[Event] Toronto Common: Wine Tasting at H Bar

Event: Wine Tasting at H Bar
Location: 859 Queen St. W
Date: September 16, 2015
Website: www.torontocommon.com

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Toronto Common partners up with different restaurants in the city to create food events. In order to attend, you pay a flat price to try a set menu. It is a great way to try something new at a low cost (think of it as Groupon for foodies)!

I booked my first restaurant event as a brand representative for Toronto Common. It is a monthly series of wine tastings at H Bar on Queen West, a recently established bar/brunch restaurant. There are three events in total, one each month from September to November.

The wines that H Bar feature at each event are from the brand Malivoire. You get to try four wines with amuse bouche pairings at the tasting.

If you are a wine connoisseur, I highly recommend this event. I met a couple of Toronto Common regulars who absolutely loved wine and enjoyed learning about the different pairings at H Bar. However, if you love to eat and want to have large quantities of food, this event is not for you (check out Toronto Common's other events!). The next event is going to be on October 21st. You can buy your tickets at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wine-tasting-at-h-bar-tickets-18804559945
 

Nota Bene

Restaurant: Nota Bene
Address: 180 Queen St. W
Phone: 416-977-6400
Store Hours: Lunch | Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM Dinner | Mon-Wed 5-10 PM, Thurs-Sat 5-11 PM
Website: www.notabenerestaurant.com

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Review

I got a gift card to Nota Bene and decided to cash it in during Winterlicious. I was eager to try this high end restaurant with my boyfriend. It was a three course meal and we both chose different plates that suited our palate.

Although I could probably make it at home, I enjoyed the Quinoa, Wild Rice, and Squash Salad. It was sweet and much different that a plain old salad. I had the East Coast Fish Pie for my main entree. It was similar to a Chicken Pot Pie but with fish. The pie was slightly bland but I still liked it. Lastly, the Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie wrapped up the meal nicely because it wasn't too filling.

The only complaint I had, which I guess was my fault, was their $4 bottled water. I thought that when they offered bottled water at the beginning of the meal, it was going to be free. Since that is the assumption when you go to any restaurant usually. My jaw dropped when I saw the $8 price tag for the two bottled water we have asked for (still and sparking). $8 for water!! I could have gotten something else much more worth it for $8! After this incident, I will remember to ask for "tap water" the next time I am in a fancy restaurant.

Overall, aside from the water incident, I really enjoyed the quality of food at Nota Bene. The restaurant interior design wasn't exciting in my opinion. I wished it looked nicer for a high end restaurant. But even so, I still recommend Nota Bene for some delicious (and expensive) meals.