French Retreat: Chez Laurent

Amidst the relentless urbanization of North York, one humble abode stands defiant. Located on Yonge St, just north of Sheppard Ave., Chez Laurent has survived the test of time and remains a lasting vestige of the region's suburban past. Inside the modest, two-story home, one can enjoy a delightful selection of French and Italian dishes.

Tiff and I took our "French-Italian fat trip" to Chez Laurent on an abnormally chilly Summer evening. We had placed our reservation by phone earlier that day. We were glad we did because when we arrived, the restaurant was buzzing with activity. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by a woman who appeared to be the owner of the establishment. Inside the restaurant, we were given a table near a window in one of the three dining rooms. Unfortunately, we didn't snap any photos of the interior this time.

Steakhouse: The Meat & Wine Co.

Business travel is a bittersweet affair. On the one hand, I receive the opportunity to dine with my superiors for the fine price of free. On the other hand, I am tragically torn apart from my co-blogger and dining partner of choice. Perhaps the upshot is that I won't be entirely clueless the next time we're in town together.

In this particular instance, I was whisked away to the distant, coastal city of Sydney, Australia. Having endured two grueling, long-distance flights, it was safe to say that a proper meal was long overdue. Thankfully, the invitation to join my colleagues for dinner couldn't have come any sooner.

Like cattle being led to water, one of the locals herded the group to the nearby Meat & Wine Co. Located along the beautiful Darling Harbour, this upscale steakhouse was stylized with both modern and rustic influences. Lighting in the dining area was appropriately dimmed such that dining guests would be able to view the moonlit harbour unobstructed through the glass-paned storefront.