Winterlicious (Jan 25-Feb 7, 2013) is coming and reservations start tomorrow (if you’re an Amex card holder, today’s your front-of-the-line opportunity). It’s my annual cue to dine at home more often. But if I want to get out, here are some events that might strike your fancy.

Group Of 7: Vegetarian Dinner (January 21)

For you veggie-lovers out there, the Group Of 7 Chefs are at it again with something right up your alley. Some G07 events are better than others (wait ’till I post their Hunter’s Feast!), but are generally decent. This is the first time I recall them doing a veg-only menu.

http://go7veggie.eventbrite.ca/?ebtv=C

Australia Day In Toronto (January 25-26)

After last year’s successful Toronto Down Under meal, Plack and Hayes team up again to bring your their Oz-inspired dishes. Read my report on Toronto Down Under 2012 to see what it was like (fun and delicious).

http://www.ozdayinto.com

Winterlicious (January 25-February 7)

Still set on Winterlicious? I did a quick scan of the participating restaurants and picked out what I think are your best bets:

  • Aubèrge Du Pommier – Lunch. They’ve been doing good things of late and it’s a good opportunity to check it out.
  • Canoe – Lunch or dinner. Always a good bet.
  • Chiado – Lunch. I haven’t been in a while, but this restaurant is still considered tops for seafood.
  • Colborne Lane. Only dinner is available and it’s a good opportunity to try this place out. More for interest, than eats.
  • FRANK – Lunch. The apps and dessert are most interesting for me.
  • Globe Bistro – Dinner. Lots of good mains to choose from and interesting dessert options.
  • Splendido. Dinner only and my top pick. A good chance to taste and experience my fave fine-dining restaurant in Toronto. Though I’d just opt to go so I have the full menu to choose from.
  • Starfish Oyster Bar & Grill – Lunch. Though they specify “lunch portions” Starfish is a great choice for a delicious meal.

Death Row Meals: Taco Throwdown II (January 26)

El Gastro Vagabundo’s eats

The popular event, take 2. I hadn’t attended last year, but I’d heard that it was a lot of delicious fun. Eyeing the roster, it yields some favourites like Rossy Earle (Supi CuCu) and Adam Hynam-Smith (El Gastronomo Vagabundo).

https://www.uniiverse.com/listings/death-row-meals-taco-throwdown-ii-toronto-WRQ0K

Tempered Beast (January 28-29)

Bertrand Alépée and Scott Vivian are teaming up to present a four-course tasting of their favourite dishes. Apparently, this is part of Winterlicious.

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/CEvents/55ADD0C7B6C130C085257AC40080C6B9?OpenDocument

Room 203 (January 30)

Guy Rawlings’ new event space puts out its second(?) dinner with Geoffrey Hopgood. To be a 15-course menu and $100. A recent tweet puts this at 60% sold out. Though I have no idea what they’re going to do, this is probably the most interested in for the month.

http://room203.ca/events/

Toronto Underground Market (February 16)

Tickets are still available for this all-inclusive TUM at the Steamwhistle Brewery. This is a good thing, as the Brickworks in winter isn’t a pleasant thing. Can’t make this one? Take note of their upcoming dates. Then read some tips.

http://yumtum.ca

In Other Ramblings

Been uploading to flickr like a fiend of late. Lots of photos. Also love the new flickr app. Have you tried it? http://flickr.com/photos/jlunar.