Leathery chairs and golden railings characterize La Société
as an outdated faux-French bar on Madison Avenue (Mad Men, anyone?). I was
seated in “Siberia” (see here: http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/from-the-print-edition-daily-dish/2012/06/26/la-societe-map/attachment/jun12lasociete_4/).
Apparently, the staff run the day’s reservations through Google and perhaps
they found my blog. More likely, I need to update my LinkedIn profile.
Unfortunately, the pretentiousness that is too often boasted was deep in the
air. On first arrival, we were notified that Summerlicious would only be served
after 9pm (is that even legal?) yet there was a 365-day prix-fixe carbon copy
for a one dollar premium. Antagonizing your patrons for such inconsequential
differences shows the lack of judgement that is to characterize the rest of the
night. On three separate occasions (wine, sides and Foie Gras) pushy waiters proposed
more lavish options, most tellingly when the wine I selected was deemed “terrible”
(then why is it on your menu) and a slightly more expensive wine was forced upon
me. Interesting such authentic French waiters have no idea what the term “prix-fixe”
means in their language. The food wasn’t terrible, but it resembled the bare-boned
courses conducive to said upselling. The steak, for example was drenched in an
overly sweet peppercorn sauce with some leaves lazily scattered on top. The
entire experience was un-Torontonian; many of the New York restaurant week
restaurants felt exactly as this. La
Société restaurant should not be allowed to partake in Toronto’s Summerlicious.
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