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Ruby Watchco
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New) [Edit]
730 Queen St EToronto, ON M4M 1H2
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
(416) 465-0100
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 6 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Ruby Watchco
Review Highlights
"Lynn Crawford is phenomenal as well."
(in 14 reviews)
"All served family-style."
(in 3 reviews)
"...came with roasted Fingerling Potatoes, sauteed greens with..."
(in 4 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Rachna C.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing meal and service! I'm still thinking about it.
I went for dinner here with a friend in the summer, while she was visiting me in Toronto. There is a $49 prix fixe menu, which is posted on the website, so you know exactly what you're having for dinner, not to mention it's local and fresh. Also, if you're like me and have difficulty choosing what to eat when there are too many delicious-sounding things on the menu, this is ideal. You start with bread and an amazing salad. The next is the main dish, which for us was the BC salmon, and then the cheese plate. Everything was amazing, though the surprise hit for me here was the dessert. I'm more of an appetizer and main entree kind of girl, but the dessert we had here (I believe it had the vanilla anglaise) was out of control amazing.
I was so impressed with this restaurant - everything we ate was incredibly delicious, which each course just being more amazing than the previous. The service was also fantastic, with excellent servers that knew their wine well. Also, I loved that they took reservations, so you don't even have to wait. If you have any food restrictions, I would recommend looking over the menu and letting them know when you make the reservation, so they can prepare you a different option, which they do also specifically ask you about on the phone.
Quite possibly the best food experience I've had in Toronto! You should definitely go! -
Review from Tim S.
Etobicoke, ON
12/27/2011
Wonderful meal. Was very excited to actually get in, had struck out a few times on nights where the menu was something I really i wanted to try. Thought the price was very reasonable, $49 is great for the calibre of food and presentation. Only semi complaint was that it was very loud, but the place was packed and there was a large group of cackling women, so no real drawback of the restaurant. Does not take AmEx as well. Will definitely return.
Brilliant experience though, especially since Lynn brought our salad to the table lol
She was quite involved with the whole place, chatting with people at the door, checking each entree as it comes out, behind the bar.
Best thing to do, is sign up on their website, and keep on eye when the weekly menu is posted to make your reservation. -
Review from Cindy C.
Toronto, ON
12/26/2011
What a delightful treat and experience! Truly memorable! A unique experience with friendly staff and the presence of Lynn Crawford made it extra special.
The experience: it is a 50 pix fixe menu, 4 courses, local produce, you don't get to choose what to eat, they pair it for you. Get it? Got it? Good. That is what makes the experience special, you get to experience all local produce of whatever is the freshest for the day.
For starters, they brought out delicious BREAD! With whipped butter, what could be better than that? Then we got this yummy CARAMELIZED PEAR SALAD with radicchio and arugula, it was quite a tasty salad, because it was drenched in the perfect amount of sauce and it was not too pungent.
Next course, mains? We had a plethora of food that was chicken themed. SMOKED CHICKEN BREAST AND THIGH that was so buttery, didn't taste dry at all. Was so juicy and succulent. It came with PURPLE COLESLAW that was a nice crunchy pairing and a SWEET POTATO MASH, that was like eating air.... Sweet buttery air.... *lots of drooling and reminiscing*. And then at the same moment, they brought put perfectly GLAZED WINGS.... What? *Insert food coma*. We vowed to finish our food but it was impossible. I would have literally exploded.
Nexxttttt, was the CHEESE and CROSTINI. Which was more than we needed but it tied up the meal nicely and was a great transition before dessert. It had a nice raspberry and orange jam that we sprinkled on, it was heaven.
Lastly, the APPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE. Ummm densely packed apple goodness on a sponge-like dense cake... I ate mine and my lovely companions!!!! The owner offered to bring me another one!! I kindly declined, but if I had room in my belly..... Then?
What topped it all off was the ambiance and the service. Joey and Lynn really did make everyone feel so special and even though they were owners, they were in the trenches, working away and making their guests feel like a million dollars. They treated us to delicious ice wine, probably to shut up us from our rambunctious oooohs and ahhhhh of all the food. And Joey, what a treat for him to sit down and explain to us the story of how Ruby Watchco was born. The ambiance is beautiful, I cannot say more good things about this place. Everyone in Toronto must go, it's quite an experience. Go, go, go, now! -
Review from Valerie F.
Toronto, ON
1/25/2012
Just had my first experience at Ruby Watchco last night. All I can say is amazing! The food was sooo good. I love the "this is the menu today" philosophy. No decisions, just good eats! If you are a picky eater, I don't recommend this place but for the non-picky eaters who enjoy delicious food, I definitely recommend this place!
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Review from Juliana H.
Toronto, ON
12/21/2011
My actual rating is 4.5.
Tonight I had a second opportunity to dine at Ruby Watchco. I held off reviewing until now because I wanted two kicks at the Watchco can before offering up my final verdict. So here it goes:
This time we had a much better table. Last time we had a good vantage of Lynn Crawford checking and finessing each dish, but we were in the path of the most heavy traffic flow so I felt jostled. Also, for four of us on a small round table, it was a squeeze, and especially because of all the extra dishes associated with family style dining, I wasn't a fan. Tonight the table was perfect. Good size, good location, totally comfortable. No loss on the view since Crawford was AWOL as far as I saw. Personally, I'd request a table with bench seating along a wall from here on out.
The menu tonight was solid with the exception of the dessert which was a let down. The watercress and endive salad with crispy prosciutto was delicious. The flank steak had a amazing charred flavour and I enjoyed it. The veggies were okay, but not mind blowing. I did really enjoy the cheese course. The blue cheese was top notch and the salted pears totally complimented it, as one would expect. Once I got over the initial unusual flavour of the scorched bread accompanying the cheese, it worked perfectly. I'd go so far as saying I would have gladly doubled up on this course and passed on dessert.
Our server was efficient though not exactly warm. I personally think he could have been a little more personable to really make this dinning experience exceptional. He did recommend a Chianti that wasn't on the regular wine list. At $62 a bottle, it was okay, but it had a slightly corked smell that made me a bit wary.
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Overall, it was a good dinner. But I think Ruby's service was better last time I went. It's not a cheap meal, so I guess I just hoped to walk away WOWED by something. Maybe next time. -
Review from Emily D.
Toronto, ON
11/12/2011
When I'm told about a movie that is amazing, friends tell me about that same movie that completely changed their lives, there is media hype, I build up a certain expectation for my own experience. More often than not, it falls far short.
Ruby Watch Co. I have lived in Leslieville for a couple of years, and the name has come up more than a couple of times. For whatever reason, I have not had the pleasure of dining in this establishment until now. Tonight was the night.
Being completely hopeless with directions, my dining companion and I were relying heavily on the map on my iphone. Even though I'm quite familiar with the area, I just could not visualize where it was. The little pin was totally not where Ruby actually was! There is only so many times that one can walk past Jilly's without feeling somewhat...odd.
