Osteria Chef’s Table is a fresh start to a classic restaurant in Kensington. As per my previous post about the restaurant, it has been revamped by the Chef’s and new owners to provide a more intimate setting, with a more modern take on Italian classics. As a Director of the Social Club at my office, I chose Osteria Chef’s Table in Kensington for one of our Dinner in the City events. Since I’d been there once before I knew that the food was delicious – and it certainly didn’t disappoint for this event! It’s a lot of pressure on me – finding a restaurant that will please our members. Our group was 21 people so we were seated in the private room at a long table. It was nice that the room was quiet enough that we could all talk with each other across the long table without yelling.
To start the evening we were served bread with vinegar and olive oil. We then had bruschetta (with lots of yummy garlic!) and salad with a light and tasty vinaigrette. The dressing was well balanced and very enjoyable.
The beef cannelloni was to die for. Jay said it was the best cannelloni he’s ever had, and I think I can say the same. The tomato sauce was perfect – simple and zingy. The homemade pasta was fresh and the beef inside was minced and perfectly seasoned. I would highly recommend this dish!
One of my co-workers had the stuffed sole. I can’t remember what it was stuffed with, but Ly said he enjoyed it. The sole was served with polenta, as were all the mains.
I had the chicken dish. The mushrooms and gravy were quite delicious, and the polenta was nicely cooked – not too firm and not too soft. I could have used more bread to soak up the rest of the sauce on my plate, but I did a fair job getting it clean with my fork! The vegetables were perfectly cooked and it was nice to have a variety of veggies on my plate.
Jay had the veal osso bucco and it was perfectly cooked to tender and super tasty. I’d recommend it, and it went really well with the polenta. I think Jay was tempted to lick his empty plate 🙂
We were provided an option for a wine pairing with the meal – a small 2 oz pour with each course, for $9 total (working out to approximately 1 glass in total). For those on limited budgets this was an excellent option to get a nice taste of a wine that paired well with the meal for a very fair price. Most of us ordered the pairing and we really enjoyed it.
For dessert we were served tiramisu – one of my most favourite desserts in the whole world. Sometimes they can be too thick or too rich, but Osteria’s version was definitely one of the best that I’ve ever had (and I’ve had my fair share)… in my mind it was the right density, and the right flavour. Jay even said it was great, and he’s not really a fan of tiramisu because he most often does find it too rich.
All in all, the food was really great and everyone was impressed. Jay and I will return to experience the Chef’s tasting menu because I really think Michele and Giovanni are great in the kitchen. On this evening, however, I don’t think the front end of the restaurant was quite ready for a large group, as service was a little choppy and a bit confusing. But, the restaurant did ask for our feedback, so I appreciate that they want to learn and improve and ensure everyone has a great experience.
If you’re in the mood for some great Italian, I really think you should stop in to Osteria Chef’s Table! The food really is delicious!
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