Toast Restaurant

Cozied up in the quaint, quiet comfy nook on this particular Sunday morning all our troubles melted away and into that space wafted the sweet smelling aromas of Toast (formally Hello Toast), a tasty Leslieville diner frequented by a "chic-ishly" laid back Queen St. East crowd. A cool summer's breeze blew through the big picture window and we smiled knowing that we had snagged the best table in the restaurant. Hungry after the mini trek, we were delighted with the super speedy service and after some careful consideration, tea, lattés, eggs benny and fruit filled French toast (of course how can you go to a restaurant called toast and not try it) were ordered. As we caught up on lost time, we marveled in the eclectic and yet comforting décor at this noted neighborhood nosh. Exposed brick, mismatched chairs and tables, old toasters, and teapots treated our eyes and charmed our souls. Cute and kitschy the oh so sweet little restaurant was the perfect place for this hungry pair. Within no time huge portions filled our tiny table...fabulously fluffy stuffed French toast oozing with goodness, eggs benny cooked just so and an array of scrumptious sides more then satisfied our grumbling tummies. The type of place where time stands still and hours can pass you by all cozied up in the corner, a calmness fell over the table, and as we realized we had no place to be we got comfy, raised our coffee cups and toasted to an oh so sweetly slow Sunday afternoon.


Toast Restaurant
993 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON

rebel with a cause

The Rebel House

•dinner•
Even thou I am more than dedicated to travel far and wide in quest of all that is delicious, there is something so special about a precious little neighborhood nook. The type of place that you can roll out of bed and stumble to in less then ten minutes, a place with a variety of delicious beers on tap (including a luscious raspberry beer that I just LOVE) and bold freshly brewed coffee in the morning to help ease the hangover from night before. Helping me to find my inner rebellion, the Rebel House in Summerhill has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. The small cozy two floor establishment is always packed with a posh 20 something crowd who enjoy a good old fashioned pub but seek a menu above and beyond traditional greasy bar fare. With an extensive (but not overwhelming) menu, Rebel serves up a variety of delicious dishes, sure to satisfy each diner's different needs. Tending to favor towards the crisp apple and spinach salad with aged cheddar, a creamy maple dressing and a blackened chicken breast on top, I have recently branched out and have to say, become quite a fan of their lamb stew. This hearty delicious dish is the perfect comfort food, and on a cold winter's day treats my taste buds and warms my soul.

•brunch•
The Rebel brunch cannot go without mention. Once again this morning I found myself slipping into my sweats, sliding on my shades and sauntering down to the Rebel House to meet the girls for Sunday morning gossip and grub. Heaping helpings of hot golden crisp home fries, delicious eggs done up rebellion-style, ooey gooey grilled cheese and organic granola with vanilla infused yogurt were just a few of the dishes that topped our table and for a brief moment the talking subsided and the tasting took president. As I looked around, I couldn't help but be reminded of all the good times, great laughs and delicious never ending evenings that I have spent in this very seat…..Oh if the Rebel House walls could talk they would have years of dish on this dame and be it brunch, an after work drink with coworkers, a first date or dinner with people I have know all my life, this little home away from home has, like a good friend, been there for me time and time again..

The Rebel House
1068 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON

always worth waiting for…

Xacutti ( sha-koo-tee)

walk into Xacutti on any given Sunday and be prepared to wait your turn. Populated with brand name denim, designer aviators, and blinding bling, this College Street’s Indian inspired brunch is worth getting dressed up for. Always packed and buzzing, I have on occasion waited up to half an hour for the trendy brunch but let me tell you it is worth every second in line. I woke up this morning and had french toast on the brain….and I am not talking about your traditional French toast but the oh so sinfully and deliciously cheesy version that only Xacutti has made famous. I jumped into my jbrands , grabbed my glasses and headed down to this little lavish breakfast palace. With a surprisingly short wait we were seated and served the banana breakfast smoothie, which cleansed my palate and got my tummy grumbling for more. The cheesy french toast arrived and I was immediately satisfied. Even before taking the first bite I knew that squeezing into my jeans was worth it. Sweet and savory, this dish is the perfect combination of all that is scrumptious and I can’t help but smile as I pour the thick maple syrup all over my plate. Crisp tandoori spiced home fries are the perfectly paired side dish and I am equally as excited for this tasty tater treat. Admittedly I have been for breakfast here more times then I can count and have never ordered anything different. Always a pleasure as I walk out after another delicious breakie, I smile and think to myslef Xacutti is proof that carbs are still king, sometimes jeans win out over sweats and that good meals are always worth waiting for!

Xacutti
503 College Steet
Toronto, ON

a breakfast beacon...

