The Occasion
Update: This location has since closed down, replaced Melanie’s Bistro and re-opened as The Ellery. I have not gone yet but I did hear a rumour that they do still have the fried chicken dinner.
Since the moment I arrived back to Toronto I have heard about the fried chicken at “The Forth” which is actually Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar. It was referred to with reverence and dreamy eyes, imagining a stunning fried chicken dinner in our near future.
We arrived at 1820 Danforth Avenue for an early dinner on Good Friday. One day after my encounter with KFC’s Waffle Double Down. My poor arteries may not have been thrilled with this decision and it was totally by fluke it was happening.
The Restaurant
Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar is sleek, modern and elegant but is is also decorated with a giant “EAT” sign on the wall which made me personally feel comfortable.
They lived up to their goal to serve “locally sourced, home cooked cuisine in a casual yet elegant environment“. It is a lovely restaurant with seating at the front, along the bar and a bigger space at the back.
THE Dinner
Even though we perused the menu it was pretty clear we were all there for the fried chicken dinner which was $19. It is “southern style” which must mean overwhelmingly crispy and delicious chicken served over stunningly creamy mashed potatoes and melt-in-your-mouth green beans. Damn! Now I know what my sisters were talking about.
The gravy was very subtle which normally I would not be too thrilled about but it worked perfectly to meld everything together in a balanced and beautiful way.
But Wait! There Is More!
I decided to stop myself from eating ALL the fried chicken and vegetables (with great reluctance) in order to also indulge in a dessert. And leftovers are always something to look forward to the next day.
Apparently everyone raves about the Chocolate Budino (a chocolate pudding with hazelnuts and salted caramel, need I say more?) so that is what me and Jamie ordered. Shannon opted for the classic cheesecake.
The Chocolate Budino did not disappoint! Not only was the creamy ooey gooey chocolate caramel dessert stunning, it contrasted with the crunchy hazelnuts perfectly and look at that perfect quenelle on top! Impressive.
Shannon’s classic cheesecake was dusted with fine white chocolate shavings and anointed with fresh berries. She let us have a taste and I have to say that was one of the best cheesecakes I have had in a restaurant. It is the real deal. Firm but luscious, not moussie.
Foodie Conclusion
We were the first to arrive but the place quickly filled up after we ordered our food. Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar is very elegant and the service was great and the food tasted like home. Quite a fascinating mix that feels like an open invitation for this foodie to come back and try even more of their dinner delights.
Oh and BTW, I know it probably goes without saying but their chicken was better than that of “the other guys”. It was so much crispier which takes it to a whole other level. I hope Forth Avenue Kitchen & Bar comes up with their own chicken and waffles dinner. If they do, I will be back in a quick cholesterol-laden heartbeat.
I give this dining experience four and a half out of five wooden spoons.
Every single item you wrote about looks and sounds delicious!
Thanks Debra! It was truly a wonderful meal. Such a treat.
Great Photography Suzie , really looks like a meal someone could go for .
You are truly back in the saddle with this post . Great Job !!!!!
Thank you so much Wayne! Yes, I am getting there. 🙂 Next is getting back to the kitchen. Can’t wait!
I went by today and the restaurant is closed by the landlord due to rent failure. I really liked this place. Sad
Yes, that is true but they have moved down the street to where Melanie’s Bistro used to be and they are called The Ellery now and I hear they still have the fried chicken dinner. It is sad though. I liked both places.