It’s been about a year since my last report on Vertical. Vertical is one of our favourite summer spots because of a large and comfortable patio set one storey above the financial district fray. The view, vertically speaking, is wonderful — and after a cocktail or so I actually loosen up enough to tip my head back and check out the skyscrapers launching out into the blue (something which, absurdly, you’re otherwise not supposed to do with skyscrapers for fear of being considered a rube).

On a Friday night this place is quiet (traders, execs, and their underlings having taken off for Oakville and Mississauga). Thus we had our choice of seating a decided on a cozy corner couch. They have a nice summer cocktail list here, including a good selection of mojitos, margs and caipirinhas. Mr. Rabbit went with a mojito, one of his summertime faves, which was properly executed and very refreshing. I ordered a “Vertical Sour” — a rendition of the classical whiskey sour with a chianti float. Sounds like it could go wrong, but the result is slightly reminiscent of a jacked up tinto de verano…one of our favourite Spanish drinks. Delectable!

We had plans for a Romanian drinking party next-night, so we decided to keep food (and beverage) light. Both opting for pastas, Mr. Rab chose the papardelle with wild boar ragu (he orders this every time!). He pronounced last night’s execution better than ever.

I opted for artichoke ravioli served with a summer vegetable ratatouille and a dash of something-like rosé-sauce. It was a nice, light dish with delicate and well-matched flavours, but I tend to find vegetarian entrees lacking in heft and I was left a little hungry.

This meant that Mr. Rab and I decided to split a dessert. We chose the chocolate almond cake, a pretty presentation covered in a rich chocolate ganache and decorated with raspberry puree. The cake delivered, but risked being upstaged by its garnish. A dollop of whipped cream flecked with vanilla bean was so good that we both agreed we could have eaten a bowl of the stuff.

Service throughout the nice was personable and relaxed (the kitchen was perhaps a bit slow, but we weren’t in a hurry). Our server chatted with us a bit and noted that Vertical has a garden “up north” where they grow many of their own vegetables.

The damage… two cocktails, two pastas (entrée size, although any of Vertical’s pastas can be ordered as an app), plus one dessert came to $90. Charming service, beautiful setting, and food that was solid to great. (Note that there is a live DJ spinning on the patio, but in a non-obtrusive and fun versus overbearing night-club-y way). Recommended.

www.verticalrestaurant.ca

Posted on August 9th, 2008 by rabbit
Filed under: Toronto, Restaurant Reviews