By the Way

400 Bloor St W (at Brunswick) 416.878.4295

My dear friend Annette was celebrating her birthday. It is a tradition that we celebrate each other’s special day with a dinner. We both thought that we should try and avoid too much pasta and excessive calories. I wanted to take to her to a place that she hasn’t been for a while. I have dined at this restaurant since it first opened. I have enjoyed brunch, lunch and dinner here. It was well overdue that I should return to a favorite spot that has served me well. In the summer you have the possibility of dining in the screened in patio, The service has always been excellent. Tonight Paula, our server, kept up the tradition by providing warm, friendly service. She was so sweet I felt like asking her to join us at the table. She seemed to be the only server. The place was comfortably crowded early in the evening. Everyone had her attention and she was attentive to everyone. The large painted mural is whimsical, delightful and creative. It adds a touch of creativity to the experience. Amir Benedikt runs a great establishment that satisfies your needs and taste buds.
The regular menu specializes in Middle Eastern type food. Kebabs, quesadillas, Middle Eastern Platters are very popular here. The salads have always been tasty and fresh. Warm Tuna Nicoise serves crispy greens topped with new potato, hard boiled eggs, and chunky loin tuna with a mustard herbal dressing. ($10.00) Tofu Salad is a combination of organic greens topped with grilled tofu, sunflower seeds and a lemony herbal dressing.($9.00) Classic Greek, Caesar and Grilled Chicken are always available. ($10.00)
A changing daily menu is also offered. We opted to share the Artichoke Salad of The Day.($10.00) It was so tasty and we loved every bite. Artichokes, red pepper and feta are served with a mixture of arugula and spinach. It was drizzled with balsamic vinegar. I want to go back tomorrow for more of the same. The special appetizer on this evening was Steamed Mussels in a garlic sake broth.($9:00) Tri- colored Nacho Chips are served with guacamole and chipotle sauce.($6.00) There is always a vegetarian special. On this evening Stuffed Bell Peppers with Brown Rice was listed on the menu. Tofu and vegetables are baked in a tomato sauce with salad. ($14.00) Herb-rubbed Pan Seared Rack of Lamb is served with a maple-cran au jus.($19.00) We both chose the Lemon Garlic Pan Fried Salmon served with a ginger teriyaki sauce.($17.00) The portion was extremely generous. I don’t know how but we both finished every bite. The salmon was moist and so delicious. I have never seen such a large serving of salmon. A curried rice and beautifully grilled zucchini were part of this wonderful special. Farfalle With Wild Mushrooms is served with artichoke in a goat cheese, dill coriander chili pesto sauce.($13.00)
The bottom line is that this is a winning combination. The food offered is creative and offers variety. The service is warm and attentive. The food has always been wonderful. In addition I had the company of a dear friend that I have known and loved since our high school days. How lucky can I get?