Writers Room

Yorkville, Toronto's hub for the rich and famous, often rivals reality. It's a popular place, where being seen is more important than anything. In the street, fashion reigns, while in Restaurants, corner tables are prime real estate and tantrums are thrown when requests are not obliged.

People-watching is at a premium and Celeb spotting is easy, especially in the Summer. It's genuinely a scene. A menagerie of phonies is sprinkled amongst the Residents and is littered along the infamous Mink Mile. Amidst all the entitlement and luxury Real Estate, it's home to some of the City's best Restaurants.

A relatively recent addition to Yorkville's burgeoning Restaurant scene is Writers Room and it's where I found myself for this Month's Culinary Adventure.

The arrival of Spring earlier in the week had me giddy as I made my way from Midtown to Downtown. Traffic was light, as light as the Vintage sweater I was wearing because the weather was a near-balmy 8 degrees. My ride share pulled up to the Hyatt with 10 minutes to spare and I made my way inside. The elevator ride to the 17th floor was thankfully uneventful as I shared the trip with a couple of chatty older ladies.

I arrived on time for my reservation and checked in after waiting in a small queue. I was greeted at the door confidently but warmly by the Host and was given the option of a seat at the Bar or at a table. I'm assuming this was because I was dining alone. I choose a table, it's just an easier way to work. I was seated promptly at a lovely corner table, along a banquette. It always surprises me when I go to a Restaurant and get prime seating without a request. As I settled in, the buzz of the room seeped into my skin and I found myself getting excited for what was to come. Although it was early, 5:30pm, it was the start of the Weekend and the after-work crowd was out in full force. I studied the Menu between glances at a pair of Bartenders working frantically and found myself torn between a signature Cocktail or my customary Prosecco to start. By the time I was greeted by my Server, a few minutes in, I had made a decision. I had the Prosecco.

The reservation was straightforward. A table for one, confirmed without fuss. In a city where solo dining can still feel like an afterthought, Writers Room treated it as the natural thing it is.

At a glance, the room is a rich exploration of deep Reds. A marriage of suede and leather co-mingle harmoniously and creates beautiful unity. It's a cozy space, where decor strategists were surely compensated for maximizing every inch.

Large columns and exposed lightbulbs are some touches that stand out and a wall of open windows that showcase the City's skyline makes for many photo opportunities.

The perfect way to start my meal, this Salad tantalized the taste buds. Fresh, slightly sweet, with a hint of acidity, every bite touches a different note. It was dressed perfectly and had a bit of crunch to create texture. My favourite part was the grilled Vidalia, the slight char from the grill to each bite to a new level.

Since I hardly ever order Seafood this was a bit of a risky order but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Crispy skin and tender flesh had me savouring every morsel. The smokiness from the grill lingered on my tongue and the delicate crunch from the Trout Roe added a nice contrast. My favourite part of this dish was the crispy skin, so simple but it somehow pulls the whole dish together.

A fruity and floral finish, this was the perfect companion to the Branzino.

A traditional little treat, this dessert was somewhat of a failure. The chocolate cookies were ok but the ice cream lacked depth. I refused to end my meal on a negative note so I decided to have a Cocktail.

A most delicious way to end this Culinary Adventure, this cocktail was a perfect choice. Smokey and spicy and pretty to look at, every sip was a revelation.

One of the reasons I chose Writers Room for this Month's Culinary Adventure is because I've heard rumblings that the service was not the best. I'm happy to report that in my case, I did not find this to be true. From greeting to farewell, everyone was most gracious. My Server was attentive and knowledgeable and had multiple suggestions for my every inquiry. The service was well-paced and professional. A near flawless experience.

Considering the neighbourhood, this bill is not outrageous. A three-course meal with accompanying beverages for under $150 is not bad. The Menu although not large is diverse with both lower and higher price points than what I had.

My time at Writers Room satisfied my hunger for new experiences and momentarily cured my hunger. It was unique, suiting the needs of Yorkville's constantly changing demographics. If you venture to the always morphing make-up of Yorkville, Writers Room is worth a stop.