Needless to say, we regained our bearings, and strolled in to meet our friends exactly on time for our reservation. It was only 6:30 and the place was fairly humming with happy patrons. Our waiter greeted us in a timely fashion, giving us time to take off our jackets and say our hellos.
The best thing about the prix fixe menu is the only thing you have to think about is what you are drinking. I had my standard vodka soda, which I have to say was served in a lovely shaped glass. I felt a little rushed with the wine that we ordered with our meal, but I attribute it to the attentiveness of our server. (I was, after all, a little behind in drinking my pre-dinner cocktail). I chose the wine based on the suggestion of pairing on the main.
The (red) wine had subtle fruity undertones with a smoky punch. I wish I could remember the name.
Our first course was a wedge of iceberg lettuce with egg, delightfully sliced radish, thickly cut bacon (I'm sure they called it something else), oven kissed tomato with one thousand and one island dressing. The extra island was for the chili heat that they added to the dressing. Refreshing, delicious, certainly got me salivating.
They also served chive and cheddar biscuits with the salad. They were still warm, broke apart perfectly in half, and were absolutely amazing. I could have eaten 17 of them. I probably will be dreaming about them tonight.
The servers swooped in and cleared our (licked clean) plates in the most unobtrusive manner. Our glasses were carefully monitored and topped when needed.
The main arrived. I'm ten years past the acronym generation but OMG. We had black kale (described on the menu as winter greens with creamed brown butter sauce, butternut squash with pumpkin seed pesto, smashed potato with shallots and blue cheese, and....beef flank, seared to perfection, with this wonderful smoky flavour that wasn't overbearing. It showcased the flavour of the beef. Seriously, it made my toes curl. The only thing that I could find wrong with this meal was that the meat was a little cold. Sadness. Very difficult to control though, as the room had a little bit of a cold breeze, and the meat was obviously intended to be served a certain way. Our server dropped in and made sure that everyone got some of the delicious jus on their plate.
Third Course; in preparation for the dessert, we received some sort of mild and sweet cheese (I didn't remember the name of the wine, I'm certainly not going to remember the name of the cheese after all that diligent glass topping). Along with the cheese, lightly toasted bread and fruity chutney rounded out the plate.
Our friend (the birthday girl, the reason we went out) happened to not care for chocolate cake, which was being served as the dessert. Our server accommodated her eagerly, and gave her a beautifully poached pear with cranberry and a sparkler. He even snapped a picture with his blackberry, handed it to me, and told me to email it to myself and my friends! The chocolate ganache was to die for.
My only other complaint of the night was when I ordered an espresso, and they didn't have any Sambuca to go with it. The espresso was quite good.
The place was tastefully decorated and down to earth, eclectic yet homely. Even in the washroom, the toilet paper rolled on a "pipe" that was crafted to appear as though it was some plumbing that went awry. Awesome!
All in all, a great night. Lynn Crawford was busy helping cleaning tables to turn them as we left, which is quite admirable!! Nice guys/gals don't always finish last! I am delighted to be surprised that Ruby Watch Co. lived up to all of the hype and then some. -
Review from Kenny T.
Toronto, ON
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Loved our meal - Lynn is truly on fire! Great cocktails, awesome wine list - the sommelier helped us stretch to new flavours..found a new white that I loved. The night we were there the salad starter was sooo delicious that we almost wanted to order a second round. The cheese biscuits were deadly good...again we could have just had bread and salad and we would have left happy - our main was Arctic Char...which I would never normally order - was done to perfection. Very creative with flavours but not in a contrived way...fresh and accessible, yet highly sophisticated...Can you tell I liked it?!
I would highly recommend for any foodie. Not a great choice for a picky eater or 'I want that on the side' type...
Great energy and chill crowd. Great servers and bar staff. Perfect for a date or small group...
Go! -
Review from Helen S.
Scarborough, ON
10/21/2011
What a wonderful and filling homestyle meal I had last night at Ruby Watchco!
This restaurant - which attracted me initially because of star chef Lynn Crawford, who is famously hardworking, kind, and down-to-earth in addition to being creative, dedicated, and brilliant (yes, I am a huge fan!) - is quite cozy, and I felt welcome immediately. As others have stated, service here is friendly and attentive but not overbearing. I had a feeling I was in for a great night!
The menu started us off with a fantastically fresh heirloom carrot and beet salad with endives, crispy goat cheese, and brown derby dressing - and please brace yourselves now: Chef Lynn served this to us herself !!! What an honour to meet her so early in the game! My friend and I were thrilled. It is obvious Chef Lynn takes great pride in the local ingredients chosen and how they are prepared. We were in a top pro's hands.
We were so anticipating the slow roasted pork loin with sausage gravy (I know, sounds like bliss!) - and it did not disappoint. Juicy, tender, full of flavour with the most amazingly deeeeeelicious pan drippings ever, accompanied by tasty chesnut-and-herb spaetzle (look it up...it's like stuffing!), a variety of fabulous mushrooms and greens, and sauerkraut. The portions were perfect for the two of us. Comfortably I can say it was a bit like family Thanksgiving dinner, with us passing a hodge podge of side dishes along to each other. :)
Later Chef Lynn helped clear our table (yes, wow! It was busy, and she was truly helping her staff!) and let us know we were in for a surprise soon with a Canadian artisanal cheese and country bread. Though the name of the cheese escapes me at the moment - one of our fine servers told us as he set the offering down - what I CAN tell you is it was a rich few bites of heaven! It came with spicy butternut squash butter - quite nice!
Dessert was a simple but tasty Vanilla and Star Anise poached flemish pear with citrus marscapone and candied pine nuts...YUM!
I feel terrible, because my friend and I stayed waaaay past our due - from 6:30 to 10:30pm! - but we were enjoying each course, being quite leisurely, and not feeling any pressure to leave! As we were heading out, we thanked Chef Lynn (I didn't see Chef Lora at that point at the front) and she let us know about a charity event for Mount Sinai she'd be in along with Bobby Flay! Great cause.
Off we went home, happy and full! Lovely, low-key, relaxed place to take a friend, your partner, a group, anyone who loves great food and is open to the fixed menu idea...enjoy! -
Review from Mohammad G.
10/25/2011
great meal, had the tasting which started with the beets and garden salad. Maybe a touch too much dressing for my liking but then again i wiped the plate clean. had a trout with some root veggies and brussel sprouts which was very very good and rustic. great ingredients that were cooked simplly, but properly. dessert was a apricot torte...not super memorable and a bit dry for my liking.
staff was wonderful. the girl at the bar (cant remember her name!) was FANTASTIC and gave me a sweet lesson on Ontario wine. She was very gracious and had a great time conversing with her. She also made a wicked jalapeno, tequila drink which was the 2nd best cocktail i had on my visit. which is saying alot if you know me =) maybe if i loved tequila more id make it my fav.
anyways, cool spot. big bonus to me is the chef was out and about (aboot?) and really seemed to care about the people dining AND her staff which is big points for me. -
Review from Elle P.
