I called ahead to have a single rose placed at each seat where a lady would be occupying it. Then I arranged for desserts prior to everyone's arrival. I actually bumped into the (6 foot 5) sommelier on my way to DEQ for a drink while I wait, he wanted to know which reservation I have made with them. He assured me that all my requests were arranged, and he couldn't wait to see me.
Claire arrived first and met me at DEQ, we had a drink and talked until Lucia, her boyfriend, Ruby, and...another girl who's name escape me arrived.
It was either a Saturday or Friday night, the restaurant wasn't buzzing at all, but the ambiance was as romantic as a Toronto restaurant could ever hope for.
There was minimal décor, but everything seemed just so freaking luxurious. I did have trouble with the lightening, as it was too dim and made it hard to see the other girls at the restaurant. Com'on, that's a valid complaint!
All the ladies took their seats, and was very happy to find a rose designated for each of them. They thought it was provided by the Ritz as complimentary welcome gifts, until I finally told them that I actually had to pay for it, but I did that at the end of the dinner, therefore this makes me classy as phuck.
I ordered the foie gras, because it was on the menu. I was less than impressed by it, but I guess it was still tolerable for me to have Claire taste it. I sometimes feel like the goose liver evangelist, spreading the fatty goodness to all of my foie gras virgins. Like, a high-end Ronald McDonald or something.
I got a bottle of Argentinean red at approximately $170 a bottle and shared it with Lucia's boyfriend. Both he, and the sommelier were impressed by my unusual choice, and complimented me on my knowledge and understanding of wine.
The depth of my knowledge and understanding with wine are as follows: If it's from Argentina or Portugal, it's probably good. So yes, I took the compliment like a thief. WOOT!
Was it someone's birthday? Hell, I can't remember. I do remember that there was exchanging of gifts. I got Claire this ugly wallet from Michael Kors, because usually when I give someone something from Michael Kors, it means that our relationship wasn't going very stellar, and that the end was nearing.
Lucia told me that Ruby was actually from my hometown in China, and immediately my attention shifted to her. Unfortunately, there was a considerable age gap between myself and Ruby, and the conversation went somewhat awkwardly. I was still, however pleased to meet someone from Qingdao. This was the week prior to me leaving for China for a very long trip, so I found it quite difficult to shut up about things relating to China. But that really was nowhere near as insufferable compared to after coming back, but that's another story.
The food was on par, but nobody was really wildly impressed by it. I expect the Ritz name to keep a rigorous standard among all of their franchises, and comparing to the Ritz in Shanghai (fair or unfair comparison regardless), it fell short. The service (for a Toronto restaurant) however was phenomenal.
The desserts I ordered which was made at their kitchen was amazing, like, I was amazed. That`s all I can remember. Because details rarely go hand in hand with amazing.
Everyone at this dinner was from Mainland China, a first for me when hosting dinners in Toronto. I felt comfortable, despite there being a few unspoken uncomfortable circumstances. But it was all social, and had nothing to do with TOCA. I don't understand the name, but I couldn't be bothered by it.
I successfully given a rose to a bunch of women for the first time, and that was an monumental achievement on my part for anyone who knows anything about my utterly disastrous, drama riddled love life. It's cheating, but I don't care.
We had such a stellar time, we all ended up retiring to DEQ downstairs for continued inebriation. The dinner only came out to about 500 dollars for the six of us, which was DAMN reasonable!
I always say 'it's not the Ritz', but this time it actually is, so my expectation were pretty damn high. Not disappointed I must say.
I'm really proud of myself about the roses.. read more