147 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
If you asked a French person, they would probably compare that the term 'bistro' in France is relative to that of what we North American's call cafe's, or perhaps even diner's. If this is the case, then I really shouldn't be too harsh with Jules Bistro, as its character (not to mention food) suits its class.
Though the menu is composed of every authentic simple French dish you've ever heard of: croque monsieurs, omlettes, quiche, crepes, moules frites and salad nicoise, Jules just isn't able to capture the exquisitely simple but oh-so tasty flavours that the French are known for producing. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the food is really just bland.
My croque monsieur was delivered as what tasted like mozzarella cheese on bread - no bechamel, no oven roasted French ham, and let's be honest...I don't think anyone would believe that mozzarella is a French cheese. A steak frite entree is served with what's supposed to be ratatouille, but I would have to say that even Disney/Pixar's rat cooked up a better recipe..and he's a cartoon!
Although I don't honestly think Jules' food is bad, and in fact it may even be a reasonable place to stop for lunch - out of the way of the Queen Street West bustle, quiet ambience, and candles lit - I would never be able to direct you there if you actually wanted French food.
If Jules had named his establishment "Jules Eatery" or "Jules Diner", and you asked me to recommend you a place as such, then yes I might just slightly feel comfortable passing this place on.
573 King Street West and 830 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
Craft Burger, in my mind, can only be described using one word: classic.
In every sense of this word, Craft Burger encompasses just that. Keeping the restaurant small, and comfortably authentic, Craft declares their hand crafted burgers are made from fresh Ontario AAA beef, and are made fresh daily - never from frozen.
Charbroiled on a soft and fresh sesame seed bun, topped with your tomato, lettuce, pickle, mustard and ketchup basics, Craft has achieved success in their promise to deliver an original, yet accomplished, burger. However, feel free to be a little adventurous, and choose from some of the Craft "signature" burgers, whose tastes are a little more glamorous. Among the celebrity toppings, you'll find melted gorgonzola cheese, avocado, roaster red peppers, chipotle or rosemary and garlic mayonnaise.
No booze is served here, which although I wish weren't the case, I can't complain. Try one of their straight-from-the-1950's milkshakes which are, dare I say, even better than a diner's.
To be honest, with each bite and each sip, my impressiveness grew at how perfectly Craft is able to execute the time-honoured perfection of flavours that a only a classic burger can possess. Although the price is just a tad upscale, you get what you pay for here...and it's worth it.
362 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario
As one would become quickly aware by the name, this restaurant is restricted to carnivore's only! Upon entering this rustic, southern style restaurant on the corner of Bloor and Walmer, no mistake can be made that you have arrived in a smoked meat eatery. The aroma is enough to make your mouth start watering at the door.
Tired of the same old Italian, French or nouveau American cuisine? Plop yourself in this relaxed atmosphere, put your feet up, order a beer and await your saucy, meaty, appetizing selection. You could opt for a zesty starter such as cajun dusted shrimp, southern fried chicken wings or BBQ nachos. I, however, tend to skip that part of the menu and move on to the main meat dishes right away.
Go for any of the full flavoured sandwiches such as pulled pork or pulled chicken served on a fresh bun, and topped with their secret sauce. Choose from a list of sides including potato salad, corn on the cob, or baked beans to name a few. I generally never stray from the Cluck's coleslaw - absolutely nothing like those mayo covered grocery store slop brands. Served using fresh veg, a light mustard/vinegar sauce, it's difficult to imagine that coleslaw could ever be a light side, but the Cluck pulls it off masterfully.
If you're feeling like something a little more manly, the slow cooked beef brisket or ribs are sure to satisfy.
If looking to take it down a notch, but do it without losing flavour - or breaking your bank account - I'm sure the Cluck, Grunt and Low will exceed your expectations. Just don't bring your vegetarian partners along!
270 Dupont Street (and five other locations)
Toronto, Ontario
Alright so yes, the Magic Oven presents an admirable spread of fresh, seasonal and organic soups, salads, pizza's, and pasta's, and is sure to attract Torontonian's in pursuit of the healthy focus. But to pay a $40.00 bill for greens is beyond (I hope) anyone's reach.
I, myself, must admit, after the long, dreariness of winter, on a recently mild Saturday, I was one of the many in this city looking for something light and tantalizing. The Magic Oven's menu looked excellent, providing my palate with the precise flavour profile I was in need of.
I decided on the Bombay green salad, assembled with pineapple chunks, sunflower seeds, tomatoes and onion, and opted to add chicken. My partner went with a classic Caesar salad, sans chicken, and to start a seven grain medley. Although the taste was tangy and satisfactory, a salad is a salad and would have to be fairly devine to be as highly priced as it was in the end. My main disappointment was that the added chicken was simply diced, and cold and very obviously not cooked to order.
Imagine that something as simple as this, astoundingly came to $41.00 when the bill was presented. For what? Even more frustrating was that I could've ventured to a real restaurant on a Saturday night, however my reason the my selection was to save the money and go somewhere simple.
A complete waste. I will not be going there again due to the lack of quality for such a preposterous price.
147 Spadina Avenue 
