Last Friday evening my wife and I found ourselves on the Danforth, And en route to the inevitable sea of Greek restaurants whose menus are as familiar to me as my own last name we came across 7 Numbers. A restaurant I was told about by a fellow foodie whose taste tend to be for the pricer cuisine. But knowing my love of home cooking he recommended 7 numbers, a family run restaurants whose original kitchen was helmed by a real italian mama Roza Marinuzzi. The Danforth is their second location. The original closed down and re-opened in Forest Hill. As we entered we were seated not by a hostess or waiter who were busy hustling around, but by a man who I'm assuming is the manager behind the bar waving us to a seat nearby. As odd as it may seem I instantly felt comfortable knowing that there was no protocol or seniority here. You need a seat, you get a seat. the menu is split into 5 courses. Not really in the pasta mood we went for our appetizers, main, and vegetables. First up was the Calamari, I am a huge fan of Calamari, from rings with dipping sauce to baked whole w/ a lemon wedge. and tend to order it in most restaurants just to see what they serve up. What I got at 7 numbers was a bit different. Rather than rings the Calamari was cut lenghtwise, lightly floured and fried, no dip, no lemon on a bed of green. as I started eating the texture was a bit odd but by the end I thorougly enjoyed it. Next up was the braised lamb, which was fall of the bone tender and wonderfully seasoned, accompanied by a spiced broccoli and a glass of wine from Abruzzo, my favorite wine region in italy, it was a wonderful meal. And since we skipped the pasta coarse there was room for what my wife deemed "the best flourless chocolate cake I've ever had" not much higher praise than that. Up until now I haven't mentioned the waitstaff, because other than taking our order and bringing our food there were like ghosts, which in my opinion is the perfect service. The restaurant experience is between you, the food, and your company. Too many actor/waiters working extra hard at being seen in my opinion, I prefer the barely noticable yet when you need them, your plates are taken away and your water glass is refilled. Speaking of water, the only hint at a downside was the slight taste of dirt in the water, I'm hoping it's because it came from a clay jug (can't quite remember) but it was noticable. And as we awaited our bill I remembered the foodie that led me here. The foodie who once recommended I order a $100 aged balsamic risotto. The only way I'd eat $100 plate of rice and vinegar is if someone else is paying and I don't like them very much. So you wouldn't believe my shock when the bill was under $60.
Overall the food was affordable, very good and the waitstaff did their job. Therefore The 7 numbers was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I wonder what the Forest Hill location is like?
