This year I finally made it to Foxley Bistro & Bar on Ossington. I put it on my Restaurant Must-Eat List at the beginning of 2010, and I’m happy to report it’s finally time to cross it off. There was plenty of hype surrounding my visit since I’d heard rave reviews about their legendary ribs which several people insisted I must order.
I was accompanied by my dear friend Margaret, who is one of the few people who loves food as much as I do. Foxley’s menu features lots of sharing plates, so it took us awhile to go through the menu and agree on what t0 order. We kicked things off with the Sea Bream Ceviche with Yuzu and Shiso ($15). Many have heralded Foxley’s ceviches, and this one was excellent. The fish was soft and tender, and texture was countered by the fried shallots, green onions and shiso leaves, making every bite memorable.
Our favourite dish of the night was the Blue Crab and Avocado Salad ($10). As you can see there was a mountainous amount of crab, served right in a half avocado. This is one of those dishes that makes you inadvertently glare and despise your dining companion because you wish you had it all to yourself. Sorry Margaret.
After those two opening dishes, things started to unravel. The Sauteed Asian Greens ($8) were fine, but I’ve definitely had better, and for a much smaller price at many Chinese restaurants.
Both Margaret and I love korean beef short ribs so I’m sad to report that we can make tastier ones at home than Foxley’s Grilled Marinated Beef Short Ribs ($14) . These were definitely a disappointment since I never want to feel that I’d rather be eating a dish at home than eating it out.
The famous Foxley’s ribs are their Grilled Side Ribs with Caramelized Shallot Glaze ($9). Not sure if you can chalk this loss up to over-hype, but neither of us were impressed. The sauce was much too overpowering and sweet, and it isn’t a dish I’d re-order on a subsequent visit.
Foxley redeemed itself with their Green Tea Creme Brule. This dessert was not too sweet and married a typical Western dessert with an Asian twist. There were plenty of other things on Foxley’s menu that we didn’t try, so I wouldn’t write this restaurant off before eating my way through more of their dishes. But based on my one visit, I’d suggest sticking to the top of the menu rather than on the heavier mains. Unfortunately, I’d say Foxley falls into the category of restaurants that feel overhyped and overpriced. I know I could take the $45 dropped per person and have a much more satisfying meal elsewhere.
Foxley / 207 Ossington Ave., Toronto
416 534 8520 / Hours: Mon-Sat 5-11pm
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