Avenue Open Kitchen

after a morning of shopping, us girls were famished! Finding ourselves at spadina and camden we were yearning for breakie…eggs, toast, home fries the whole shebang. Through the traffic and concrete skyscrapers we saw a little yellow sign: “restaurant” it said and like an oasis in the dessert we were drawn to this beaming beacon. Windows steamed and unsure of what lay on the other side of the door, we hustled inside and found ourselves welcomed by friendly faces and the oh so sweet smell of traditional bacon and eggs. Exposed brick, and walls littered with old diner photos enchanted me and created and atmosphere that was simply timeless. As I sipped my little cup of tea and gabbed with my girlfriends, I was at peace. Our meals arrived and to my delight portions large enough to satisfy a football player. I ate and ate away and embarrassingly barely made a dent in my dish….clearly today my eyes were wider than my three sunny side up eggs, brown toast and a heaping helping of home fries…deliciously done diner styles of course….perhaps next time, and yes there will be a next time I will keep this in mind when I order….but who are we kidding, probably not! Full from a fabulous breakfast, satisfied with the unbeatable company and charmed by the grace and adorableness of the diner I felt happy… Untouched by modern commercialism this downtown treasure has found a special place in my heart; it is cozy and cute and emulates all that one could ever hope for in a traditional greasy spoon.....right down to the classic diner hats.... simply magnifique!

Avenue Open Kitchen
7 Camden Street,
Toronto, ON

any time of day

Café La Gaffe

under the twinkle lights out back, on a warm summers night, la gaffe sparkles. The small baldwin gem is always filled with sounds of laughter and aromas of a far off land. Serving a traditional french mediterranean menu, this bistro brings old friends together, and evokes new friends to make memories over a bottle of wine and a delicious meal. Always memorable, I have returned to la gaffe time and time again. The wooden church pew seating combined with woven tablecloths and walls littered with eclectic artwork create a warm atmosphere that calms the mind and sooths my soul. This morning, after a big night out, the gang gathered at la gaffe for brunch…a meal there I had not yet explored. The brie omelette “spoke” to me right off the menu. The combination of apples, and walnuts with the warm rich cheese was a nice change from the traditional chedder and veggie omelette that is a staple on so many breakfast menus. The banana french toast, though was by far my favorite dish on the table. It was moist and melt in my mouth yummy. With just the right amount of banana it was flavorful without being overwhelming.....next time i think i will have one all to myself! Breakfast delights were complemented with heaping helpings of hash browns cooked crispy…just like I like them and coffee so delicious and fresh you would think they were growing the beans out back. Good at any time of the day la gaffe is a staple in my restaurant rotation… I have even been known to make a special late night trip to the baldwin village, simply because I can’t sleep without a mouthful of their traditional tiramisu…now that is what I call dedication to all that is delicious!

Café La Gaff
24 Baldwin
Toronto, ON

"just a cowgirl cookin' with love."

Mimi’s

there was this mimi’s buzz in the air on Saturday and so I finally decided that I simply could not go one more day without trying out this tiny diner that is loved by so many. With my girls in tow we headed to queen and bathurst…tummies a grumbling…. Nestled next to the infamous oakwood "steam bath” we ushered in out of the cold and immediately were overcome with the warm, busy restaurants who’s décor can be best described as “where MacDonald’s toys and all things tacky go to die”. Literally a restaurant that seats 12,we waited our turn for a table and finally cozied up in a booth. Hot, and thirsty we ordered drinks immediately and then looked over the “everything sounds so delicious” menu. Settling on three different dishes: poached eggs, french toast and grilled cheese, we were overwhelmed with the heaping portions that arrived on our table minutes after our orders were placed. Definitely all choices delicious, we agreed however that grilled cheese was the yummiest thing on the table. With sharp cheese and the diners choice of bread…it was warm, gooey and oh so scrumptious. A down home diner feeling with mismatched dishes, tchochkes as far as the eye can see and tons of tasty delights, this cult favorite is a great breakfast adventure for you and no more then three of your dearest friends…who you don’t mind snuggling up with!

washroom disclaimer…
Diner beware…… the bathroom (although I didn’t personally visit it) is located downstairs where one wrong turn could wind you up smack dab in the middle of the steam bath….gross......i elected to “hold it” .

Mimi's
218 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON

just like family....

Aunties and Uncles

one step through the white picket fence and you are magically transformed back to the 1950s. The kitchey decor and miss matched furniture combined with the sweet smell of all that is brunch helps to give this little neighborhood gem a place in my heart. Although not serving poached eggs (my personal breakfast of champions), its menu is filled with delicious, unique breakfast delights that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater. My personal favorite….the grilled cheese with tomato is just divine….made with two heaping pieces of fresh challah bread and topped off with their own homemade ketchup….yummmmm is all I can say to that. Equally as scrumptious is the “alternative” grilled cheese with warm brie, pears and walnuts…my mouth is watering already. My only beef with this cutesy place is that the second level is rather stuffy I prefer to sit on the main level or ideally outside at one of the picnic tables with the oh so classic red and white checked table cloths …cappuccino in hand!

Aunties and Uncles
74 Lippincott St,
Toronto, ON