1221 Bay Street Toronto

1 416 920 2323

Pangea is centered in Yorkville, which is probably one of Canada’s most affluent addresses.  Its been there since 1996 and has weathered good and bad, yet still solidly remains as one of Toronto’s ( Canada’s) premier dining destinations.

What makes Pangea successful for so long?

Well there a lot of things but most certainly it would be Chef Martin Koupries drive for excellent, local ingredients and his ability to plate those items without altering the natural quality too much. 

 It could also  be the personality of the most excellent Peter Geary ( business partner to martin) who is the consummate host resplendent in his colorful bow ties greeting everyone cheerfully at the door.

After a 43 km run yesterday morning Diana and i went to meet a friend and colleague there for a business lunch to discuss seafood.

As soon as we were seated in the beautiful, modern dining room we were informed that the restaurant had just received the first of Pacific Halibut from the new season.    I didn’t need the menu after that.  Fresh halibut is definitely a favorite and served on top of wilted greens……mmmmm………my body was saying YES after the long run.

The Halibut was perfectly seasoned and cooked ( although ive never been a fan of white pepper always preferring black) and served on a bed of a wilted asian style green not unlike kailan mixed with wild mushrooms and surrounded by a truffle jus.    YUM!  actually all 3 of us had the same.

The bread was great ( I had 4 pieces) and the butter served at the perfect temperature ( always a big point for me) with expert and attentive service.

Chef Martin came out for a visit and it was nice to get hic perspective on Sustainability of Seafood etc.  A self-proclaimed Ambassador to ocean watch he is extremely critical and concerned with fishing methods and quite knowledgable.  His passion/hobby is scuba diving so i guess he has a vested interest in maintaining healthy oceans!

We had him sign a copy of his new book which is a lovely book to add to my massive collection.

This restaurant reminds me so much of my former Seasons in Thyme, that it made me miss it quite a bit.  Looking around the dining room at only 10-12 guests though didn’t make me miss the business of running a restaurant!!!!

I can assure you i will be frequently going back for a piece of excellently prepared fresh fish.  In fact they should call me when the fish comes in!  hmmmm…perhaps they could Tweet the arrival of the Catch of the Day!

Lovely restaurant, excellent service, extremely nice staff, and a fantastic chef.    Fantastic