Roses Cocina from Executive Chef Adrian Niman Opens at Hotel X Toronto

20
Wagyu Fajitas at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto
Wagyu Fajitas at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto

Moira Rose (no relation, hehe) of Schitt’s Creek says her favourite season is “Awards Season”, but my favourite season is “Restaurant Opening Season”. Now, with the pandemic, as a blogging acquaintance recently pointed out, restaurants have unfortunately been closing and new ones have been opening continually over the past two years so it’s been an extended season to say the least. I was delighted to be invited to the latest culinary culmination from The Food Dudes’ Executive Chef Adrian Niman: Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto. This casual yet chic restaurant boasts a panoramic view of Lake Ontario, as well as a captivating menu to suit many palates.

Lori Bosworth (me), Stephanie Dickison and Grace Pak at Roses Cocina media tasting
Lori Bosworth (me), Stephanie Dickison and Grace Pak at Roses Cocina media tasting

I brought my A Cuppa Grace and Lori podcasting partner Grace with me for the media dinner and we were seated with seasoned food critic Stephanie Dickison. My initial impression of the restaurant was the luxurious spaciousness of the place and the contemporary design mostly due to the blond-wood floors and server stations, concrete pillars, spotlights and open kitchen. The floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the scintillating lake view.

Dining room at Roses Cocina
Dining room at Roses Cocina




Stephanie and Grace started with the artistically-presented Margarita. Grace felt the drink could have been better and admitted that she prefers a “fruity” Margarita. She also did not like the salty mixture covering the side of the glass.

Margherita at Roses Cocina
Margherita at Roses Cocina

The first appetizer was Tuna Aguachile with hibiscus, poblano crema, citrus, and cerrano served on crispy rice. Bland tuna came alive with this spicy and acidic accompaniment. This dish was popular at our table!

Sausage rolls at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto.
Sausage rolls at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto.

I’m not usually a big fan of sausage rolls, but the delectable, crispy pastry was too tempting for me to resist. One bite in converted me quickly! There was the right amount of heat from the coriander mustard and tomatillo salsa. I ended up having two!

The Roses Chopped was a winning spin on your standard romaine and cheese salad. The Latin cuisine influences included avocado cotija in a Chipotle Ranch dressing and topped with tortila crumble. We happily finished this salad!

Mini Lobster Clubs at Roses Cocina restaurant.
Mini Lobster Clubs at Roses Cocina restaurant.

Being allergic to lobster (I know…I drew the short end of the genetic stick here!), I passed on the Mini Lobster Clubs. Grace had one, but when I asked how the sandwich was, she said they were “just okay”. The sammys are made from brown butter aioli, bacon, iceberg lettuce and brioche with, of course, lobster!

Blackened Beets at Roses Cocina
Blackened Beets at Roses Cocina
The media preview dinner of Roses Cocina @hotelxtoronto . The cuisine is delicious upscale comfort food! ♬ Rhythm Of The Night – DeBarge

The next dish, Blackened Beets, wowed us all. These charred root vegetables were dressed in poblano crema with Tajin (a chili lime spice), lime and pecan. If you are not a fan of beets, you really must know that roasting or blackening beets makes their texture more appealing while giving them a smoky flavour. We devoured these deep red veggies!



Now, it was time for the main attractions: 1) Halibut and 2) Wagyu Fajitas. The halibut arrived in a tasty sauce of coconut, Aji Amarillo, Chayotte relish with crispy potato and chili threads on a banana leaf bed. The mildly-sweet sauce really enhanced the flavour of the fish while the thinly cut potato provided some needed crunch. I enjoyed this dish very much.

Halibut at Roses Cocina
Halibut at Roses Cocina

How fitting that the Wagyu Fajitas were the last dish to be served up as they were the unanimously-agreed-upon star of the night! Served with peppers and onions, the Picanha beef was so tender and cooked to a perfect medium.

Wagyu Fajitas at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto
Wagyu Fajitas at Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto

I enjoyed Rosa Cocina’s upscale take on comfort food and left feeling satisfied. If you love checking out new restaurants in Toronto, you’ll want to get yourself down to Roses Cocina asap!

Roses Cocina at Hotel X Toronto, Princes’ Boulevard

You might be interested in reading “Casa Madera: A New Mexican Mediterranean Restaurant Opens in Toronto“.

20 COMMENTS

  1. I love a nice cocktail. Shame the Margherita wasn’t that nice. It does look pretty though, but like your friends, I prefer a fruity cocktail rarther than salty

  2. Everything looks so good! I want to try that Wagyu Fajitas and mini lobster rolls. Yum, yum! Glad you were able to experience something like this. I would definitely keep this mind for when visiting Toronto.

    • Hi Maureen, The Wagyu fajitas were exceptionally good! I didn’t try the lobster rolls as I’m allergic to lobster. Yes, I definitely recommend Roses Cocina the next time you visit Toronto! Cheers, Lori

  3. Wow! The food looks very exotic. Every last dish seem to be prepared and displayed with a lot of thought and tender care. Even the ice in the shape of a rose. Just brilliant!

  4. the place looks very stylish and welcoming. perfect to eat out and relax! I absolutely love the way food looks, it makes me feel hungry even though I have just eaten before. Overall, that’s the place I’d love to a pay a visit if I am around

  5. I do love the sound of the foods they had available there. Everything sounds delicious. I’m so sorry to hear you are allergic to lobster, that’s awful. The sausage rolls do sound yummy!

    • Hi Melanie, Everything was really good. The sausage rolls were exceptional…I had two! Well, I’m kind of used to my lobster allergy now. Cheers, Lori

  6. A lovely list of options on the menu! I must say, as a pesco vegetarian, I’m all for the tuna.

  7. Wow! The Wagyu Fajitas and Lobster Rolls really look good. We hope to visit soon. Sorry to hear about your seafood allergy.

    • Hi Clarice, The Wagyu Fajitas were incredible! Yes, unfortunately, I could not try the lobster clubs! I hope you get a chance to visit Roses Cocina! Cheers, Lori

  8. Aw you ladies are all looking amazing. What a fabulous event, so much fun I bet and the food looks very nice x

Comments are closed.