Paramour

Paramour, un lover en secret, is no longer a secret anymore.  It is the latest addition to the Ossington block and the brain child of the brother-sister duo - Adam Bagduley and Amber Honor Elson who are also the folks behind the hot spot Lavack blok at which I have frequented on many a drunken occasion.  Paramour is sleek and sexy even from the moment you walk in... You have to pass through these heavy velvet caramel curtains that drape the front door and you feel like you're entering into an intimate new world away from the bustle of the outside streets.  On the walls are pictures of gorgeous women some in masquerade masks - perhaps secret ex lovers adding to the feel of unadulterated passion and rich sexiness.

The menu is clean with influences of French cuisine and has some very appetizing options.  Our table of 5 people started off with different dishes - the home made tomato soup with creme fraiche which was very velvety to the beet salad with warm and crunchy goat's cheese.  I had this appetizer and the different types of beets first made the plate pop with all the bright pink and orange colours and mixing it with goats cheese coated with nuts added creaminess and a crunch  to the velvety texture of the beets.  Steve tried the crudo on a bed of greens mixed with grapefruits which he enjoyed very much.

For our mains - we all tried various plates.  My girlfriend had the flaky chicken pot pie which was piping hot and great comfort food.  It was a great portion and served with red cabbage.  My friends also tried the steak done perfectly juicy, medium rare and very flavourful.  The rainbow trout was flaky and flavourful and my friend highly recommends it.  I had the vegetarian option which was a juicy portabello steak served on a bed of risotto.  I actually didn't think it would fill me up but I almost didn't finish it as I was incredibly full.  It was juicy and chewy and similar to having a steak and the risotto was a good paring.

All in all it felt like it was a very formal and traditional dinner experience and you really forgot you were on a hip street like Ossington.   I guess once you walk through those certains at the front, it transfers you into an another world.

*** Stars

Paramour 94 Ossington Avenue ( just south of Argyle Street)(416) 953-2356

Hours:

Tue. to Sun.: 6:00pm - 11:30pm 
Dinner for 2 with vino- $100 with gratituity