Restaurant Review: Market Fresh Cafe Asia

104 Front St. East ( at Jarvis) 416. 955. 0963

A young Asian family took over this spot a few years ago. They dared to put their faith and limited funds into the TV program Restaurant Renovation in order to improve business. I am happy to say that business is improving and the little restaurant is very tastefully designed. A few tables are on the street for summer dining. Inside the tables are well spaced and the place is never noisy. The servers are always very sweet and very skilled. The food is served on lovely white platters and large bowls. It is very appealing in presentation.
My grandson had been extremely generous in helping me to buy a new flat screen TV.(2) He carried the new one(s) home, set them up and removed the old ones. I felt very spoiled for an excessive purchase and all the free help. It was totally in order to take Brad out for dinner. We were tired and hungry so were both happy to step across the road to this gentle quiet spot.
Brad started with a bowl of Tom Yum Soup. It is a Thai hot and sour soup with chicken, shrimp and mushrooms.($4.50) The bowl was enormous. It was filled with all sorts of wonderful tasting goodies. I helped him and we still could not finish the bowl. It had a spicy taste and we loved it. Shrimp Wonton Soup is $4.50 Hot and Sour Soup is also offered.
Light and Healthy starters are varied. Crispy Tofu is served with a sweet and spicy sauce. ($3.95) Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls are filled with carrot, cabbage and green beans. ($3.95) My hungry grandson chose the Combination Curry for a main course. Beef, chicken, shrimps and vegetables are served in a red curry sauce. (9.95) I opted for the Shrimp Stir Fry.($9.50) A variety of sauces is available. I chose the Teriyaki Sauce. The shrimp were well flavored with the sauce. The vegetables were crisp and tasty. I might have ordered a stir fry with chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetables, or a combination. The Japanese Chicken Udon Stir Fry is served with chicken, vegetables and udon in a Tsuyu Sauce. ($7.95) Kung Pao Chicken is a stir fry with chicken, carrots, cucumber and peanuts. ($7.95)Veggie lovers will be very happy here. A special section of the menu is devoted to vegetarian choices. Red Curry Tofu combines tofu and vegetables in a red curry sauce. ($7.50) Japanese Vegetarian Noodle Stir Fry combines a variety of vegetables and udon with a Tsuyu Sauce. ($7.25)
The service is very efficient and always with a smile. The food is plated in a most appealing manner. The food is beautifully flavored and very tasty. I congratulate the chef on the attempt to make food healthy by using less oil and good quality products.
I am happy watching this restaurant establish itself in the neighborhood. There is a lot of competition and I was delighted to see so many occupied tables last evening. I wish them the best.