8/18/2011
Are you one of those people who never knows what to order at a restaurant because everything looks sooo good? Well, Ruby takes that problem away from you. Like the famed Chez Panisse in Berkeley, one menu per day, pre-fixe ($49 for a four course meal), and you have no choice.
My friends and I ordered a bottle of prosecco to go along with our celebratory dinner (I was back in town and well, hanging out with me is always a cause for celebration, right?).
We had a lovely roasted beets, arugula and goat cheese salad. Ruby Watchco tries to get all locally grown and organic ingredients. You could really taste the freshness of the beets. The crunch of the pistachio added a nice texture and contrast to the softness of the other ingredients. I love the sweet tangy vinaigrette.
When the second course came, one of our friends stepped away and the waiter asked if he should come back later when our table was complete. We answered flatly to give us our food now and that it was "every woman for herself. If there's no steak when she comes back, well, then it's her bad."
The steak came medium (again we didn't ask for it. They know what they're doing and will give you the food cooked properly.) The sides were grilled asparagus with roasted garlic butter, potatoes, beefsteak tomato panzanella salad, and bacon & zucchini risotto.
The steak was really juicy. The slices were at different degrees of mediumness, so we all picked out which slices we wanted. The ones who wanted a more rare side got the thicker middle pieces and the ones who wanted a drier medium got the end pieces. We were all happy. The only fault I had was that the au jus was too salty.
The asparagus was at the perfect level of cookedness. Just tender enough to easily be eaten, but still has a snap and crispness. Until I reread the menu, I had no idea that there was roasted garlic butter on the asparagus. More please!
The beefsteak tomato panzanella salad is a tomato and bread salad. Cube of stale bread soak up the juices from the tomato and vinegar, soften up and add a heartiness to the dish.
The bacon & zucchini risotto was amazing. I love bacon. I love zucchini. I love well-made risotto (just right at al dente). I didn't want to share this dish with my friends and I made sure that I ate the last scrapings of this dish. The crisp saltiness of the bacon paired beautifully with the sweet zucchinis.
Last but not least was the dessert -- strawberry and rhubarb chocolate fool. Well, you'd be a fool to miss this. Triple chocolate brownies with vanilla cream, and a strawberry and rhubarb compote. Yum! We were stuffed, but luckily dessert has a special empty stomach. The brownies were really rich, but not cloyingly sweet.
A delicious meal and a wonderful experience. -
Review from Tong J.
Once again, Ruby Watchco has wowed us with another delicious dinner. Every dish had depth, full of flavors, wonderful textures and balanced.
Ruby's Corn Cobb Salad was divine! The best cobb salad I have ever had. The smokiness of the bacon and sweetness from the corn, so good!
[Sleger's Living Greens, Romaine Hearts, Bacon, Hen Egg, Tomato, Aged Cheddar, Green Goddess, Brown Derby Vinaigrette]
The most yummy part about the Pan Seared Steelhead Trout was the skin. It was palatable, savory and, oh yes, crispy. We loved the Ratatouille trimmings. Brown butter roasted cauliflower was aromatic, smoky and sweet. I also loved the fingerling potatoes with olive relish and carrot slaw with creamy tartar dressing, and how they complimented the trout.
When I first saw the dessert, Chocolate Berry Fool, Dark Chocolate, Summer Berries, Candied Hazelnuts. I didn't know what to think. But let me tell you, it was out of this world! It reminded me a little bit of black forrest cake, but a thousand time better. Rich without being too chocolaty.
Staff were friendly and attentive as always.Listed in: Top Notch TO
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/11/2010
First of all we have a confession to make...we secretly have a crush on Chef Lynn Crawford and… Read more »
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Review from Martin B.
High Park, Toronto, ON
9/29/2011
This place is just amazing. The room is nice, nice decor, not too loud, not too stiff or quiet, the lighting is perfect and the food is just completely delicious. The set menu thing is great, you don't have to worry or think about what you want to eat, they feed you and it is just perfect. Even the wine is suggested.....great.
We had a great dinner, the staff took great care of us and I would go back every night if I could. Enjoy ! -
Review from Amy C.
Toronto, ON
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food here is all it's hyped up to be.
I'm hesitant about eating at establishments with tasting menus because your dinner can be ruined with just one "off" dish.
Not here! Everything was bang-on and delicious.
Beet and Peach salad was divine. Just the right amount of dressing, great flavour contrast and textures.
Steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and juicy.
The sides are probably what tipped me over the edge. Actually, one in particular....the roasted cauliflower with pistachios. Why has NO ONE ever told me about roasted cauliflower? That side was AMAZING. So simple, but utterly delightful.
The price was very reasonable as well. Will definitely be going back. -
Review from Lee O.
Toronto, ON
8/11/2011
This is my review of the reviews here on Yelp for Ruby Watchco. I have read through about 10 and have drawn a major conclusion.
Th folks who gave the restaurant an excellent rating all seem to be really good writers. They all use the same format, first telling you about how good and amazing it is to eat this way, a la Ruby, and what famed celebrities they are. Then they tell you how amazing the restaurant is about accommodating food allergies. Then comes how abundantly friendly, attentive and funny the wait staff are, almost as if you're getting a live show as you dine.
They all remember exactly what they ate, to the detail, using all the fancy food terms. Then comes the line about how fresh, fresh and fresh everything is, followed by a diner confessing that "if I could dine there every night, I would". These folks are all gushing with compliments: one woman said she wanted to hug everyone after the meal - whatever.
The folks who gave it a not so good rating seemed to be more realistic. They said the wait staff were good but definitely nothing to go viral about. What they said most is that the food is bland and lacking in flavour. It's probably beautifully presented, fresh, local, and prepared or at least overseen by Ruby but mostly bland and not flavorful. Which is okay if that's what you're after, fresh food, prepared simply by Celebrity Lynn and presented beautifully.
Draw your own conclusions or dine there and write a review. -
Review from Jessica D.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2011
Ruby Watchco is definitely worth all the hype. It's my favourite "special occasion" restaurant. The food isn't cheap, but it's amazing value for what you get and well priced for a nice dinner out. The service is stellar and the decor is so, so nice and simple. I would eat there every night if I could. I've eaten there a handful of times, and each time the food is so good that I nearly cry.
You know the concept already: each night has a fixed menu of local food. What's really great is that the kitchen is completely accommodating to any dietary restrictions - gluten-free, vegan, pescatarian - and they will whip up something that makes your tablemates jealous.
Bonus is that Chef Lynn also helps serve tables when it gets busy - she could not be nicer!! -
Review from Viviana M.
