Restaurant Review: Dessert Trends Bistro

154 Harbord St. 416.916.8155

I have been listening in the locker room to rave reviews of this bistro/bakery. I decided it was time to go. My good friend Estelle loves diners and small restaurants. We attempted to come here a month ago but they were closed for holidays. We were not going to give up. I am so delighted I listened to everyone praising this adorable establishment. It is white, bright, inviting and charming. All the windows opened to make you feel you are in a patio. Jennifer, our server was so perfect for this place. Her big wide smile and beautiful face enhanced the already lovely atmosphere. Now let’s get to the food,
As you enter you are faced with the most tantalizing array of gourmet pastries. Donald Duong, chef and proprietor, makes everything on the premises. You have to see and taste to believe. This is a master. The good news is that they also do catering. Recently the gelato counter was added. I wanted to crawl inside the cooler. Everything is so beautifully displayed. The other day in the locker room I overheard a discussion as to the best flavor of gelato. They all looked so yummy. I promised myself that my next visit includes a gelato treat.
The good news is that a lovely menu is available for lunch and dinner as well. Many salads are listed and I noticed several delectable looking salads being served to clients. The Roasted Red Pepper $ Goat Cheese Salad is made with sun dried tomatoes, sweet red onions and goat cheese in a herbed balsamic vinaigrette.($9.50) Mushroom Salad serves sautéed assorted mushrooms in lemon herb butter on a bed of mixed greens.($8.50) Thai Mango Shrimp Salad sautés mango, shrimp, green onion, cilantro, and mint in a lemon vinaigrette. ($11.50) Three soups were available on this menu. Mushroom Soup is light and creamy with wild mushrooms.($6.50) Several quiches are available daily. Mushroom and Parmesan Cheese Quiche is offered at $9.50.The sandwiches are a work of art. The bread is made on the premises and is of European high quality. I could have eaten a loaf of the bread and been very satisfied. We chose to share an Oven Dried Tomato and Eggplant Sandwich.($8.50) The eggplant is grilled and served with the oven dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, sweet onions and basil pesto. It was beyond perfect. The sandwich was more than sufficient for 2 people. A light green salad was on the plate and two pieces of the best baked potato slices with herbs. I could eat another one right away. The Pesto Shrimp is an open faced sandwich served with white bean spread and balsamic roasted pepper topped with pesto shrimp on that magnificent whole wheat bread. ($12.50) Frittata Sandwich is a combination of roasted garlic, zucchini, sweet pepper and Asiago cheese on tasted bread.
This cafe is a great success. It has a charming atmosphere. It feels so relaxing and pleasant to sit here and enjoy absolutely wonderful food.
All the gossip in the locker room was so ‘right on’. I wish I had tried it earlier. Specials are listed on a blackboard. Lasagne, Grilled Salmon and many other specials will provide something for everyone. The food is fresh and tasty. I really can’t wait to go back. I even have my eye on a pecan tart that was in the cooler with a myriad of other pastries that would be fitting for a royal gathering.