Celestin Lobster

I went on July 5th. I would have to say that I'm not a fan of summerlicious/ winterlicious - I've been too disappointed in the past couple of years (last year's winterlicious 2007 at Celestin being the clincher - flavourless soup and lamb. Maybe it was just an off day - but for a classy restaurant like Celestin, they shouldn't have any of these). However, I gave it one last try - and though it slightly redeemed itself, I would still prefer to save my hard-earned $$ for the regular menu (I've been there on a regular evening a number of times and find those events much more pleasing).

I started with the ravioli, the SO had the bisque. The bisque won, hands down. Nicely spiced and left a positive impression.

Soup Photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/2660027156/

Ravioli Photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/2660027548/

For mains, I had the lobster, SO had the ribs. I would say that the ribs were plagued by too much fat - it was about 80% fat, 20% actual meat (of what was left after discounting the bone, which was about 85% of the total mass). Therefore, a significant portion was a bit too rich, and inedible for my tastes. But perhaps some prefer this texture (...?). Lobster was a bit too rich for my palate as well - the cheese was overpowering for the small amount of canner lobster on the half-shell. The ribs were presented beautifully though.

Lobster Photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/2659199345/

Ribs photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/2660028360/

Desserts were forgettable - especially the lady fingers. However, perhaps I just chose poorly (wanted to sample everything that the menu had to offer, but am just not a fan of cream). I know that they're keeping their food costs down (though I know they compensate with the 18% gratuity added on), but things can still be imaginative, IMO. The parfait was the clear winner in this case. The dessert portions improved significantly from winterlicious 2007 (the 'brownie' was laughable last time - it was the size of a pair of dice) and plated nicely.

Chocolate Parfait photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775@N06/2660029198/

Ladyfingers:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28531775...

Summerlicious/Winterlicious has slowly gone down hill since it began and I unfortunately no longer look forward to making those frantic phone calls when the lines open. I hope restaurants take the critiques to heart and try and make a good impression. Besides, the reason why I went back repeatedly to Celestin during regular, non-licious periods in the first place was because of their fantastic Winterlicious menu during their first year participating in the event. It's a great opportunity to win new clients and to show off to Toronto what you've got up your sleeves. Cheers guys, and happy eating.