From now through to July 24, 150 Toronto restaurants are participating in Summerlicious, offering three-course prix fixe menus. Some believe it’s a heck of a deal, others say you get what you pay for.  

I chose Big Daddy’s Bourbon Street Bistro & Oyster Bar ($15 for lunch).

New Orleans and Creole food is a favourite of mine, but rarely is it done right – or well.  But, the tender, plump seafood in the Clam Chowder (complete with oyster crackers) and Popcorn Shrimp has me thinking otherwise. The Coconut Chicken Spinach Salad is confusing. Why are there toothpicks inside our chicken strips? More importantly, why weren’t we warned?

And while the Bronzed Chicken Sandwich comes on warm, grilled cheddar jalapeno bread, the chicken is tasteless. The fries and coleslaw however, are scrumptious. Skip the Molten Brownie and Apple Crumble unless you love tooth-aching sweets.

I’ll be back for the chowder. And maybe I’ll discover another gem.