where jess ate

Located at the corner of Front and Simcoe inside the Intercontinental Toronto Centre, you’ll find Azure Restaurant and Bar. Serving up contemporary Canadian cuisine, you’ll find a menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

Since they’re located in the lobby, it really lends itself to this bright and airy atmosphere. I absolutely loved their glass canopy which made it feel like we were sitting outside on a patio…except without the sweltering heat!

As the night went on and the sun went down, it was just as gorgeous – sitting underneath the stars!

Mike and I came to Azure for their Summerlicious 3-course prix-fixe menu. If you haven’t dined at any Summerlicious restaurants yet, it’s not too late – you still have the weekend!

It had been a long day, so drinks were very much necessary. Mike ordered the Azure Caesar – 1.5oz pepper infused vodka + Tabasco+ clamato juice and I had a glass of the Organized Crime Cabernet Sauvignon.

Shortly after ordering, we were brought a Bread Basket which consisted of bread sticks, flatbread and rolls with a side of herbed butter.

For my appetizer, I went with the Sweet Corn & Saffron Bisque – with a goat cheese crouton + tarragon oil. It was velvety smooth and had a wonderful sweet corn flavour. There wasn’t a lick of soup left in the bowl after I was finished with it.

Mike ordered the East Coast Crab Cake – with a lemon & dill remoulade + summer fruit salsa. The exterior was crisp without being greasy and the accompanying fruit salsa was a nice touch. I’m happy to report their crab cake consisted of a good amount of shredded crab – not much filler here. I hate it when you’re struggling to find the crab which certainly wasn’t the case here.

For my entrée, I chose the Organic Salmon – with an orange & shaved fennel slaw, raisins + pistachio + asparagus + pernod tomato puree. I don’t usually order salmon at restaurants since more often than not it comes out overcooked and dry. So, I was delighted when they asked me how I wanted my salmon cooked. I asked for medium rare and it came out just so. With the fennel slaw and tomato puree, it was a nice, light summer dish.

Mike’s entrée was the Canadian Farmed Beef Strip Loin – with a rosemary & garlic potato puree + baby vegetables + chard + port jus. The meat was cooked medium rare as he had requested. Judging by how quickly he wolfed down the dish, I think I can safely say he enjoyed it.

For dessert, I ordered the Baileys Chocolate Torte – vanilla mousse + summer berry compote. Despite how heavy the dessert sounded, it was surprisingly light. I particularly enjoyed the blueberry compote it came with which had just the right amount of sweetness.

Mike went with the Ice-Wine Strawberry Panna Cotta – with a fig compote + caramel tuile. I’m not always a fan of panna cotta but this was delicious! I’d order this again in a heartbeat.

We had an enjoyable Summerlicious experience at Azure. It’s not too late to experience it for yourself – Summerlicious ends on Sunday!

*This was a complimentary meal. The opinions in the post are my own.*