Toronto, ON
Dining Experience: Dinner
Menu items (Apr.8.11): Eco Farms Country Ham & Sleger's Green Salad, Pan Seared Trout with Newburg Seafood Salad, Chèvre Noir & Cold "Hot" Chocolate
Wine Pairing: Pinot Gris Herrenweg 2004, Barmes-Buecher
Ruby Watcho is unlike any other restaurant in this city. Reason number one being that the meals are freshly cooked by renowned Food Network Canada Star, Chef Lynn Crawford. Reason number two? Her culinary background and passion for creating meals with fresh ingredients, that at times make it to one's table straight from the farm, defies the laws and traditions of upscale restaurants serving the same old menu week after week.
At Ruby, you will find a set 4 course prix-fixe menu for CDN$49.00, which changes every night they are open for business. The ingredients usually come from local farms, some of which I am sure were visited at some point or another during Chef Crawford's Pitchin' In shootings.
Some reviewers have deducted points from Ruby because there is only one menu with no other choices. I would say to those people to look beyond their noses and appreciate not only the Chef's creativity but also the quality of meals they are eating. Fresh daily menus not only guarantee these ingredients have been hand-picked and well thought of, but also that the food one is eating is organic, fresh, healthy and home-made. You rarely find this at restaurants these days.
I wonder, how does one know that the meat, salad or veggie one gets at a restaurant featuring the same menu every night has not been seating for weeks at their pantries and fridges?
My night at Ruby Watchco started with me realizing that Chef Crawford was actually cooking my meal. First impression - "OMG Lynn Crawford is actually cooking?". Most Chefs these days open restaurants, create their menus and off they go to do their thing. This is certainly not the case at Ruby.
Featuring a home-made style of items, our meal started with the Hope Eco Country Ham & Sleger's Green Salad.
Romaine hearts, smoked blue haze (blue cheese), Thompson Yukon gold hickory sticks, country ham and bosc pears with darling honey vinaigrette, made this starter salad a close contender to my old time favourite 17 ingredient slaw from Chef Susur Lee.
We also decided to pair our entire meal with the featured wine of the night, a sweet and intense Pinot Gris from the Alsace region of France. No further introduction needed, I'd say.
The second course was a Pan seared Trout with Newburg Seafood Salad. The trout was tender and fresh; but besides the freshness of the fish, combined with the freshness of shrimp and mussels found at the bottom of the casserole (this is Chef Crawford's homey plating style, love it), we found ourselves floating in a delicious Bouillabaisse style broth. Another finding was realizing Ruby will ensure you leave with a full tummy. The main course also came with roasted Fingerling Potatoes, sauteed greens with Chorizo Coins and Braised Fennel with Spinach Hazelnut Pesto. This in itself would have been enough; ok I take that back, knowing me I could have eaten two of these.
As a meal digestif (or at least I like to call it that), we had the Chèvre Noir. Placed on top of a tasty toast (how many T's is that?), the Chèvre Noir was my Pièce de Résistance. Once again I take that back, maybe Chef Crawford cooking for us that night was the actual pièce; but either way, we had too many resistances here. Personally, I think "resistance" should translate to (although it doesn't) IRRESISTIBLE.
Last but not least, our dessert course...Ruby's Cold "Hot" Chocolate.
Dessert consisted of a house made marshmallow foam with praline crumble. I believe this is Crawford's version of a lovely Hot Chocolate, but cold (sarcasm alert). Jokes aside, this was a lovely way to end our meal. I do have to admit I was not entirely a fan of its temperature. I guess the dessert was made that morning and placed in the fridge in time for the night; however my dessert was way too cold for my personal taste, and the ceramic cup was also freezing. I would've appreciated Ruby leaving it out a bit before.
For some of you that are wondering if Chef Crawford made it to our table, well let me tell you she did! Not only every time I glanced up I saw her cooking in the semi-open concept kitchen, but she also stopped by. I am ashamed to say that I was so star-struck that the only words that came out of my mouth were "Big fan, I love you". Seriously?
Out of all the things I could have said to one of my favourite Chefs, this is what comes out? I wanted to tell her about my blog, my passion for cooking and trying new and exciting restaurants, but instead I left her with an uncomfortable situation. Her reply - "Oh, you are fun". Oh well, next time I will control myself.
Until next time Foodies!
Buen Provecho,
Viviana.Listed in: Best Restaurants in Toronto
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Review from Ellie A.
5/26/2011 4 photos
I'm speechless. And in the most delightful food coma - can one get drunk on food? Ruby Watchco might be one of the most pleasing dining experiences I've ever had. Why? The food is just made with love. The place oozes a calm, confident generosity that makes you want to stay all night (although that could be the four course meal talking).
Waitstaff are that great combination of funny, down-to-earth, attentive (but not overbearing) and knowledgeable. They anticipated my every want (more water? Thank you! Another buttery chive biscuit? Don't mind if I do!) Our server took extra care with everything. Case in point - as she placed our first course plates on the table, she must have noticed that one wasn't spotless. Without a word (or a beat), she went to get another one so everything would be perfect. That while cracking jokes about (and with) her fellow servers. I guess I would also be that warm and happy if I got to eat those biscuits every day.
Drinks: Fabulously delicious margarita. Fresh lime and elderflower with a sweet/salt rim that was a revelation. They blend rock salt and rock sugar on the rim so that you first get a hit of salt (because they dissolve at different speeds) and then it's immediately followed by a hit of sweetness. Beautiful.
Dinner: The meal was a pork bonanza tonight. Salad with buttery lettuce, roasted tomatoes, cucumber, crispy croutons and caramelized slab bacon all in a light ranch dressing. Lynn Crawford does such a great job at playing with different textures and flavours. I was in heaven.
Main course: Juicy and tender pork chop with sausage sauce (!!), spicy escarole with perfectly cooked pork belly, asparagus, barley and mushrooms. Everything was delicious. Everything was overly generous. I wanted to hug everyone.
Cheese course: Aged local goat's cheese served with grilled, chewy and crusty bread and an eggplant, pepper and pine nut side. I was losing my battle against the food at this point. Sooo good. Sooo full.
Dessert: Homemade cinnamon ice-cream and a rhubarb crumble. Again - sweet and sour, crunchy and creamy, hot and cold - all playing together.
Sigh. Does food get better than this??
Vegetarian Score: I have no idea. I have no doubt that they treat vegetarians well if you tell them ahead of time. They asked me while I made reservations if my party had any food restrictions. But since I only had the bacon-fest, I'll have to go back and see.Listed in: Best of the Best: Must try…
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Review from En L.
7/4/2011 2 photos
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Love the one menu per day idea.
My first time was for a friend's birthday. We were a group of 10. They were very accommodating and the staffs was very friendly. Lynn Crawford was at the resto. I was pretty excited. Love her on Food network!
My second visit was equally great. Food was spectacular, and, same great service. -
Review from helen y.
Toronto, ON
3/11/2011 1 photo
I liked everthing about this place..
as i walked in i already knew i like the place..
under stated decoration yet well put together in good taste.
and the food reflected just that..
comfy homsy food yet excuted in very perfect way... the way that ur mother cannot do... yet still comforting.
i loved it! -
Review from Liora I.
