Tati Bistro

124 Harbord Street
Toronto, Ontario

My friend and I find ourselves on a cold winter night waiting in the front door of The Harbord Room unable to get a table for at least 30 minutes. Cold, hungry and in dire need of a glass of wine we decide to run across the street to Tati Bistro and have a drink at the bar while our table here potentially becomes available.

Upon entering the charming Tati bistro however, the aroma of delectable food is so overpowering that we decide we simply have to stay. See ya later Harbord Room!

The scent of home cooking is only the sort that a French bistro can accomplish, and one glance at the menu confirms this assumption. Only the classic French dishes are served here, and I mean classic. Even Le Select or Le Paradis don't offer up these traditional plates: pot au feu, cassoulet, bouillabaisse, and the more common great French options like soupe a l'oignion and bavette.

Our waitress had a talent at describing the menu, ensuring upon delivery of our choices that our high expectations were met. I may take back what I'm about to say one day, however of all the French restaurants I've tried in Toronto, Tati Bistro presented me with one of the best French dishes I've ever had in this city. I chose the rabbit basquaise, which in all honestly could not have been more flavourful. The two legs of rabbit, meat falling off the bone, rested in a stew-like sauce of tomatoes, roasted red peppers and potatoes. Light but powerful French flavours oozed from the sauce making this so simple and satisfying, completely relieving me of the last of the cold winter chill in my bones.

I never thought of dining at Tati Bistro, as to be honest, the name always threw me off. I wasn't sure if it was Indian, Moroccan or what. After digging a little deeper though, Tati is actually the equivalent of "auntie" in English. It all starts coming together now...to create a quiet, European hideaway on the Harbord strip serving up truly, the French classics.

Utsav

69 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, Ontario

Ah, winter. Those days at -20C definitely don't make a person crave a light salad. I'm craving hot dishes, hearty meats, well cooked veggies, spicy broths and all-around good flavours. So what kind restaurant do I venture to? Indian.

Utsav, although not on any of Toronto's top lists is well known by the Yorkville business crowd, especially for lunch. Quick, healthy, and cheap (however large) dishes can be found here. And not least of all, you'll also find you're greeted by a gentle, family oriented atmosphere.

The server handling my table was most certainly part of the Utsav family, and genuinely seemed to care about my tastes, preferences and comfort while dining here. Her suggestions of additions to my intial order made for a perfectly well-rounded meal, containing everything I was hoping for in terms of spice level and variety.

When dining at an Indian restaurant, I always opt to try some sort of vegetarian dish. As India is well known for their beliefs as vegetarians, one can be sure that their veggies are prepared with exquisite flavour. After a tough battle while trying to narrow down my choices, I decide try the Aloo Gobi: cauliflower and tomatoes in a spicy broth. In addition, my vegetarian dish was accompanied by Lamb Madrasi and a Raita salad which consisted of tomatoes and cucumbers in a plentiful and spicy yogurt sauce. Well, I had to try more than just veggies, right?

I have to say, I wasn't expecting such care in the preparation of the food at Utsav, nor the flavours to be so well balanced. The Aloo Gobi was spicy, but not overpoweringly so, with a wonderfully fresh aroma. The lamb was extremely tender and the sauce in which is sat achieved bringing out the flavours of the lamb, without overtaking it. Moreover, I have been officially converted from regular garden salads to this phenomenon which is called Raita - who knew a salad could be so uniquely spicy and ultimately gratifying on a cold night?

I don't know why Utsav hasn't been mentioned in more of Toronto's foodie blogs and magazine's, but it should be. This small, lower level restaurant right in the heart of Yorkville only seats about 25 people, so perhaps too many reviews would take away from the relaxed, hospitable environment it currently inhabits. Whether Utsav becomes "the next big thing" or remains as this humble establishment, one thing is for sure: the food is a pleasant and delicious surprise.

Aunties and Uncles

74 Lippincott Street

Toronto, Canada

Sometimes, brunch can be just brunch. And sometimes, brunch can be a pleasant surprise.

While waiting in line on a Saturday, I began to think that Aunties and Uncles wouldn't end up being worth it. Why stand in line for 15 minutes just to have a breakfast that you can likely get at any number of restaurants within a five minute walk in any direction?

But upon being seated, getting my hot cup of tea and reading the menu, I find my negativity fading. The menu is slightly more unique than you might find at your usual diner, with delicious sandwiches on challah bread, omlettes of the day and special-of-the-day peach crisp pancakes.

The menu is also simplistically arranged, so for example, you can choose your eggs and any three sides, for about $7.00. I love it when the difficult decisions of ordering breakfast are made easy.

I was happy to find that I received an upscale - if you will - breakfast of eggs, fruit, fresh multi grain toast and bacon. Not your typical greasy spoon in any way. We couldn't resist trying the special-of-the-day pancakes as "dessert", and boy am I glad we did!

I often find pancakes to be a let down: either too dry or too doughy, too small or too thick... But let it be known, if you are going to try Aunties and Uncles for breakfast, you absolutely must try their pancakes. The perfect batter, light, fluffy and tasty, cooked with granola and warm peaches in the centre was to die for! I already want to go back for another plate.

