Toronto - Vinoteca Pompette
Newly revamped as "French-Italian" serving up the classics on College St.
Vinoteca Pompette is one part of the Pompette Trio on College St - Bar Pompette and Bakery Pompette are just around the corner. While I have enjoyed a couple late nights at Bar Pompette, and sought refuge at the bakery the next morning, this was my first trip back to the main restaurant since it has rebranded. Previously just Pompette, Vinoteca Pompette has added “-Italian” to their descriptor. The main difference I could note on the menu was the drop of the some of the more fanciful French plates (goodbye leeks and sweet breads) and the introduction of the extensive pasta list.
What we ordered: Spelt Sourdough Bread, Sicilian Olive Oil, Voatsiperifery Pepper Butter $8 | Marinated Olives $8 | Mussel ‘Nduja, ‘Nduja butter, Croutons $17 | Octopus, Barbecue, Prosciutto XO Sauce, Caramelized Yogurt $39 | Caponata, Eggplant, Maple Syrup, Pine Nut $14 | Roasted Cabbage, Almond Cream, Espelette Pepper Oil $15 | Fries, Confit Garlic Mayo, Homemade Ketchup $10
Despite my best attempts to stay ‘gluten-free’, ‘dairy-free’ during pregnancy, we probably should have ordered a pasta, and/ or the burger; and albeit their new Italian edge, we only saw steak and burgers being toted from the kitchen.
The mussels were presented on a flat plate to pick up as you go; a great idea, but without a warm broth they became cold, slippery suckers with sausage pretty quick. The fries were a standout. Not because of the assumed duck fat frying, but because of the ketchup. Never-have-we-ever tasted something so incredible. When we asked the waitress what this miracle sauce was, she responded in the most French way possible, “But it’s homemade of course”. Turns out “homemade” translates to regular ketchup loaded with onion, soy sauce, sugar, and some other spices. We each left with a complimentary tub. If I could recommend one thing to the wine-forward restaurant, start selling this ketchup sugar in batches - today.
Recommend for: This is probably a great place to go with your parents - it’s on College St (how fun), the prices are not ridiculous (see: Prime Seafood Palace), it’s not too noisy (no loud music), and there is enough on the menu to please everyone (hello father who only eats steak).
Reservations: Oui, on Resy.
Complet’s Current
Since my last post I have done a lot of travel, London, Copenhagen, Nashville. Between the flights and the food poisoning I have been resting, big time. That said, I am very much looking forward to putting together some meal guides from the travels. The question - Do I do a guide, or do I just provide restaurant ‘reviews’ like the above? Also, I desperately would like someone creative to revamp Complet so it is a bit more appealing…Any guidance or offers of free work are welcome..!
Memorable Meal? Rolf and Daughters in Nashville has gained a top spot on my list of international restaurants. We had an incredible pasta and chicken, broccoli and falafel to share. It was so fresh, not salty, and our waitress Abby could not have been sweeter.
Where am I Eating Next? The annual sister christmas date is coming up and we are deciding where to spend our hard earned dollars. As two very pregnant women (one because she is close to childbirth, the other - me - because she is complaining), we want to go somewhere with cosy, satisfying food…
What My Friends Are Talking About: Stefano’s Diner has come up a couple times, and just like Gia (their owner’s other venture), no one has been, or plans to go. Totted on Reddit as the ‘little sister’ to Lake Inez, Belle Isle has opened on Gerrard. As a great fan of Lake Inez, I’m really looking forward to checking this one out.
Added to My International Must-See List: I missed going to Palazzo Diner in Copenhagen and I would have really enjoyed that. Something for next time!