The Boulevard Cafe

The Boulevard Café 161 Harbord St 416 961 7676

This establishment has been going strong for over 30 years. I remember when it first opened. I have been a continuous patron of the fine cuisine. The Peruvian flavor is so tasty and tantalizing. Boulevard Café is a small restaurant so there is a homey welcoming atmosphere. The paintings on the wall change but the food remains consistently delicious. In the summer the large outdoor patio is always filled. It is advisable to have a reservation because the restaurant is very popular in the neighborhood. I have dined here for brunch, lunch and dinner. I have never been disappointed. I love the food and the friendly atmosphere.

Daily specials are posted on the blackboard. There is always a fresh fish, chicken and a special Peruvian dish.

For lunch I often choose the Peruvian Plate.($12.75) A large platter of steamed vegetables is presented on a bed of lettuce with the famous house huancaina sauce. It has a flavor of tarragon and just a little kick to the taste. Dip the vegetables in the sauce and delight in the healthy feast.

I’m always tempted with the Creole Salad.($11.95) Artichokes, chick peas, fresh greens, tomatoes, onions, eggs and olives are enhanced with that special sauce so famous here.

The Anticuchos are a signature dish and usually my dinner choice. Brochettes can be ordered of Shrimp,($18.95) Beef ($18.95) or Chicken($16.95) Charbroiled brochettes are marinated in wine, herbs and spices. Perfection on the palate. Fries, rice or home style potatoes comes with every order. A delicious fresh salad of greens completes this very generous dish. I salivate thinking about it. I never tire of eating this tasty well flavored food.

Salpicon de Pollo offers grilled chicken breast on a bed of mixed greens and steamed vegetables in a cilantro, lime and olive oil vinaigrette.($14.95)

The Sandwiches are enormous and are served with greens and Yukon gold fries. Butifarra de Salmon is composed of smoked salmon, smoked gruyere, grilled zucchini, roasted jalapeno and sweet peppers. It is served on rye bread with caraway.($11.95)

The Boulevard Burger has been a benchmark for burgers anywhere. Exquisitely-spiced lean ground beef is charbroiled and served on a toasted onion bun with guacamole.($14.95)

This week I noticed the introduction of a Prix- Fixe Menu for $25.00. What a great way to taste a variety of dishes.

I like the fact that the menu is not pages in length. It is a small kitchen and the chef is a master at preparing the food. Whatever they cook is done with a loving hand and great skill. The food is consistently tasteful, beautifully plated and warmly served. What more could anyone want? Even when the place is at capacity it is possible to have a conversation with your dinner companion without fighting a loud din.I know I will be back again before too long.