Dining Out: PEI Mussels, Braised Beef Ravioli, Rosé Gnocchi, Spicy Jambalaya, Striploin Steak, and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake at Tatlows

Sometimes it's worth driving 45 minutes out of the city to a random rural town. Because sometimes you find hidden gems like Tatlows, a slightly grungy, divey-looking restaurant in a most inconspicuous, somewhat run-down building that is shared only with a similarly grungy-looking convenient store. Because inside, you will find a packed house and some of the most delicious, top quality food you'll ever have. So this evening, I went to visit my friend Chelsea and her parents at their new house in Sutton (which is actually about an hour away from where I live). Chelsea's friend had highly recommended Tatlows so they made reservations there for dinner since I was visiting and also took the opportunity to celebrate Father's Day early. Between the five of us (including Chelsea's boyfriend), we ordered:

Fresh organic PEI mussels in a spicy white wine garlic tomato broth
Braised beef ravioli with a roasted garlic and rosemary au jus
Potato and cheese gnocchi in a smoked paprika rosé sauce
Spicy jambalaya with extra Italian sausage in a Cajun tomato sauce
8 oz. striploin steak smothered in onion and mushroom gravy with garlic mashed potatoes
Let me tell you right now that this was one of the most excellent meals I've had in a while. Literally no dish here is prepped beforehand. Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh, made piping hot to order. Each offering had an excellent combination of flavours and textures and mouthfeel, and the perfect portion size. You know how there's always one or two dishes that stand out from the rest at a group meal? Well, everything was so good here that I couldn't even tell you which one is my favourite. I would absolutely order any of these dishes again with enthusiasm and sheer glee.

Pineapple upside-down cake à la mode
For dessert, the cheesecake for Chelsea (who is gluten-free) and the pineapple upside-down cake à la mode for the rest of us. This is the first time I've ever had pineapple upside-down cake and it's sublime. Inspired. A triumph. This one is made with the most beautifully moist yellow cake and is served with caramel sauce, whipped cream, berry compote, vanilla ice cream, and some fresh strawberries for good measure. How have I gone 35 years without trying this absolute delight?

It's the first time any of us actually asked the chef to come to the table so we could give him our compliments. And it's well-deserved. Without hesitation, I would absolutely drive 50 km out of the city again just to eat here. (And if you're someone who puts a lot of weight on ratings, it's been open for 13 years and has an average 4.5/5 rating across the board.)

Tatlows

380 Queensville Side Rd. W.

River Drive Park, ON L9N 1A8

(905) 953-9992