toronto life
2002 EATING AND DRINKING GUIDE

Food Shops: Daniel et Daniel

Exquisite little European candy and chocolate bars would make fine stocking stuffers for gourmets this Christmas-just some of the treats that les duexs Daniels (Megly and Clairet) display to tempt retail customers. Most of their business, of course, is catering, but the counters of cakes, pastries, chocolate truffles, mousses and other desserts (satin-textured creme caramel), plus savoury dishes, are what interest us. Grilled vegetables and pasta salads, several kinds of spring roll show exemplary freshness. A new line of take-home meals includes macaroni and cheese, platters of mashed potatoes. Gelato Fresco ice cream sold here.

Caterers: Daniel et Catering & Event Planning

Virtually a household name after 20 years of canapé slinging, Daniel et Daniel is still dynamic, and the staff is still having fun. For YTV's Golden Marbles Awards Reception at Casa Loma (called "Weird Evil"), D et D waiters, decked out in medieval costumes and donning beehive and Elvis 'dos, were asked to serve food atop tin shields, antlers and snowshoes. Dishes sported such wacky names as "dwarf fingers" (chicken drumsticks in sweet and sour sauce) and "troll toes" (spareribs with barbecue sauce). Of course, D et D also prepares food of the gimmick-free kind for grown-ups. Stuffed capon breast with apricots and leeks in a pink peppercorn sauce and grilled Atlantic salmon are a dinner fave.

Where: 248 Carlton St. (at Parliament St.), 416-968-9275
www.danieletdaniel.ca

How much: $20-$50 per person for buffet dinner.
Wait staff: $25 each per hour, four-hour minimum.
Chef's service charge: $28 per hour, four-hour minimum
Lead time: 24 hours to two weeks.