Toronto, ON
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
What can I say here that hasn't already been said?
The food, service and atmosphere were all phenomenal. Family style servings is a refreshing and original concept and it works because quite frankly that woman could serve me anything and I'm confident I would eat it and love it.
Chef Lynn is tour de force in the kitchen.
This really was an exceptional experience. -
Review from Wendy H.
Toronto, ON
1/28/2011 ROTD 3/23/2011
Listen, fool. If you've got $50-$100 bucks to drop on a nice dinner - for a special occasion, mayhaps - get your fat butt to Rub Watchco. For serious, though. Ruby Watchco is a revelation. EAT THERE.
You know the background story, right? TV chef Lynn Crawford (Restaurant Makeover, Pitchin' In) is in the driver's seat, and the whole place came to be with the discovery of an old sign that read "Ruby Watch Co". She was like, "man, I gotta do something with this sign. Sho betta open a res-to-rant." And she's right - the sign IS something else. I should know, I sat right under it. She's a beaut.
The food is all locally sourced, nothing factory farmed or pumped full of hormones. Love it. The 4-course menu changes daily and beyond dietary restraints, there are no modifications. You will eat what they wanna serve you, and rest assured you will like it. (A note on dietary modifications: they are VERY good at catering to your needs.) They serve the food family style, not individually plated. I think this adds to the restaurant's cozy intimacy; it may be expensive but it definitely doesn't feel hoighty-toighty. You don't have to be fancy, you just have to be willing to EAT.
This was a special dinner for me and because the food is all sustainable, I allowed myself to eat some chicken and dairy in order to get the full RW experience. I still requested no pork or beef, and they pulled off the changes with ultimate grace.
Our menu:
Escarole & Perth Pork Bacon Salad (Brown Butter Croutons, Garden Radishes, Dates,Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette) - Delicious. They made me a separate salad sans bacon and on a normal day, that woulda been my dang dinner. Big!
Crispin Apple Roasted Brick Chicken (Herb Spaetzle & Cremini Mushrooms, Caramelized Onion Sauerkraut, Carron Farm's Red Beets with Pickled Mustard Seeds) - Oh shit, son. Gorgeous. The sauerkraut had bacon in it so they brought me some summer artichokes which were mad tasty. Also, I didn't know what spaetzle was, so our server explained graciously. (It's a tiny pasta that is poached, so has a very light, spongy texture. It was awesome).
Le Riopelle De L'Isle (Maple Spiced Butternut Squash Butter with Prosciutto Dust) - I haven't had cheese in almost a year so it was an indulgence to say the least to savour some riopelle. They also made me separate squash butter without prosciutto.
Ruby's Chocolate Cherry Mess (Chocolate Meringue, Lake Lee Orchards Vanilla Spiced Cherries, Hewitt's Dairy's Whipped Cream) - F***ing divine.
So now that I've written an essay, please note my enthusiasm and treat yourself one day. $50 per person (plus drinks if you so desire - the dinner gets exponentially better with dranks). Ruby Watchco is one of those places where the hearty comfort food will appeal to most and nobody will feel uncomfortable in such a homey atmosphere. Our server was fab - every time he described the course, he seemed as if he was conducting an orchestra. The paper towels in the bathroom had RW stamps on them. The playlist included SWV, the Black Keys and N*E*R*D. I am an instant convert. You should be too. -
Review from The Vong Choice I.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
Famed Restaurant Makeover dynamic duo, designer Cherie Stinson and celebrity chef Lynn Crawford have opened up Ruby Watchoo . I've been so excited to try this place and finally with the right occasion, my bestie's Stacey's birthday, we all headed to Leslieville for a culninary adventure. Joey, Cherie's husband was a perfect host for the evening with his entertaining anecdotes and chatty conversation making us feel right at home.
What you need to know about Ruby is that the restaurant serves a $49 prix fixed menu with 4 courses - salad, main, cheese plate and dessert which changes nightly featuring local and seasonal ingredients. When you call to make a reservation they'll ask you if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies so be honest! This is NOT a restaurant with a menu where you can pick and choose. You eat what they're making!
The basket of warm and savoury cheddar cheese bisquits with chives is definitely one of the highlights. They are so buttery and airy. We all fight for a second serving and thirds. Everything here is served family style so you can help yourself to as much or as little as you wanted. It was really amazing that they were able to tailor make our dishes for us to accommodate our food allergies. -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
4/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's not to love? Inside, the decor complements the space well and feels understated just like the neighborhood. RWCo isn't about flash, it's about full quality meal from beginning to end. The menu changes weekly I believe and each course has a local wine recommendations, the pairings are wonderful. Additionally, portion sizes are quite generous; you'll likely leave satisfied with a nice lunch for the following day :)
I love Leslieville. -
Review from mirz b.
Toronto, ON
10/18/2011
hard to write a food review for a restaurant that changes it's menu everyday ..since i can write what i want but no one else will be eating what i ate.
but that's kind of the beauty of it.
you find out at the beginning of the week what the rest of the week's menu will be. there tends to be one theme or thing that remains consistent throughout the week. but the mains definitely change.
the food is done well. more than reasonable portions - we were STUFFED! service is really attentive. they take their time starting you, and bringing you food. it's all well paced. the place is bustling with noise. mixed crowd of people who've dressed up or dressed smart. dim-lit. good ambiance for all crowds and all occasions.
overall i would return for a new menu and new experience all over again. -
Review from Vivek S.
12/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place is GOOD. After reading raves on Yelp, I knew I had to check this out this Leslieville spot. Ruby Watchco is a table d'hôte helmed by pre-eminent Toronto chef Lynn Crawford, whom you might know from Restaurant Makeover. But instead of tweaking other menus at RW she in full control of her own; turning out magical fixed courses on the daily.
We showed up minutes before closing and managed to sneak a spot on the bar. This was a superior spot to sit and I would even recommend it over a table. With her close proximity, our delightful server was constantly dropping useful and interesting notes throughout the evening. The decor is simple but sparkling at RW and the 12-foot mirrored sign reading Ruby Watchco was apparently the inspiration for this resto's name.
Dinner was fantastic. Starting off with their butter and biscuits, I could swear they churned their own. We moved on to broccoli and heirloom carrots, potatoes scalloped in gouda cheese, a whole damn chicken, a cheese and crostini plate -- this felt like enough food for a family of four. All of it was plated with care and utterly delicious.
As we pigged out family style under the subdued lights and amidst the din of contented diners, the realization came upon me that I don't think I have ever eaten so well in Toronto. Go now.
Obligatory Title Pun: You better WATCH out, Leslieville.
Menu Readability: A beautifully laid out one-sheet detailing what you will be enjoying that evening.
Need to mention: If you like Bloody Caesars, you will greatly enjoy their clamato with horse-radish-infused vodka. You heard me.
What this place teaches me about myself: Perfect for the decision-hater inside you.Listed in: Queen Street Address, Spendy, Spendy, Leslieville Locals, Hail Caesar!
