

Monday 26th of January 2015

That food looks amazing. I am definitely drooling.

kristy e

Saturday 24th of January 2015

ALl look delicious, but I would love to try the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad!!

heidi c.

Saturday 24th of January 2015

I am a big fan of small bites, especially ones as yummy-looking as these.