Over the past years, the St. Lawrence Market area has seen the addition of many new restaurants. One of them was Pastizza; a fast casual Italian eatery that opened in 2014. However, they re-branded themselves as Cresta Toronto earlier last month, and relaunched their menu to provide more of an upscale dining experience. Cresta Toronto is housed in a historical building adjacent to the St. Lawrence Market, and is beautiful with its floor to ceiling windows that allow natural light in, and 35-foot wine chandelier. There are two levels; the lower level seats up to 75 guests while the mezzanine can accommodate an intimate seating for up to 60 seated guests. Great for all occasions!
Cresta Toronto is a California-inspired restaurant offering an "Italian inspired, Californian cultivated experience" with its extensive collection of world-class Californian wines and menu. Its name is inspired by a popular vineyard in California, the Cresta ridge vineyard of Thomas George Estates in the Russian River Valley. It's headed by Executive Chef Tri Tran who has brought forth a menu with both traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine like duck & liver, beet risotto, and ricotta & chestnut ravioli. Additionally, the food is heavily focused on using fresh seasonal ingredients infused with rich wines, which is influenced by its California-inspired roots.
** Images are courtesy of Cresta Toronto **
** Images are courtesy of Cresta Toronto **
I had the pleasure of attending their media event about two weeks ago where I sampled an array of dishes that are available on Cresta Toronto's menu. From what I've tasted at the event, many of the menu items offer a seamless balance of flavor, color, and presentation. So, I look forward to returning to Cresta Toronto to check out their full menu, as the event piqued my interest. Cresta is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm (closed Monday) offering brunch, lunch, and dinner.
As previously mentioned, the restaurant shifted towards being more upscale than their previous endeavor. So, the new menu reflects the new change, and was designed to perfectly complement the wines that they offer. Below are some of the menu items that guests got to try.
The Cresta Negroni with Bombay Sapphire Gin - campari, dolin dry vermouth, sparkling brut, grapefruit
Amaro Express - amaro averna, frangelico,
espresso, aztec chocolate bitters
Beets - roasted, lemon thyme marinade, sautéed
beet greens
Black Tiger Shrimp - empty ravioli, red onion,
tomato salsa
Brussels Sprouts - crispy in a balsamic glaze
Brussels Sprouts - crispy in a balsamic glaze
Heirloom Tomato Pizza - tomato reduction, red
onion, shaved parmasean, basil
Mushroom Risotto - truffle oil, shaved parmesan
Mushroom Risotto - truffle oil, shaved parmesan
Octopus - grilled, fingerling potatoes,
braised cipollini onions, harissa
Scallop Crudo - coriander, garlic chips, citrus
Steak Tenderloin - roasted potatoes, cherry
tomatoes, roasted garlic, beef jus
Guests were given freshly-baked muffins to take-home (caramel or blueberry)
Address: 118 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1A9
Social Media:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/cresta_to/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cresta_TO
Website: http://www.crestato.ca/
Disclaimer: The food provided in this post was complimentary. However, all of the opinions expressed in this review are of my own.
Social Media:
Instagram: http://instagram.com/cresta_to/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cresta_TO
Website: http://www.crestato.ca/
Disclaimer: The food provided in this post was complimentary. However, all of the opinions expressed in this review are of my own.
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