If you're not entirely starving and willing to wait in line for a few minutes on the weekend, I would certainly recommend trying Aunties and Uncles for a not-so-run-of-the-mill breakfast afterall. And don't forget to try the pancakes!

Bar Mercurio

321 Bloor Street West

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

First I thought it was Terroni. Then, I was sure I had found it at Il Fornello. But now, I think I'm finally positive: Bar Mercurio serves the best pizza in Toronto!

Why there isn't a line up out the door at this mid-Bloor Street West location is beyond me. The only reason I can think to attribute its lack of popularity to is its placement on the slow drag between St. George and Spadina. Aside from this factor, Bar Mercurio's quaint mediterranean patio and suprisingly classy ambiance indoors is nothing less than inviting.

Once seated somewhere in view of the open kitchen, feast yours eyes upon the elegant and fresh menu describing a handful of tantalizing appetizers, pastas and pizza. And so finally, behold: the best pizza in Toronto!

Although I have not yet been to Italy, I would imagine that Bar Mercurio's pizza is almost exactly what I would be served, should I find myself in a Roman, Sicilian or Napolean trattoria. I am greated by an exquisitely thin, herbed crust, topped with a real, crushed tomato sauce. Not canned, not even pureed, simply fresh and tangy tomatoes. Toppings range from a variety of vegetables and meats, such as proscuitto, artichokes, eggplant, goat cheese and fresh herbs. All this provides an extremely light and zesty meal. A pizza your mouth will truly water for.

I would certainly promote Bar Mercurio to any diner looking for an A+ pizza.

Heart and Soul Cafe

2741 Dunrobin Road

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Why drive into downtown Ottawa, find parking, pay for parking and have a - perhaps - average breakfast, when you could take a nice Sunday drive in the northeast end of the city and arrive at something even better?

Like home cooked meals? Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside? Cruise into Dunrobin, to the Heart and Soul Cafe, and find yourself surrounded by a comforting atmosphere, casual but friendly service, and delicious home-cooked meals to choose from.

Upon entering the Heart and Soul, you might find a couple of local heads shift in your direction, but you'll soon be regarded as harmless and welcomed into the group. Have a seat as if you're dining in your mother's kitchen, and await a warm cup of tea or fresh cuppa joe.

The menu is your normal breakfast fare: eggs any way you like 'em, omlettes, pancakes and waffles, but served with a warmth and authenticity that you likely won't find at your local suburban Cora's or Eggspectations.

You'll be pleasantly surprised when your relaxed breakfast arrives, and you have true Canadian back bacon on your plate, along with cut-fresh-this-morning (never frozen) homefries, freshly baked and lightly toasted bread, and a side of homemade jam.

There's nothing like going out for breakfast and leaving thinking: well, I couldn't have done better myself! If you're in the area I recommend taking the extra few minutes to drive outside of the city and enjoy one of Ottawa's hidden gems.

Boris Bistro

45 rue McGill

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Ah, Boris, this restaurant of yours is casual-upscale dining at its best. Upon first glance at the menu, one could immediately conclude that this would be a pleasurable dining experience. From then on, just peak your head around the corner to the heavenly, slightly hidden, courtyard patio and you're sure that this will be a wonderful time all around.

Upon being seated at the white clothed table on the terrace, our group is promptly greeted by a very capable server. The menu is modestly explained to us, along with helpful suggestions, and all our questions are answered accurately and in detail.

If you're feeling like something on the lighter side on a warm evening, the menu is divided into cold or hot entrees. You could try their salad of duck confit, salmon or beef tartare or smoked fish.

Feeling like something a little heartier and you'll find yourself drawn to the hot entrees, such as duck risotto, or a beautiful fresh cut pasta with fresh cheese and spicy chorizo sausage. My choice included roasted cod, moist, tender and flavoured to perfection, on a bed of basil citrus risotto.

And, this time, the dessert menu could not be passed over. If searching for delicacy, try the whipped marscopone and strawberries, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The perfect ending to a flawless evening.

California Sandwiches

2700 Dufferin Avenue (and multiple locations in Toronto)
Toronto, Ontario

I have to say, this is a tough post. I've tried Mustachio's veal sandwiches in St. Lawrence Market a number of times, and they are authentically delightful. I would never deny my love for Mustachio. However after stumbling upon California Sandwiches while attending a conference in the area, I have to say: I think I fell a little harder in love.

Although just a little pricier, California Sandwiches offers a sharp looking luncheon cafe, with freshly breaded veal, eggplant and chicken sandwiches. Make your choice of the fresh toppings offered, and of course it will come smothered in that sweety and tangy homemade tomato sauce.

Bonus #1: Superb extended menu of fresh soups and mediterranean salads to add on as a side. And if you're not feeling like a sandwich, they also serve hot plates of various pasta's, lasagna and veggies.

Bonus #2: Mini sandwiches! Although packed with scrumptiousness, who can always eat that whole kaiser bun piled so high? Opt for the mini, a little smaller and perfect for lunch.

Overall, I found the cafe, the additional menu options and the actual freshness and flavour of the sandwich itself extremely pleasing. California Sandwiches will have to be pronounced as my new favourite when it comes to breaded veal on a bun!