I first got very excited about Grey Gardens when I found out that Jen Agg is one of the owners. I first knew her as one of the owners of Agrikol in Montreal, which is one of my favorite restaurants (she’s no longer affiliated with the restaurant though), then her book ‘I Hear She’s a Real Bitch’, so when I discover Grey Gardens, locating in Kensington Market, I knew that I had to try it!
From the exterior, the restaurant is quite low-profile. After walking in, it’s a bright, deep open space with the bar in the front, and kitchen at the back. The color tones, gold-baby blue-green, are so soothing and calming! Extra point for having hooks under the bar table!!
Their menu is divided into 4 sections: snacks, small, medium, and noodles. We started off with foie gras & duck terrine, which under the ‘snacks’ category. It was not bad, but not as soft and creamy as I expected from the foie gras. It was on the meatier side.
Then we had the tomato with harissa, melon, and feta. It may sound simple, but probably one of my favorite dishes of the night! Never though about paring melon with tomato, but it added the extra sweetness and juiciness to the dish!
Next, the grilled pork tongue served with summer beans, kale and ranch. Offals are definitely a bit underrated in North America, and often are poorly prepared. However, the pork tongue at Grey Gardens was perfectly cooked – super tender and soft! The only downside was the taste of ranch was too overpowering.
I have a super soft spot for cavatelli, which I have to order it if I see it on the menu (unless there’s a much better/unique choice)! It was served with lobster, lobster mushrooms, and saffron. To my surprises, there was very generous amount of lobster in there! The cavatelli was cooked to al dente! However, the impression of the first bite was ‘oh god, so salty’, but it was flavorful! It’s a perfect dish to share among two people, but a bit too much for one person.
What a perfect corner with the perfect lighting! The staffs were very friendly and attentive. I would definitely suggest to take the advantage of the open kitchen! If it wasn’t for photos, I would grab a seat at the kitchen counter if offered! Also, the aggressively floral wallpaper of their bathrooms is exactly the same the ones in Agrikol! Overall, if you were to ask what kind of cuisine is this? As quoted from Grey Garden’s webiste, “Describing food is always a little challenging. First and foremost we are always aiming for delicious. And not so serious that it needs to be contemplated, whimsical without being obscene, let’s call it New North American or whatever, I dunno.” 🙂
Grey Gardens
199 Augusta Ave Toronto
Tel: +1 (647) 351-1552
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