Kultura
There has been a lot of good buzz about Kultura. Everything from great service, good eats and beautiful space, I heard it all.
But, I am not one to listen to food reviews...even though I write them. I like to experience the new and the old restos on my own. I like to taste things for myself.
It was one of my best pals. Stephen's birthday and he too is a foodie like me. He also heard all the reviews and wanted to check it out just as much as I did.
We arrived into the historic brick building promptly for our reservation at 7 p.m. The first floor, the bar, was pretty full. Large u-shaped leather couches lined the wall. Two hosts were there to greet us and kindly took our jackets and walked us to our table on the second floor.
We were seated by the window but could view the rest of the dimly lit restaurant from our seats. It was quite romantic...a few more drinks and I may have been tempted to hold Stephen's hand.
After a few minutes our waiter arrived with the menu and explained everything in depth. How many tapa-style dishes we should choose and how they would be served, his favorites as well as the most popular ones. He knew the wine list well and was prompt in his service and attention.
We waited for about fifteen minutes and then our food started to arrive. The Duck Prosciutto ($11) came first. Thin slices of duck with pomegranate molasses and an orange chili drizzle. It melted in my mouth. The tang of the orange brought out the juicy fatty flavours of the duck. YUM!
The Tuna Tartare ($12) was next. This fish was so unbelievably fresh. Mixed with three citrus and white miso, the chucks of tuna jumped on my tongue with every bite.
The Pork Chop & Cider ($14) and Chicken Schnitzel ($11), our waiter's favourite were next in line. Unfortunately, both were disappointing. The pork chop was extremely salty. The combination with the red harissa was too strong and extremely pungent. The chicken schnitzel was good, but it really was the chipolte and yogurt that made the dish. Without it, it would have been pretty bland.
The Jamaican Chicken Risotto ($12) and the Caribbean Shrimp ($13) were last to arrive. The risotto was probably my favourite dish. Mixed with jerk spices and coconut, this rice dish was unlike any I have tasted before. It is definitely a dish I am still craving to this day.
For dessert we had the Apple Crumble ($8) and the White & Dark Chocolate Ganache ($8). The apple crumble was dead on. Served with a plum ice cream, the sweetness was a perfect compliment to the flavours experienced during the dinner. The ganache satisfied my chocolate craving.
After our meal, we were expecting a few friends to join us for dessert and more cocktails. Our waiter very kindly grabbed a few chairs from the private dining room upstairs and set them up for us prior to their arrival. You don't get that all the time.
Our waiter also walked me to the washrooms and even pointed out to me which one to go into. I have never had that happen before. I was very impressed.
Although the service was dead on and the majority of dishes were fantastic, there was one more hiccup in our meal. Unfortunately, they had run out of Naan and their chilled Konnyaku Noodles. Although we learned about the noodles just after we had ordered, we only learned about the naan when our last dishes were served. Our waiter never recommended something else.
PS. I wasn't too crazy about the 80's music that was playing when I first arrived, nor the Justin Timberlake during our meal...but hey, that is just me.
Kultura Restaurant
169 King Street East
416.363.9000
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Kultura you're fired. They don't eeven make my bottom ten. Why? Made a reservation by email in early Oct for early Nov. Got a confirm. When the date rolled around and I heard nothing further, I called and was transferred to someone who said they were booked for a private party...sorry we will send you a gift cert by email. It's close to Decemeber and no cert. I sent another email letting them know their multiple faux pas and the new "overight". Still waiting for a response. I will take my business and my money where it is appreciated. kultura---you're fired!
Finally a sincere apologetic response to my previous post and problems. Since service is a big important part of the experience--and food the other, in fairness I accept the apology and will give their food a try and let you know how the experience lives up to expectations and other fine dining in T.O.
Hey Allen,
Yes, definitely let me know your experience. I went back for brunch and had a great time. Will go back for another dinner and report back as well.
cheers.
Wow! Great Food, Service & Wine. I am glad I gave them a second chance.
Flavours are a 10 wow-factor! Portions are very generous. The wines are well, what more can we say than wow! wow! Attentive friendly service and a great buzz about the room from "people- friendly-people.
This is the worst restaurant in Toronto! They obviously have not considered that what matters in a restaurant experience is not just the decor but the quality of the food and service which both bombed. The nightmare occured last night, when we went to Kultura looking to celebrate a special occasion. The wine was being opened and the cork was extremely dry and was starting to break into pieces. The waiter said he would bring another bottle, when what he did is just bring an "opened" bottle back. That was teh beginning of the road to hell. We begun with a few expensive "tapas" that were a let down: Starting with the grilled shrimp swimming in a banana puree - battle of flavours. The Sirloin was full or nerves and fat - quite a nauseating experience in your mouth at $22! - I even had to return the chewed piece to my napkin! The risotto with Jamaican Chicken was like eating spoonfulls or fake lemon grits. And when we thought we would be served a dessert - we waited for 40 minutes and finally we were irate. My boyfriend had planned a surprise in the dessert that NEVER CAME. to say the least as long as I am in this city no one I know should set foot on this restaurant. Kultura has no soul, no essence, no culture.
The worst is when the manager bring in a cheap sparkling wine as a symbol of piece - drink this cheap crap and forget about it - it was like pouring salt on a wound.
Wow, sad no one's mentioned this place in awhile. My husband and I stopped by last Tuesday, and were pleasantly surprised when we found out that they are now offering a $35 prix fixe menu during the week. Our favorite dishes were the sushi pizza and the short ribs. The staff were super nice and knowledgeable, and we ended up moving downstairs to lounge for a few drinks after we finished eating. Great rediscovery of an old gem!