Lee Restaurant

I'm so glad Lee is now a lunch time possibility. It's chic and refreshing any time of the day, but with Susur's eclectic menu, it's a definite mid-day destination!

The black- pink theme with exposed wood and pale pink Lucite tables is still appealing. Servers are professional and crisp in matching black.

Enter the menu. Singaporean Style Slaw ($12) is a riot of colour, topped with edible flower petals and a pretty pansy to boot. It's almost too artistic to eat, but who can resist a dish that's so beautiful you know it can't possibly disappoint?

Spicy Crisp Tofu ($11) is a thrill. The wildflower honey, soy and chili glaze coats the five cubes and they're dusted with 'golden sand' and basil. The crisp shell opens up to the creamy hot tofu, making this a dream dish, both visually and texturally. I would convert to vegetarianism over a dish like this... Wines to complement are the Echos Reisling from Niagara ($9), deliciously off-dry, along with a Pinot Grigio ($13) from the Alto Adige. Both wines make the dishes we've ordered a contrapuntal tasting experience, to borrow a musical term. The taste, sip, taste sip weaves culinary magic on the palate.

The server is totally helpful while we decide over the main course. She warns us the burgers are large and shareable, based on what we've had as starters. Taking her advice, we try the Black Cod Burger ($13) with spicy fries ($3) and Edamame from the appetizer list ($6). The edamame are steamed in a lotus leaf and dusted with tasty mustard salt. Simplicity rules this little edamame duet. It's like playing a musical note; deliciously slow and contemplative to eat, it even trumps the wildly accented slaw.

The burger offers big satisfaction; cod is lightly Panko crusted. The sweet flesh is topped with a small fritter and avocado. Bonus points to our server for mentioning that fritter, as we were tempted to order it as an appetizer, but she said a small one was added to the burger. The spicy fries were a bore. That's the only thing that really wasn't necessary and they were overdone to boot. Otherwise, lunch at Lee inspires.

Price: High. Lunch for 2 with appetizer, wine, tax and tip: $95
Atmosphere: Casual yet classy.
Wheelchair Access: No
Hint: Lunch can be as simple as 3 or 4 appetizers or
Surprise, Surprise: Tofu reigns!

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