20 restaurants to eat at during Winterlicious 2015

Winterlicious 2015 is fast approaching, and while the two-week-long, city-wide prix fixe festival doesn't kick off until January 30, 200 participating restaurants have already released enticing menus. Reservation lines will open tomorrow on Thursday, January 15 - start planning now.

Here's a primer of what to expect from Winterlicious 2015.

HOW IT WORKS

Participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe lunch menus (priced at $18, $23 or $28) and dinner menus (priced at $25, $35 or $45). Reservations are strongly advised, and can be made directly with each restaurant.

NEW THIS YEAR

There are 25 first-time participants this year, of which a few are particularly noteworthy. They include the following:

• Cluny (menu) - Decadent French fare in the Distillery District.


• Luckee (menu) - Susur Lee's new dim sum palace at the SoHo Met.


• The Saint Tavern (menu) - A modern take on the classic American tavern.


• Marben (menu) - Modern Canadian cuisine with a dash of Spanish influence.


• Hawthorne Food & Drink (menu) - Hearty and heartwarming dishes with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients.

HOT TICKETS

Considering the usual prices and unwavering popularity, these are the places you might want make reservations at - pronto.

• Café Boulud (menu) - Chef Daniel Boulud's restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel.


• Canoe (menu) - The flagship of Oliver and Bonacini 's empire.


• Momofuku Daisho (menu) - David Chang's second floor contemporary Asian eatery.

OLD FAVOURITES

Seasoned participants returning this year include these highlights.

• Nota Bene (menu) - Chef David Lee's global-inspired restaurant on Queen West.


• The Fifth Grill & Terrace (menu) - An elegant steakhouse found on a heated rooftop patio.


• Splendido (menu) - Imaginative dining presented by chef/owner Victor Barry.

VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS

Meatless eaters can partake in the prix fixe menu program, too. Here are some of the standout vegetarian/vegan-friendly options.

• Grasslands (menu) - All-vegan options on Queen West.


• Banu (menu) - Iranian cusine highlighting veg-friendly fare like nan o paneer or eggplant stew.


• Osteria dei Ganzi (menu) - Italian fare that'll bring meat-eaters and vegetarians together.


• Pukka (menu) - Forward-thinking Indian cusine including ample vegetarian options.

CHEAP BUT GOOD

Here are some top picks in the most reasonable Winterlicious price range of $18/$25 (for lunch and dinner, respectively).

• Insomnia (menu) - The Annex restaurant will feature brunch instead of lunch, and comfort foods at dinner.


• Lil' Baci (menu) - The bustling eatery on Yonge will showcase hearty Italian fare.


• Momofuku Noodle Bar (menu) - Pork buns and ramen grace this prix fixe menu.


• Bindia (menu) - The Indian bistro in St. Lawrence Market goes above and beyond the norm with a choice of at least half a dozen mains.


• Destingo (menu) - Casual Italian dining on Queen.

EVENTS

The Winterlicious Culinary Event Series offers 15 ticketed food experiences designed to educated and indulge. Tickets are already on sale.

• Speakeasy at the Palais Royale - A roaring twenties-inspired evening featuring champagne cocktails and a four course meal.


• Celebration of the Black Truffle - Rosewater's Supper Club presents a five course menu featuring the Diamonds of the Perigord.


• The Tin Chef - A friendly "secret ingredient" cook-off at Mildred's Temple Kitchen between a roster of foodies, none of whom are professional chefs.


• Street Market - Food stations at Spice Route will recreate the vibrant sights and alluring smells of a South Asian Street night market.

Did I miss any? Leave your Winterlicious picks in the comments.

Photo of Cluny by Jesse Milns.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO