Toronto’s MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Family Grows by Four
If you’re a seasoned gastronomist (or a recreational Gordon Ramsey impersonator) you’ve likely heard about Toronto’s upcoming MICHELIN Guide Ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 27. If you don’t have a seat at the table, though, there’s no need to panic: MICHELIN unveiled four recipients of the Bib Gourmand award ahead of the ceremony, so you can check out the fine dining options yourself.
Though it’s a touch more underground than MICHELIN’s star system, the Bib Gourmand award is of equal importance. The honour proves that a restaurant has mastered every meal’s most crucial pairing: simple preparation and sophisticated taste. To qualify, establishments must offer a three course meal at a reasonable price. That’s right — you can justify sliding into a booth at these four Toronto spots on your weekday lunch break. When you’re ready to indulge, scroll down for a dinner preview.
BB’s (Filipino Cuisine)
Tucked off Toronto’s Brock Avenue, this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand winner is a walk-in exclusive. On the weekend, BB’s is known for serving fun brunch favourites with a Filipino twist. The Adobo Fried Chicken, for instance, uses pineapple habanero hot sauce instead of the traditional Frank’s Red Hot, giving the dish an unparalleled tanginess. From Thursday to Saturday, stop by for supper — we’d recommend finishing your meal with the orange-blossom-filled Calamansi Pie.
Tiflisi (Georgian Cuisine)
Tiflisi Restaurant is a family-owned business with a menu steeped in authenticity. Guests are welcomed like family with time-honoured, genuine eats from across Georgia. Highlights off the drink menu include a delicious Georgian lemonade, which accents the traditional citrus juice with fun flavours like pear and tarragon.
White Lily Diner (Creative Cuisine)
The White Lily Diner cooks up comfort food from morning to evening, complemented by Ontario-sourced beer and wine. In-house creations include smoked meats and freshly baked bread, giving the joint a cozy, farm-to-table feel. The all-day coffee cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, while seasonal menu changes will have you coming back for more.
Sunny’s Chinese (Chinese Cuisine)
The charming Sunny’s Chinese rounds out this year’s MICHELIN Bib Gourmand picks. Invigorated by fresh ingredients and inspired dishes, its cuisine is anything but a bore. Sunny’s menu lists each item, followed by an ingredient list and the entree’s region of origin. The globetrotting offerings give new meaning to ‘fusion,’ with inspirations spanning from Hawaii to Hong Kong.
