2008 July > Tastes of our Town by Sarah Dann

If you only try one new restaurant this summer, make it Bistro Camino. This subtly situated restaurant will wow you with non-stop sophistication and over-the-top taste. From the moment you walk off the Danforth and through the door, the water feature sets the tone with its soothing rhythm. Piano music and clear, cool air bring the calm atmosphere inside and make this a wonderful place for families, intimate dinners and groups - all of which were in and out during the time we were there and none of whom interrupted the zen-like state of the dining room. They come for the service and they come for the food - both are top notch and from the moment the glasses arrive at the table, you know you're in for a fine dining experience. We chose an Australian Sauvignon Blanc with which to digest the menu but it was a tough choice with so many fine wines available. Our waitress, Maya, was very accomodating of questions and, since the kitchen does feature many, many primarily seafood specials, her knowledge of the dishes came in handy. Of course, as the chef's daughter she has the inside scoop. We both started with soup - mine the warm Corn and Shrimp combo and Robert's the chilled Geschtapo. Both were beautifully presented and even more beautifully eaten since the corn and shrimp were perfectly balanced and so delicious with their croutons on top. And a spoonful of Robert's soup tasted like a bite out of a garden it was so fresh, and well textured, and interesting with its hint of peach and topping of shredded cucumber - if I had to pick one dish to epitomize summer, this would be it. Moving on, sadly at first, we shared my forever favourite coconut shrimp. When they say coconut, they mean coconut and when they say shrimp,...well you get the idea - these were delicious and Robert polished off the rice crisps that they came with - another interesting touch likely from the inspired mind of chef, Hiro who clearly and thankfully brings his personal touch to every dish. Our entrees made it clear that Hiro is a master of the vegetable - not even noted on the menu - our dinners came with nearly every vegetable I could imagine, prepared perfectly. Fiddleheads, shitake mushroom, red pepper, string bean, cauliflower, potato AND white bamboo all appeared on our plates, almost overshadowing the entrees they accompanied. At the risk of overdoing a metaphor, Robert's Duck a l'Orange was clearly a l'Orange and my Minced Lamb with blackberries and mint came coiffed in blackberries and mint. The taste sensations were so memorable I admit to salivating as I write this two weeks later, the service was so professional it made the evening feel special which I admit it was as it was Robert's birthday and the atmosphere was so lovely that we can't wait to go back for another dish at Bistro Camino. Maybe we'll see you there. Bistro Camino is at 2750 Danforth Avenue - across from Canadian Tire, just West of Dawes Road, 416 698 0283.