-
Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
12/13/2010
If I was a King (or Queen) I would dine here everyday!
I was looking for something different for dinner and discovered Richie S. and Tong J.'s reviews for Ruby Watch Co. Two of my favourite Yelpers both had good things to say about this place, so I got in my car and sped over there.
We were worried they wouldn't seat us because we arrived right around their official closing time - I know, we're jerks.
We asked if we could still have dinner there, and they didn't have a problem with that at all. The restaurant was still full of diners. The hostess went to the kitchen to check that they still had enough food to serve us and came back with a thumbs up.
Totally confused: We were asked if we wanted the full dinner menu or the partial. Due to it being close to closing time, we decided on the partial. The hostess told us we would then have to be seated at the bar. Confusion explanation to be continued...
We took our seats at the bar and ordered cocktails. I chose something that I feared would be too sweet, but the lovely bartender, Sarah, made it especially not too sweet for me. It was delicious! I can't remember what was in it, but it was very original, and thanks to her skills, not too sweet.
Interesting: they create their own horseradish-infused vodka for Caesars. The bartender told us you avoid getting horseradish in your teeth this way.
The food just started coming out - family style. The salad was gigantic, but so good I couldn't let any of it go to waste. The bread and butter were fantastic as well.
Then - the main dish.... a baked chicken in a red wine reduction sauce, served with scalloped potatoes, broccoli cooked in lemon butter and heirloom carrots. This was definitely the most memorable dish, maybe because I ate leftovers for the next 2 days. I think we were served an entire chicken, which is a little excessive for just 2 people. Add to that big side dishes and remember they've already stuffed us with big appetizers.
Totally confused (part 2): so here I am thinking, if we were being served the so-called partial menu, what does one get for the full menu? 2 full chickens? I had to ask the waitress to explain the insanity. She explained that we were getting the full menu! Ahhh... it all made sense. Still too much food, but at least they don't normally give even more than that.
After the chicken came a cheese plate, served with crostinis. Then came dessert.... I can't even remember what it was because I was so stuffed. It was definitely good though because I remember licking my dessert plate! Sarah (bartender/waitress) also made me a delcious latte to go with it.
This is a true dining experience. Not only did our waitress treat us like royalty, every single other person working there was extremely nice to us. I especially liked how the dishes were explained to us as they were brought out. And they were all brought out in the cutest little red dishes. The service was so good (they kept changing our cutlery and plates) that I would normally feel out of place - not knowing how to be polite... Except at Ruby, they're so friendly you don't worry about any of that!
Definitely pricey, but definitely worth it. -
Review from Evan J.
Toronto, ON
7/15/2011
It really kills me to write this review, but here it goes.
Last night, after much anticipation (about a year) I finally dined at Ruby Watchco.
I was super excited about eating here, so maybe my expectations where too high, but by the end of the main course, I just wanted the experience to be over.
Ruby Watcho is a nice place that feels rustic and welcoming.
The service throughout the night was standard. Service was nothing amazing, but nothing to complain about.
But we were really there for the food.
We started out with salad with shrimp, radishes and other vegetables. Ok, I'm no master chef, but I can cook well. This salad was honestly something my mother would make; only this had more high quality ingredients. The taste was bland and the dressing was watery. There was nothing exciting about this dish.
Our mains where pork loin, tomato studded with rice, chickpea salad and grilled tomatoes with some pesto on top. Once again, so boring!
Yes, the ingredient where fresh, and yes, it was well prepared as in the texture of the pork was moist, but this food was flavorless!
I mean, the only seasoning I tasted was salt!
I also found the salads to be oily. We where both complete underwhelmed and boarded with this food. Nothing I eat felt like something I could not make better at home if I used fresh, local ingredients. I'm not saying this to brag, but I have made simple homey, meals using all fresh ingredients and they have tasted better than anything I had here last night.
When I go to a restaurant and especially when you are paying these prices, I want to be excited about the food I'm eating. The food should be an experience and not just a average meal you could prepare if you put in a bit of effort.
The cheese after dinner was amazing (the one thing they did not make) and at this point, we where over the whole experience. Surprisingly the lemon raspberry tart that looked dry and unappetizing in appearance, was the highlight of the whole meal. The pastry was good and the raspberry and lemon curd was very tasty.
I will give Ruby Watchco a 2.5star review. The ingredients are all fresh. But there was absolutely no wow factor to anything we ate and I did not feel like I could not find a recipe off epicurious and make the same thing myself, with more flavors. The lack of flavor was the disappointing factor in my meal.
I really wanted to love this place, but unfortunately, this is my honest review. -
Review from Andrew L.
Toronto, ON
7/17/2011
It's sad to write a review like this. I have heard nothing but great reviews about this place and finally decided to check it out a recent Thursday night. The place is cute in a great up and coming neighbourhood. Service was friendly, not overbearing but efficient. So far so good. But then the food came.....
It was so.....boring and bland. When Dining at a restaurant like this, one that has a great deal of buzz and has such great reviews I want to be wowed, but. Sadly it was just ok. Fresh ingredients, but beyond that no exciting flavors, just oily dressings and under seasoned meat.
The cheese course was great, but they didn't make the cheese so that doesn't say much about the cooking.
Desert was surprisingly good, we had heard this was a weak point, but by then we had so many disappointing courses we were just wanting to leave.
Sorry but we won't be back. -
Review from Christine C.
Etobicoke, ON
Ruby Watchco really is all that and a bag of chips. The food here is as honest as it gets. While you know in your heart there is a thread of pretentiousness that is the aura of this food harbour you simply give it up the minute you wrap your lips around one of their buttery, hot, freshly baked herb & cheese biscuits. All of a sudden you don't notice the noise, you don't notice the seen and wannabe seen's sitting all around you and any thoughts you have about Restaurant Makeover makes a swan song exit out of your brain. Those are some MoFo kinda biscuits. Ask for refills, they gladly oblige.
I've been to RW twice and in both cases I had pork. You know the schtick on this joint, one menu, daily change, etc. etc. etc. So at least by having pork both times I feel like I have a baseline for comparison. Our first visit we sat in the very front of the resto, on the second visit we sat right at the back, in front of the prep/platter area. Chef Lynn Crawford was running the kitchen during my inaugural visit and Chef Lora Kirk the next.
So here's how it panned out:
First Courses:
1st Visit - Mixed greens with smoked trout, heirloom tomatoes, marinated green beans, roasted beets, spicy sliced gherkins and a big fat dollop of egg salad on top.
2nd Visit - Thinly sliced zucchini salad with heirloom tomatoes, roasted beets, roasted peppers and a toasted almonds in a light citrus vinaigrette.
Winner: From an aesthetic standpoint the zucchini salad was gorgeous but I have to say the first salad had so many textures going on that I liked it better.
