Private Dining Rooms in 2012

By Rose Reisman There is always either a social or business occasion where we want to get together with friends or colleagues to "break bread". Entertaining in one's home gives you the privacy you want but that also requires an enormous amount of work. Toronto has its fair share of restaurants featuring private dining rooms where you feel you are in the ambiance of your own space. Whether you're still making plans for this holiday season or already thinking about the New Year, I've had the opportunity to dine in some wonderful private dining rooms. Here's just a few great ones for 2012: Oliver and Bonacini on Front Street has a spacious and beautifully designed private dining room with complete affordable menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or receptions. They hold up to about 40 people. This location has one of the best views of Toronto's busiest downtown corners. I was at a dinner where the meal featured their famous O & B Mushroom soup, salmon with a lentil and grain pilaf and the decadent chocolate torte with hazelnut praline. To die for! Earl's, the trendy west coast chain, located in the heart of the financial district has a private dining room for up to 45 seated diners or for 100 people for a standing reception. You couldn't get more chic in terms of environment, food and people than Earls. The international menu caters to all tastes. If you're planning a reception you have to include the tuna poke nachos, the california prawn pesto pizza and the yam fries! Scarpetta located at the Thompson Hotel is in the trendy King St West village. The Italian menu is a combination of both traditional and classic Italian cuisine. The private room holds up to 18 guests and I suggest making sure your menu includes the braised short ribs risotto and the Mediterranean branzino fish. Glow Fresh Grill has an art deco private dining room on the lower level that blocks out all sounds and people. The decor is funky and architecturally beautiful and can seat up to 35 people. The menu features seasonal and lighter cuisine. A must for your menu should include the selection of the "Mozzarella Bar" featuring Niagara naturally raised prosciutto with roasted peppers and balsamic glaze, as well as the mini baked crab cakes with spiced tahini sauce.