Starting with some Tapas..

In the last month, I have tried a few new eateries that are definitely worth mentioning. This is part one of a three part series.

(Note: Please forgive the pictures but it was quite difficult to take any decent ones because of the low lighting.)

Anyway...I went to Deer + Almond found on Princess Street for my aunts 60th birthday. Her daughters did an excellent job of where we should celebrate such a momentous birthday. This restaurant occupies the previous breakfast nook - Princess cafe. When did that close? I remember going a couple times during my university days. Well, the new owners sure knew how to spruce the place up! It has a very laid back vibe with funky art on the walls, low lighting, and Iron and Wine type of music in the background. It gives off an ambiance that would make a very romantic date.

 

Deer + Almond have an appetizing menu and it's all tapas style. They change the menu regularly and the menu that we were lucky to dine off of that night was crispy, hearty, fresh and overall delicious. If you are a big group ( we were 11!) you can choose "The Chef's Choice" where the chef chooses our meal experience for the evening. But before we dive into that let's talk about the cocktails!

I started off with a basil smash. It was delicious and strong! A tad small though for a $10 drink.

My cousin ordered a play on an orange creamsicle which was also delicious. 

First course was vodka tempura crudites. I really enjoyed the variety of vegetables and the tangy sauce that went along with it.

The second course was mushroom toast. I am not a fan of mushrooms but everyone agreed that it was hearty and 'meaty'.

The third course was the house greens. From turning what looks like an ordinary mix of greens was not the pickled radishes or the house dressing but the cheese. It was creamy feta which is a texture I have not yet experienced with feta. I couldn't get enough of it and it worked extremely well with the salad. I was convinced that I was eating goat cheese.

The fourth and final course was grilled quail which I obviously didn't eat. 

I wanted to continue my own culinary experience and so I ordered their kale and kelp beignets. They were very heavy and salty but the taste of the kale really came through which was enjoyable. At this point, I had my fair share of fried foods which is something that I am not used to and so it was not the best way to end my meal but I am happy that I was able to try it.

This is a little more pricey of a restaurant, maybe a little too pricey for their vegetarian options, but the experience and the ambiance that the restaurant provides along with the amazing food certainly make it worth it. It's always nice to treat oneself once in awhile.  I would love to go back and try the soba noodle dish, kale caesar, crispy cauliflower, and beer and cheddar soup! I hope these items are still there when I go back. Click here for the address and more information.

We didn't have dessert but my aunt sure enjoyed her 'cake'!