Madame Marie’s Weekly Roundup: Toronto’s Best Takeout, Delivery and Dining During COVID-19 – November 4, 2020

Restaurants in Toronto will be opening their physical doors again as of November 14 – but with stricter measures than before as part of the province’s new tiered system. The new colour-coded framework will determine when and to what extent COVID-19 restrictions are placed on parts of the province. Under the “restrict” phase that Toronto will be entering along with other hot spots, restaurants and bars must close at 10 p.m., liquor can be sold or served only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and there will be a four-person limit per table.

Although the indoor dining experience will be different, let’s continue to support restaurants and stay safe. Here are my picks this week.

Alo Wellington Patio (pop-up by Alo)
462 Wellington Street West
alorestaurant.com

While it’s disappointing to see Alo’s pop-up patio officially close for the season, it’s all the more reason to anticipate the reopening of indoor dining at Alo. Throughout the pandemic, Chef Patrick Kriss and team have continued to deliver exceptional dining experiences for its guests with two pop-up concepts: Alo Midsummer and Alo Wellington. Although short-lived, Alo Wellington provided an elevated and exquisite five-course menu for $85, complete with optional supplements and expertly selected wine pairings from the Old World and New World. A personal highlight was Pearl Morrisette’s Cuvée Dix-Neuvième Chardonnay that elevated the first few seafood-forward courses, including Boston sea scallops with saffron purée. Alo Wellington’s classically French menu reflected a change in season as well as the expected finesse of Canada’s number one restaurant. From the Yukon Gold potato soup with maitake mushrooms to the tender Wagyu and veal, to the Anjou pear tart – it was all dreamy. Keep an eye out for Alo’s re-opening date, and the unveiling of its newly-minted interior.

Boston sea scallop.

Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club
923A Queen Street West
mattyspattysburgerclub.com

Burgers are the name of the game at this new takeout joint from Matty Matheson. Located on the perimeter of Trinity Bellwoods, Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club is making a name for itself when it comes to the newest burger trend – smash burgers. These aren’t your ordinary smash burgers, though. They’re stacked double patties complete with a fluffy milk bun, plenty of gooey American cheese, and house-made Matty’s Patty’s sauce. For $20, the burger comes with golden fries and a choice of Perrier or Coke. And, good news for vegetarians – combos are available with an Impossible™ Burger. If you’re thinking of picking up a combo tomorrow, hold your horses. There’s an online reservation system to pre-order, so you might have to wait to smash your smash burger.

Uncle Smoke Cookhouse
2285 Dundas Street West
(416) 901-3663
unclesmoke.com

Located in Toronto’s west end, Uncle Smoke Cookhouse offers plenty of meat by the half-pound or pound – such as beef brisket, barbecue pork and fried chicken – in addition to mouthwatering sides and every homemade sauce you could dream of. However, the meat is so flavourful and tender that no sauce is needed. If you’re a carnivore through and through, the sample platter is your best bet to try everything. Made for two hungry people, it comes with half a pound each of beef brisket, pulled pork, and fried chicken along with fries, mac and cheese, coleslaw or potato salad, two slices of cornbread with honey butter and lots of sauce. Available for takeout or delivery.

Barbuque feast from Uncle Smoke’s Cookhouse.

Bon appétit!

Bisous,

Mme. M. xoxo

Does your restaurant want to be featured in Madame Marie’s Weekly Roundup? Are you a diner who wants to share your delicious experience with the city? Contact me.

Operations are subject to change during this crisis so please contact each restaurant for the most up-to-date information.