THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Ruby Watchco

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Ruby Watchco Restaurant Review:

Chef and TV personality Lynn Crawford, of the Food Network’s "Restaurant Makeover" and "Pitchin’ In," worked magic of her own, overhauling the former Citizen restaurant with designer Cherie Stinson. After a career that spans a quarter century (including her role as executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel New York), Crawford now has a place of her own. The 70-seat eatery, co-owned by Stinson and husband Joey Skeir, is long and narrow with a convivial area where people can drink, dine and chat. The setting is minimalist, with one exposed brick wall hung with a huge Ruby Watchco sign and large mirrors on the other to give some sense of space. Crawford and co-chef Lora Kirk (ex-Four Seasons Hotel Toronto) cook a chef- and market-driven, daily-changing menu that showcases local farmers and growers. There is but one four-course $49 menu offered every night. One evening, the starter might be heirloom tomato salsa with homemade ricotta, watermelon and mixed fresh herbs, while the main could be barbecue chicken with peach barbecue sauce along with macaroni and cheese, and corn. You may request a vegetarian or fish alternative, but don’t expect to see anything à al carte in print. The cheese course might feature Upper Canada Cheese’s Niagara Gold with Morello cherry jam, while dessert could be chocolate cake with berry jam and caramel. The wine list is predominantly well-chosen Canadian labels.