Fressen- www.fressenrestaurant.com

After watching the new NOTORIOUS B.I.G movie that lasted 2 hours, my BFF and I were getting pretty hungry. It was 9pm on a Thursday, and we thought Fressen would be closed (due to the sensitive nature of the vegans who run the restaurant.) We decided to be adventurous and walk up to Queen West in the freezing cold and call to make a reservation so they wouldn't hate us, showing up late and unexpected.... we basically didn't want any vegan spit in our food. Long story short, we showed up, sat down, and got the service from a waitress that could have been taken straight from an SNL skit. She mumbled the daily specials as her head was down, lighting our candles, then and walked off before we could ask her anything. Needless to say, we burst out laughing in shock and eventually ended up being served by another woman who was slightly happier, yet looking like she'd had a long day putting up with asshole vegans. We decided to order 4 main dishes (to share) and one side of sauteed spinach sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. The mushroom dish and veggie "pizza" tasted pretty good for the fact that everything was vegan. Flavourful, gracious portions and satisfactory prices, Fressen is a good place to go to if you want to knock faux leather boots with your ex yoga teacher who is now a singer, sipping red organic wine at the table next to you. I must say, it's a great place to over-hear conversations. When we first entered we saw a couple, the man was wearing a Velvet hat with a feather attached to the side and some cowboy attire, while the swooning lady he was with exclaimed: "Oh wow..you like...know everyone who's dated a famous person before!" I could practically see her drooling all over her tofu dish as I watched two up-tight ladies walk in with yoga mats on their backs.
Overall, I give Fressen a 2.5/5 on my D+D scale

Susur Lee - www.susur.com

Susur Lee is a fine chef. I was completely and overly impressed with the service and display at his King West restaurant. Located along a chain of clubs, bars and restaurants, Lee's is a noticeable hot spot to check out if you have money in your wallet and raging taste buds ready to eat flowers (literally.) I recommend the coleslaw salad. Sure it sounds boring and bland, but it is actually a vegans delight! The presentation of this salad is about a foot high and is prepared right before your eyes by a well-trained waiter who explains everything that is in the dish, ingredient by ingredient...monologue style. Dining at Lee's is like having food AND entertainment all tied up in one. Food that you would never have assumed goes well together is created by the talented Susur Lee. Lee's restaurant is an architect's dream. High ceilings that are held with wooden planks and bricks walls create a loft feeling. Anyone who is claustrophobic would love this spot. The one and only thing that could be changed is the plastic glass tables that resemble a strippers dancing table. If you plan on playing footsie with your date, do it elsewhere unless you want everyone to see.
Overall, the food is impeccable and the service is amazing.

I give Susur Lee's a "4.5/5" on my "D+D" scale

Kultura - www.kulturarestaurant.com

Kultura is best described as "New York chic." It's three layer restaurant and bar give your legs a workout and your eyes a feast on great exposed brick and glass tables. The crowd seen at Kultura is middle aged business men and women who work all day and party all night, with class of course. The boiled edemame beans covered in Miso is a must-order at Kultura. It is best to go on a weekend but week days are good if you want ultimate service and an empty, private setting. The UN-impressive garden salad is a no-go. If I want lettuce and tomatoes I will go to the grocery store and pay $4, rather than $15. I desire the setting rather than the food, so if you want a memorable place for post-dinner drinks, I suggest that Kultura is your place.

I give Kultura a "2.5/5" on the "D+D" scale

Cantine - www.cantine.ca

Cantine is a cute, semi-casual dining experience for those aged 25 and above. Large leather low seats or an intimate table tucked away are both available for diners. Fast service is key at Cantine. The Italian menu caters to all walks of life serving up just about anything you are hungry for. Local art is displayed on every wall of the restaurant which (depending on time of year and artist) can be a good or bad thing. If you are on a date the artwork on the wall is a KEY component of conversation, if you run out of things to say. The exceptional wine list allows the semi-alcoholics to buy half litres of wine and save a few dollars which is nice. The salmon salad paired with roasted red peppers is unforgettable. I ate at Cantine a year prior to Friday night and I could still remember how good that dish was.

I give Cantine "3.5/5" on the "D+D" scale

Sotto Sotto - http://www.sottosotto.ca/

Sotto Sotto is a place of pure catering and comfort. Located in a basement, this restaurant allows it's customers to feel like they are dining in a large bat cave. With closed off sections that give diners ultimate privacy, this place is PERFECT for a date. It's dark, candle-lit atmosphere exudes romance, and the amazing wine list helps too. The number one, striking thing about Sotto Sotto, is the outstanding service. Diners will not be able to finish their wine or water or mixed drink without it being attended to, but not in an annoying, bothersome manner. As for the food, fish and meat at at the top of the menu so vegetarians beware. The salmon was flavorful and the sauteed vegetable appetizer is a vegans dream.

I give Sotto Sotto a "4/5" D+D rating.