Relish Bar and Grill

2154 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
416-425-4664

Type of cuisine: Tapas
Date of Review: November, 2009

Overall Quality Ranking: Good
Cost: Moderate
Gluten-Free Menu Options: Good 
Gluten Free Diner Comfort ranking: As Relaxed As It Gets

Description:    Group dinners with shared dishes usually have 'No Celiacs' written all over them.  But Relish is an exception.  In fact, the dedicated celiac menu has enough variety to satisfy even most gluten loving types.  This menu, which is on a completely different card from the standard tapas menu, contains all of the dishes that are gluten free.  In some cases, necessary alterations are mentioned along with the item, such as "Ask for the balsamic glaze" or "Ask for rice crackers," so don't completely abandon vigilance.  Nevertheless, Relish makes it easy.

Despite the potential sharing option, I chose to go it alone.  Worrying about cross-contamination from serving spoons rather spoils my appetite.  In short, for the several items I did not try, an experienced palate gave an overall ranking of good, with no food item garnering a 'yuck'.  As for what I did try, it was quite enjoyable.

First, partaking of the drink menu, I landed a Yellow Bird.  As long as you're fairly secure with yourself, let this fruity little fella take your tongue off to some tropical island.  When you get back, warm up to the warm olives with jalapeno, a little variety pack of zesty goodness.  The sauteed tiger shrimp was moist and tasty, and came in a crispy little shell.  I gave the latter a bit of space as I was hesitant to question our busy waiter whether it had swum with any wheaty deep-fryer companions.

Moving on, I was happy not to share my grilled lamb special, particularly as the standard lamb empanada is not on the celiac menu.  If you like mushrooms, the grilled portobello also makes nice company.  Next, the roasted eggplant and almond butter dip was a comforting and filling topping for the rice cracker vehicle.  And a nice Ninfa 2005 Portugese red kept everything moving down the sluice. Finally, to finish, can you say no to a flourless chocolate polenta cake?  You do only live once.

As for price, it is possible to incur something of a bill if you are on a solo variety mission, but individual items are not over-priced.  They recommend about 3 dishes per person, but I seemed fine with 5 and dessert....so maybe I have a problem.  Regardless, the service was cheery and food delivery moved along nicely.  The decor is comfortable and casual.  Also, they accommodated our group of 12 with aplomb, but the restaurant is not large, so consider reservations. 

In short, I hope to be back, but I also hope to bring a ravenous hoard of the gluten averse next round.  At Relish, it seems sharing can again be fun and safe.