Starving Artist

Starving Artist Waffles Espresso Bar 584 Lansdowne Ave

647 342 5058

Funky! Artistic! Unusual! You really have to go to believe this bizarre restaurant. My family went to hear Alex play jazz. He was joined by an excellent bass player, another guitar and my favorite drummer, Max Roach. It was one of the finest combos. The jazz was great. We sat outdoors on the front patio. It was a perfect summer evening and we enjoyed sipping on a drink and listening to the music. A larger patio at the back is generally more for the serious diners.

The program changes here all the time. Sunday night tends to be movie night. The film actually is shown on the front window of this unusual place. Some evenings classical music is featured and even opera singers have been heard. Nobody plays here for the money. In fact the musicians aren’t even paid. They truly love what they are doing and only take home the shared tips from passing a hat. There are only 7 tables outside. The name of this restaurant is so appropriate.

Brian and Toby are the creators of this unusual place. They are two wacky guys. Make sure you get a business card and look at their pictures on the card. Toby is a photographer and Brian an event planner. How do they have time to run this funky place?

The main food feature is the Waffle. They own 6 machines and they seem to be going full force. Apparently Sunday brunch sees hundreds of diners pass through.

Brunch is served from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Breakfast Waffles are actually potato waffles with poached eggs and caramelized bacon.($9.00) The Hitchhiker is a plate with 2 mini waffles, creamy scrambled eggs and 4 pieces of caramelized bacon.($10.00)

They even cater to those who want smaller fare. Minis and Fruit is a 3 waffle treat covered with fresh fruit.($5.00) Grilled Cheese Waffles is loaded with cheddar cheese.($4.00)

At lunch and dinner the list is more extensive. All the plates are served with mixed greens and your choice of fruit or potato salad. A Western Waffle Sandwich is a western cheddar omelette mixed with bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms and served in a secret sauce.($10.00)

Waffle Sliders are 2 mini burgers with havarti, cucumber, tomato, mixed greens, pesto mustard sauce and sandwiched in mini waffles.($10.00)

Salads are available on the menu. The Veggie Lover Salad is composed of peppers, cucumbers, avocado with a raspberry dressing.($8.00)

As if all of the above (and much more) isn’t enough there is also a section for after 5:00 munchers. Hell’s Chicken is a plate of pulled chicken, jalapeno, bell pepper stir fry and covered in cheddar and mozzarella.($14.50)

The Veggie Lover can enjoy the bell pepper, jalapeno, onion, mushroom stir fry with fresh tomatoes, black olives covered in cheddar and mozzarella.($13.00)

Desserts are served on a waffle boat. Apple Crumble n’ Ice Cream is based with a cinnamon waffle, oats crumbled sautéed apple, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and honey granola.($8.00) The alcohol and drinks list is very extensive.

This is a life experience. Go with your friends and enjoy an event. Just going is an event. Brunch, lunch, dinner or evening snack is always available. I was totally rejuvenated.