Last week I couldn't resist visiting just one more of Toronto's French spots before leaving; even while knowing full well that I'd soon be missing all the delicious Asian food that the Parisians just can't do.
Friends of mine are family friends with Le Sélect chef Albert Ponzo, and for me that was reason enough. Research.
Le Sélect Bistro isn't exactly a new place, but they did move to a new location on Wellington a few years ago, after decades on Queen Street. In his 4-year tenure as executive chef, Albert Ponzo has cooked for Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, he's received a nod from Toronto Life for his use of nose-to-tail in their food trend article, and he's just recently won an offal competition at one of my old spots, The Drake Hotel.
Le Sélect Bistro isn't exactly a new place, but they did move to a new location on Wellington a few years ago, after decades on Queen Street. In his 4-year tenure as executive chef, Albert Ponzo has cooked for Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay, he's received a nod from Toronto Life for his use of nose-to-tail in their food trend article, and he's just recently won an offal competition at one of my old spots, The Drake Hotel.
The restaurant itself really captures the Parisian feel. The decor more resembles that of a classic brasserie than a bistro, but the terrasse really channels the authentic café.
We got a little carried away with the ordering, so much so that the waitress told us that we were getting an 'epic' amount of food. Here's a sample:
We got a little carried away with the ordering, so much so that the waitress told us that we were getting an 'epic' amount of food. Here's a sample:
Steak tartare de bison
L'os de crô-magnon
Oreille de cochon
Tartare de saumon
I had to take a minute to sneak down to the kitchen...
Duck confits ready to go
Last year, as you may remember, the owner landed himself in a bit of hot water, but I really don't see why that would cause a good boychick like me to go elsewhere. All political controversy aside, Le Sélect Bistro is a great looking restaurant and both the service and the food were select.
432 Wellington St. West
Toronto, Ontario
416.596.6405
416.596.6405
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