by Luke McKinney
FoodConnect Toronto
luke.mckinney@foodconnect.com

Kensington market is so full of interesting eating options it can be hard to choose, but with prominent outdoor seating, welcoming open bay windows and a sign promising "Wood fire burgers and beer" the Fresh Wood Grill makes an extremely strong case.

The titular tree-burner gives the place a distinctive look and feel. The cooking area takes up half of the visible space in the front room, which would be a problem if the staff weren't friendly and the smell of cooking wasn't great. But they are - and extra seating is available in the back for anyone foolish enough to want away from the food atmosphere.

Major effort has been put into appearance: they don't rely on good food and the relaxed Kensington atmosphere to compensate for slobbiness, unlike some other eateries in the area. The design is sharp and extremely well-maintained.

The grill does wonderful things to their special dough, lending a lovely twist to the flavor as well as the classic grill-line effect. There's a great range of food on the menu, everything from pulled pork to tandoori chicken - if you're unsure I recommend the steak, because rare steak and ginger is a combination of pure culinary joy. There's even garlic mayo, for those who don't think there were enough awesome flavors in the previous sentence.

You get plenty of it too - my sandwich arrived entirely circular, the surface pushed out to the most efficient possible shape by the sheer volume of meat jammed into the wrap. Check out the Wood Fire Grill - you will not go hungry, thirsty, or disappointed.