~ Best Romantic Patio in Toronto, NOW Magazine~

~ Recommended in Toronto Life 2006 Restaurant Guide ~

~ Nominee Most Memorable Meal Award 2006, Where Magazine ~

~ Recommended in Patron's Pick 2006, Toronto's Favorite Restaurants ~

"With her new name, owners and menu, this once-quirky cantina has
morphed into the only resto in town with its own microwinery.
There's a streetside terrace out front just up from the Dip, but it's
the secluded backyard garden that warrants serious oenophile
attention. There, in early June, owners Alejandra de Miguel and Julian
Pinder host a stomping of the grapes accompanied by live tango music"
NOW Magazine

~

"2007 Top Toronto Restaurants finalist"
Where Magazine

~

"Viva Olivia's! What more could we possibly want?"
Toronto Sun

~

"Olivia's is very pleasantly unpretentious"
National Post

~

"A comfortable hip rendevous"
Toronto Life

~

"...perfect for a night of romance
or sharing a glass of wine with your best friend"
National Post

~

"The College Street secret... a fresh spin on a classic"
Martiniboys.com

~

We have been purchasing our wine at Portofino , 305 Milvan
Drive, in Toronto, Tel. 416-740-4411, for years.  The
charming owner, Alejandro de Miguel had told us that his
daughter, Alejandra, along with Julian Pinder, had purchased
Olivia's at Fifty Three restaurant at 53 Clinton St., Tel.
416-533-3989.  We decided if Olivia's prepares food as well
as Portofino makes wine, it would make sense to find our way there.

We were in the neighborhood this past Saturday and
stopped in to have coffee and do a little research. It was
a glorious day and the patio of the lovely small Victorian
home was bathed in sunlight.  As we walked up the few steps
to the shaded porch we were warmly greeted by the gorgeous
and vivacious Alejandra. She happily took us on a tour.  The
main dining room is small and designed for pure comfort and
relaxation.  The co-owners are big jazz fans so there are
regularly scheduled performances at the front of the room.
The cucina is just behind the dining room and beyond is the
rear porch and patio retreat (cherry tree and all), a perfect
spot to linger over a glass of wine or enjoy a fine meal. 
An added bonus is that you pass through the cucina on
the way and have the good fortune to watch chef Keith
Kowalzski and his team making their magic.

With the family wine making history, it was not surprising to find
Toronto's first microwinery in the wine cellar. Here they produce
their own vintages that can only be consumed on the premises. 
The room is surrounded by wine racks, oak kegs and steel vats for
fermenting.  A table in the center can accommodate up to 12
people for tastings or special parties.

Alejandra invited us to come the next afternoon for the
"grape crushing" event they were hosting.  It was a blast.
The exclusive wines and jazz got everyone in a party mood.
Chef Keith produced amazing goodies, such as; quesadillas
with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, meat empanades,
boneless short ribs, large grilled cajun shrimp, scallop
ceviche, ricotta and chocolate chili tarts, and smoked trout,
goat cheese and pesto tortillas.

Now it was show time - the crushing of grapes. Two wooden
barrels were filled with purple beauties. Enthusiastic
volunteers stripped off their shoes, rolled up their trousers,
lifted their skirts, jumped into the barrels and stomped
away to the beat of the music.

Now we know that Olivia's is stylish, laid back, and fun.
The wine is divine, the jazz cool and chef Keith has talent.
His current dinner menu is inticing and when we've had a
chance to sample it, we will keep you informed.
The Travelzine Toronto Scene