If you are a seasoned Toronto foodie, you might remember the heartbreak that swept through the city when Dandylion’s, a beloved culinary gem closed its doors. Chef Jay Carter, the creative genius behind Dandylion’s, had a knack for crafting contemporary and eclectic menus, infusing every dish with complexity and inventiveness. After all, he used to work under Susur and was also executive chef at Centro. But fear not, for the good news is that Chef Carter has quietly returned this past year, to tantalize our taste buds, this time at a new establishment called Dotty’s, located at 1588 Dupont Street, in the west end of Toronto. As a casual eatery, it deviates from the dining experience of Dandylion’s, but it retains the essence of Chef Carter’s culinary prowess. Dotty’s is a testament to his ability to create flavour-packed, unfussy, and utterly delicious dishes.
There is no signage out front, but it is tucked away at the northeast corner of Dupont and Franklin. Here you will find a charming patio. The atmosphere at Dotty’s is a throwback in time to those classic diners, complete with padded bar stools, chairs in schoolhouse colours, an open kitchen, that allows you to witness the culinary magic happening before your eyes. It exudes charm and nostalgia from the moment you step inside. Natural light floods the space, through numerous windows and lets you enjoy the retro decor.
One of the standout items on the menu was a juicy burger, made with medium ground chuck and generously topped with a blend of cheddar and American cheese, and comes dressed with homemade mayo, ketchup, and sliced pickles, delivering a satisfying burst of flavors with every bite. And don’t forget to order the hand-cut russet fries, without a doubt the best I’ve had in Toronto. They are fried in canola oil until a golden crisp, and the oil is used for nothing else, so they retain no other influence. There are other items like ritz crackers and cheese, Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, trout, and squid, and roasted peppers.
The wine list is thoughtfully created by sommelier Susan Beckett. You will find a selection to pair with your meal to enhance your dining experience. For those who prefer a crafted cocktail, Dotty’s enlisted the expertise of Leah Macci and Mike Webster, formerly of the renowned establishments of Bar Isabel and Bar Ravel. There are also beers and non alcoholic beverages on their list as well.
No meal is complete without dessert and Dotty’s two simple choices are delectable. There is a vanilla soft serve, surrounded with poached pears and sprinkled with cookie crumbs. But the piece de resistance was the outstanding chocolate brownie crowned with hot fudge and fresh whipped cream. For chocolate lovers, this dessert is a dream come true. The brownie was rich, and moist, with a luscious hot fudge sauce cascading over the edges. There are no words!
There is news on the horizon that Chef Carter will be opening a second, more upscale bistro down the block in about another year. Here the food will bridge the gap between Dotty’s casual comfort food and the more luxurious dining options of Dandylion’s. Until then Toronto food enthusiasts can relish in the delectable creations coming out of Dotty’s. Dotty’s is more than just a restaurant, it is a journey back in time, a culinary adventure, and a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, by those who appreciate the beauty of nostalgia and exceptional food.
Recommended.
Happy Dining,
Shanea
09/28/2023