Main Course:
1st Visit - Pork Loin in a brown rosemary sauce. Sides included a Chorizo Risotto; A zucchini dish with cabbage, sugar snap peas, beans etc; Seared rapini & mushrooms
2nd Visit - Grilled Pork chops with a peach chutney. Sides included another dish with sausages; A savoy cabbage slaw and a Polenta Potato concoction that had mushrooms and large pearl onions in it.
Winner: Of the two pork dishes, hands down the winner was the grilled pork chop with the peach chutney. The polenta potato dish was fabulousness. I'd have passed on the slaw and would have loved the rapini dish again.
Cheese Course:
1st Visit - Fifth Town Cheese. It was soft and creamy like a Riopelle/Tallegio. It was served with a Grapefruit compote.
2nd Visit - Montforte Dairy Cheese which was very dry and hard, akin to a Parmesan. It was served with drunken raisins and shredded carrots.
Winner: I love Ruth Kahlsen the Montforte Dairy cheese goddess to bits but I have to go with the Fifth Town with the unbelievable delicious grapefruit compote. It just was so decadent yet the acid of the grapefruit just gave it the balance it needed.
Dessert:
1st Visit - Cherry S'mores which was actually more like dessert food porn. It was macerated cherries atop a base of graham crumbs, with a large thick wad of melting chocolate, topped with homemade marshmallow that had been toasted.
2nd Visit - Again with the cherries and the chocolate. Macerated cherries atop a brownie with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Winner - Gotta go with the Larry Flynt of desserts, the porn S'mores. So here's my food fantasy around these S'mores.... it involved Dirk Diggler from Boogie Nights and I get to recreate my own scene. K, 'nuff said 'bout that. I think you get the idea.
The wine & cocktail lists are absolutely decent. I was really pleased to see some non Ontario wine options on the wine list even though I opted for an unoaked Chardonnay from Organized Crimes.
Service was good. This place is hopping so these guys really earn their coin. Our waitress was good hearted and when I showed up first with flowers for Shari & her Mother, the waitress immediately said, let me take those from you, put them in the fridge and just let me know when you'd like me to bring them. -
Review from Richie S.
10/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
Second visit to R-Dub and again loved it.
Arrived quite early for reservations, but was seated immediately. The place was teaming with customers and staff the entire 2 hours we were there.
We were handed quite an impressive seasonal cocktail menu and being the idiot I am, I was only able to have one (Ichabod's Noggin) as I was driving. It was well put together, infusing pumpkin seed into the salt rim. God I want another.
First course was a salad with salted pear, candied pecans, dried cherries, (I believe a) smoked goat cheese with a light ginger-based vinaigrette. The goat cheese was a little heavy for the salad, but the taste was an absolutely incredible mix of savoury and sweet.
The main was a sirloin roast with short rib bits / au jus with parsnips w/ a cream sauce, beautiful Brussels sprouts and THE most wonderfully whipped potatoes I've ever had. All served family-style. The beef was moist and well seasoned, the short rib bits was a welcomed addition for flavour and for the first time in a long time I wasn't able to finish.
Dessert was Ruby's red velvet cake with a cream cheese icing. Perfect end to the meal. Dark and rich, but not too heavy. The icing had me licking my plate...nearly.
I'm not completely sold on the "family-style" method just yet - it just seems like the staff are...cheating? Does that make sense? I mean, how do you stop uncle Jerry from bogarting the sprouts? I do love the mini dutch ovens though for each side and the fact that Ruby does her best to keep everything locally-grown.
Will return over and over. Maybe to eat, probably to watch Cherie Stinson all night.Listed in: Great, but
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Review from Kim L.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2010
So, imagine this: Chef Lynn Crawford has invited you over for dinner. And she has crafted a menu just for the evening. Paying homage to fresh, local ingredients, a four-course culinary feast is being whipped up in the back kitchen. For you. Served family-styles, in heavy, red casserole dishes, think home cooking at its best. Yes, help yourself. And be generous...there's enough for everybody ;)
Overwhelming consensus. Exceptionally good food. Matched by equally impressive service. Rarely will I comment, unless it was abominable or outstanding...and it was wonderful. Ever walk in a restaurant to encounter that refined-perky-nose-in-air judgement? The worst. Not the case with Ruby.
Our hostess was charming, and our server was lovely and attentive...didn't miss a detail...and if a crumb was left behind, discreetly taken care of by co-owner Joey Skeir seconds later. Atmosphere? Engaging, charged and lively. We had a bloody great time. Best experience in a while.
Our menu for the eve:
ONTARIO ASPARAGUS & HARICOT VERT PANZELLA SALAD
Heirloom Tomatoes, Halloumi Cheese Croutons, Creemore Radishes, Rose Bella Cerignola Olive Vinaigrette
{we were fighting over those croutons)
GREY WEST PREMIUM TRI-TIP STEAK WITH GREEN GARLIC BUTTER
Button Mushroom & Boston Lettuce with Blue Cheese Dressing, Smashed Thompson Farm's Yukon Gold Potatoes, Darling Honey Glazed Carrots
{um. steak. medium-rare. good. that's all.
reduced to one word sentences good.
blue cheese. not a fan...still not a fan. and salad was salt-y. pourquoi? je ne sais pas.
best smashed potatoes you'll ever taste. true story.}
GLENGARRY FINE CHEESE'S BIG BROTHER
Spiced Mixed Nuts & Homemade Orange Marmalade
{who loves cheese? we do! forget the nuts & marma. vino was perfect with it}
RUBY'S CHOCOLATE CHIP SLIDERS
Ed's Real Scoop Stracciatella Gelato
{ok. our only disappointment. not rave-worthy. expected a warm, gooey mess. minutes out of oven mess. we got hard la-gourmand-style-cookie-muffins that just confused us. we couldn't break into it. do we pick it up? eat it with our hands? throw it back in the oven? what to do?!}
FYI: The menu changes every night, every week. If you're an obsessive planner - or simply curious - you'll be able to see the week's menu on their site. Other option: opt in & get daily menu e-mails. My personal choice of food porn, every morning.
The vibe in the back is slightly different from the front; a little closer to the heart of the action. Plus, all the better to admire the Ruby Watch Co. sign, which is by far, the most arresting fixture in the restaurant. That, or Chef Lynn, herself.
So if she's inviting you over for dinner, you can't turn her down. Nor, would you want to ;) -
Review from MarMar K.
8/8/2011
Located in a very cool and eclectic part of Toronto. I was lucky enough to enjoy the chef's menu and wow, was it delicious. The light fare tasted so fresh and the heavier (steak with beets) was cooked to perfection. Well made dishes, in my opinion, are those which allow the flavor of the food speak for itself, without over dressing it. Ruby's has done just that: simple food, made well, with complimentary sides and sauces. The wine selection was also well-paired and showcased some impressive Canadian wines (who knew? ;)). Enjoy!
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Review from James K.
Toronto, ON
4/2/2011
The experience and the food was excellent.
I loved the fact that you could see Lynn Crawford working away checking everything that went out of the kitchen.
