Vitamin Daily

When it comes to food, Hogtown has a lot to talk about. Getting in on the conversation is PR guy Shawn Rusich, whose blog http://itallstartswithbutter.com is a fantastic resource for the latest and greatest restaurants, bars and venues in town. We asked Shawn to spill on his favourite Holiday locales.

It’s hard to get a table at this time of year. Can you think of a few I’ve-left-it-to-the-last-minute restaurants where diners can go to grab a bite?
A lot of top-notch restaurants don’t take reservations anymore. Toronto’s meat-centric right-of-passage Black Hoof is a spot I frequent. The wait, though not usually too long, is worth it. Café Nervosa usually has a small line, but the smell of garlic makes it better. Luma and Nota Bene are both large enough to accommodate with a short wait. Lastly, ever-popular Enoteca Sociale reserves half of its restaurant for walk-ins.

The office party was a bore. Some decent bar hoping will make up for it though. Where do you suggest?
For a good night, I’ll go to reservation-only Goodnight! on Richmond. If it’s a casual night of beer drinking, we will definitely head to Duggan’s Brewery. Other stops would include, Brockton General (after 11 p.m.) and Parts & Labour.

With friends in town for a few nights, where do you take them for a splash out pre-Christmas spread?
Swan is a staple in my life. Its décor, ambiance, servers and well-prepared food make it a cozy spot for catch-up, especially when it’s snowing. We’ll go to Scott Conant’s Scarpetta as well the newly opened Campagnolo on Dundas. If we can’t get a reservation at either of those, we’ll pop by Union and have some Norman Hardie Pinot Noir at the bar while waiting for a table.

You get a budding gourmand in the office secret Santa. What to give them?
I’d pick up a selection of in-house roasted coffee from Sense Appeal, specifically “K” roast for its subtle scent of citrus. Chocolate truffles from XOXOCAVA, a selection of Hockley Honey, Hello Dollies from Bobette & Belle or a delicious bottle of Ontario Sparkling like Hinterland Rose 2007.

Boxing Day brunch is the best hangover helper. Can you suggest a few?
Luma is the new “It-Spot” for the best brunch in the city thanks to Chef Bangerter. If I’m feeling a bit greasy spoon, I’ll head to Toast in Leslieville or to the tried-and-true Drake Hotel for its southern fried chicken with waffles.