By: Amanda Bloye, FW Writer

Throughout the world there are fewer cities that garner respect in the way of food than Paris, France. Home to the Le Cordon Bleu culinary schools; the city is a haven of late night restaurants and sidewalk cafes. As a result, the concept
of food couture is sweeping countriesacross the world.

The Fashion Weekly definition of food couture is much like that of couture fashion. It is food that is current, chic, desired and, above all else, the epitome of luxury. One restaurant that is the perfect example of this description is Alain
Ducasse’s Plaza Athénée in the heart of Paris.

To say that the food at the Plaza is luxury is an understatement. If you’re planning on enjoying an elegant dinner you can expect to spend anywhere from 90€, or $138 CAD for Tarbot de Bretagne en matelote to 360€, or Weekly Living
approx $554 CAD for a three course collection of dinner, cheeses and desserts for one. The restaurant’s menu changes with each season offering fresh, new plates for those who desire the true experience of fine dining. Attire is true elegance with women in chic evening dresses and heels, and men in suits by the finest designers. While very few
restaurants can duplicate such elegance and success, one Toronto bistro is able to bring the sophistication of French cuisine to a city that thrives on fine dining and culture. With its perfect combination of patio dining and café couture, Le Séléct Bistro offers diners a true Parisian experience. Although not as costly as France’s Plaza Athénée, Le Séléct Bistro offers an elegant dining experience worthy of even the finest connoisseurs.

Le Séléct Bistro boasts a wide selection of French cuisine over six menus. These include lunch, dinner, brunch and a children’s menu. The Bistro also offers additional menus for special functions the venue may play host to. Chef Albert Ponzo alters his menu depending on the season serving Joue De Boeuf Bourguignonne, a beef cheek braised in red wine and served with mushrooms on a parsnip puree with sweet potato chips, for $23.95. On Le Séléct Bistro’s lunch menu are an array of salads, soups, sandwiches and a selection of elegant daily lunch specials.

Perhaps more enticing than its menu, is Le Séléct’s plethora of wines. Boasting 1,200 different brands there is sure to be a find for the most refined palate.

“Le Séléct has a selection of international wines that is simply without parallel,” according to WHERE Magazine’s review of Le Séléct. “Every area of France is well represented, with much also from the rest of the world. Valuable assistance on the part of knowledgeable staff is abundant as are the well-composed tasting notes evident beneath
many of the listings.”

Le Séléct Bistro is located at 432 Wellington St. W., Toronto, in the heart of the city’s garment and warehouse district. Le Séléct is open seven days a week with varying hours. For more information visit www.leselect.com/index.html or
Photos courtesy of www.leselect.com call 416-596-6405.