I'll definitely go back. -
Review from Ben S.
Toronto, ON
6/27/2010
I loved the food and atmosphere of Ruby Watchco.
I would like to give it 5 stars but I have to deduct one for:
-Poor beer selection. Two Mill Sts, Beau's Lagered Ale, and two big brand light beers? Come on. There are tons of great local beer that should be featured here. Mill St is fine as a big brand, but it shouldn't be the anchor of this type of restaurant's beer menu.
-Huge portions. It's irresponsible and wasteful to serve so much food. -
Review from Steph L.
8/8/2010
Watch out for Ruby Watchco!!!
Ruby Watchco is a great spot for a less ordinary dinner.
The food is fresh. It's like going to someone's house and having them make you a fantastic dinner.
The food may not be fancy, but the trendy exposed brick venue and excellent service makes if feel like a fancy experience...except for it's a cramped space and you are elbow to elbow with your neighbor.
I really liked the concept, a fixed price meal and set menu (which changes daily). The menus for the week are posted online.
I've heard some people dislike the idea that you can only eat what is offered that day
...That's the whole point.
In fact, next time I go, I'm not even checking out the menu online first! So, it will be a complete surprise!
You have severe allergies? You are a fussy eater?
You know what? That's okay.
But, don't dine here.
The price is very reasonable for a four course meal.
$49 for a meal prepared with local, organic, fresh produce supporting our local farmers is fantastic.
Family style serving. So, be prepared to pass the potatoes!
* The cheese biscuits were delicious!!! They were super buttery. I wish I could have more of them.
* I did find the salads salty but interesting. Melon and beets are always a good mix.
* Fingerling potatoes sounded boring but were crisp and deliciously seasoned.
* The main was Salmon, the portions were large, juicy and perfectly cooked.
* The cheese platter was alright, cheese made in Quebec by monks.
Good if you like blue cheese.
* Dessert was apricots and almond cookies. The cookies were delicious, I wish there were more cookies and less apricots!
I'm definitely going to revisit and let dinner be a surprise! :) -
Review from Diane R.
Toronto, ON
How is it possible that I'm the first to review Chef Lynne's new project? Are all yelpers stuck in the West End? If so, get out get out get out! It's time to head east dear friends, straight into the kitchen of Ruby Watchco.
The dinner is a prix fixe menu that features LOCAL (cheese from Peterborough was about as far flung as it got) produce and meat done in a hearty but contemporary way. Because the menu changes with what's available, you can return as often as you like and know you wont have run out of choices. There are four courses: appetizer, main, cheese, & dessert and all are served family style in lovely Creuset dishes. Don't worry, there is plenty of food, so please go with a very empty stomach. (we were pretty tapped out once we go to the cheese dish, but discreetly undid our belts to stuff more delicious toffee cake down the gullet).
The staff are phenomenal, and though your server may rotate, you never feel as though the service is impersonal. The hostess checked in on us several times and was even so kind as to pass on her card so we could make reservations in the future. Lynn Crawford is phenomenal as well. The pass is in plain view of all diners and she spent the night smiling, bringing out dishes when she could, and even took a moment to snap a photo with me (lame I know).
Though new on the scene, reservations are hard to come by - we tried on Tuesday to make a reservation for Friday and were told there was no space. But don't let a lack of confirmed seating stop you from going, the bar is lovely and fine for 2 people to sit at for dinner. We happened to luck out and grab a table from people who had canceled.
It's the morning after my night with Ruby and I'm still a little food coma'd so please excuse my lack of wit. She wore me out and left me wanting more. -
Review from Kavi G.
Toronto, ON
8/4/2010
I was invited out for dinner on Saturday night to--Food Network Canada's "up and coming" celebrity chef--Lynn Crawford's restaurant, Ruby Watch Co.
After a few years of slugging it out on Restaurant Makeover, Crawford has been elevated to a new status of Canadian Celeb Chef that her other friends from the show probably won't see. I've never watched Pitchin' In mainly because I'm not that huge of a fan of the Lynn, but I was excited to try out her new restaurant and see if she practices what she preaches.
The restaurant concept is simple: each day, Lynn's staff posts the menu for that particular day, and everyone eats the same meal. It gets rid of all that unease in having to pick a dish that you think will be good. Instead, everyone gets the exact same meal for a fixed price.
Saturday's menu consisted of a crispy chicken salad which was just salty enough to taste amazing, and was definitely crispy. Flank steaks with avocado frites (!!! - she actually deep fried the avocado. This was delish, especially when you coupled it with the steak). A cheese course with bread, and then a plum tart for desert.
The concept that kicks it up a notch is how the food is served. Everyone eats from generously portioned out bowls and plates just like you would at home. Rather than serving everyone their own dish, customers are encouraged to dig into the bowls of food and serve each other. It's a great concept, and it could only work if the food is great as well.
All the food is local. Lynn makes a big deal out of supporting farmers and merchants within the province and country to build her menu items. The restaurant itself is a great place, and fits in well with the whole Riverside community. It is a little pricey, though.
8.5/10. -
Review from Leslie W.
6/30/2010
BOTTOM LINE: A festive yet laidback restaurant with an ever-changing locally-sourced tasting menu at a reasonable cost. And you get to see Lynn Crawford in action!
Cost:
-$49 for the meal.
Atmosphere/Decor:
-Relaxed, exposed brick with an imposing RUBY WATCHCO industrial sign at the back.
-Seating is tight, but there's a good bar area.
Ordered:
-The menu changes daily, but here's my four-course meal:
1. Spicy asian greens with pickled watermelon and chili shrimp: This was the highlight of the meal with very fresh greens, a subtle cilantro and lime dressing and cruncy shrimp.
2. Drunken chicken braised in beer with sides of spicy chicken wings, garden salad with apple slices, and fingerling potatoes: The beer chicken itself was a bit dry, but the chicken wings were ultra tender and tasty, and the salad and potatoes were delicious.
3. Sweet and sour tomatoes with sides of chedder and zucchini bread: The tomatoes were really quite something with it being pickled and infused with honey.
4. White chocolate lemon mousse: My stomach was about to rupture at this point, but this really hit the spot!
Service:
-Our server was cheerful, attentive, and made good wine recommendations.
-The staff as a crew seemed bustling and happy, and I had a great view of their open kitchen from my table.
Conclusion:
-If you're not a picky eater and you like surprises (of you like having meal decisions made for you), then this place is for you! -
Review from Susie G.
9/21/2011
The value for the money is amazing. Great for groups as long as you have a cool group that isn't turned off be eating whatever happens to be on the menu. The salads in particular area amazing. So simple but just amazing and well balanced. I've been twice and each time the salad was my favorite even though I thought all the dishes were great. I've also found the service to be really good. Competent and attentive without being too much. Can't recommend more highly.
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Review from Patrick B.
Toronto, ON
5/21/2011
Great ambience, hearty and warm meal and great fun overall!
