Until now, we had made it a rule to stay as far away from strip malls as
possible.

Set in a plaza at the tired corner of Gerrard and Carlaw, The
Playpen is an unexpected treat of fine food and finer libations. The
Mondrian color scheme and 70s light fixtures set the mood (even our
waiter looked like hed stepped out from central casting) but the food is
far from kitsch. Chef Laura Prentices lobster maki balls, tender rack of
Ontario lamb and chocolate ganache with cardamom sent us on a stairway
to heaven and back.
Finish up with a couple of beet martinis in the plush lounge bar and
youll feel very playful indeed. Marianne Wisenthal
The Playpen, 842 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, 416-907-9761, www.theplaypen.ca

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