Stonegate Bistro

[panamaniac]

Having read all the rave reviews on tripadvisor and urbanspoon, I tried this place (15 Scott St) for dinner with friends the other night. Turned out the owner/chef had taken his first-ever night off and the server had gone home sick. Suffice to say that the experience was a considerable disappointment.

But then, the owner/chef called me the next day to ask how my experience had been. He apologized for the unfortunate turn of events and invited me to come back for dinner "on the house"! I declined the kind offer, of course, but told him that I was planning to come in this week for dinner with my niece to see how they do on a "normal night".

I am actually looking forward to trying this place again. I find the menu a bit too long, but it has really been getting the best reviews I have seen for a local restaurant. I will post again to let others know how it goes.

[panamaniac]

A much better experience with the owner/chef in the house. The food is flavourful, well-presented, and plentiful (if anything, the portions are too big). The flavours show a bit of North African influence, which is a nice change of pace. Service is very friendly, if not the most polished, and the atmosphere is relaxed. If you are looking for fine-dining Downtown, then this place should be added to your list.

To note: Three and four course "Theatre Menus" are offered at an attractive price point, but I suspect the amount of food would defeat all but the biggest eaters - I was full just with my entrée (we were given a house salad with the chef's compliments) and I think a lot of customers will leave with "doggie bags".

[Pheidippides]

Finally got around to trying the Stonegate Bistro. Their website calls it Continental Fusion cuisine, but there is a definite Mediterranean influences. Make sure you go when you have time to savour the flavours. The blackened tilapia and the lamb shank dishes were heavenly and generously portioned. The wonderful chef Hizkias Yanfa was our friendly host, created the most divine dishes for us and shared his amazing story of being mentored to achieve his dreams. We shall return.