Prop

Prop 770 St Clair Ave West. 416 792 3313

Prop is the jewel on St Clair Ave West. The street is changing rapidly and many restaurants can be found in the area. Prop ‘grabs your attention’ as soon as you enter. The tables are well spaced. The dark wooden floor and the black chairs are very attractive. The large white Inuit paintings add so much to the décor. In the summer the corner patio is a great place to meet and greet.

I had a spectacular dinner here not too long ago and was anxious to return for lunch to see if the high standard were maintained. They absolutely are!

Emily greeted us at the door and was friendly and attentive throughout our meal. I like the menu at Prop. It doesn’t try to do too much and what it does offer is first rate.

I was meeting a friend of long standing and we always have so much to tell one another. We appreciated the quiet atmosphere while enjoying the best of cuisine.

The bread was of the highest quality and the dipping sauce of fine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and herbs was demolished very quickly.

My friend started with a large bowl of White Bean Soup ($6.00). The steam and the aroma were so inviting. I had to ask for a spoon to taste it. We both thought it was a delicious and healthy way to start lunch on a cool day. It was full of tasty broth and crispy veggies. Carrots and kale were abundant. The white beans were so flavorful.

I almost ordered the Caesar Salad from the Appetizer section.($7.00) The guest at the next table seemed to be enjoying his order of this salad. Grated slivers of fine Reggiano Paderno cheese were grated on the large green leaves. It really did look delicious. Mussels in white wine are recommended as a lunch time appetizer.($8.00)

The Sandwiches are large and served on crunchy baguette bread. My friend ordered the Veal Sandwich. It was enormous. Breaded veal was served with a tomato sauce. Bring lots of napkins. She loved it and even had some to take home for another day. The Vegetable Sandwich is prepared with grilled layers of vegetables. All sandwiches are $8.00

Pasta Dishes are a specialty here. Fusilli is serve with a tomato sauce and fresh basil.($10.00) Rigatoni is served with a rose gorgonzola sauce.($11.00) I was also tempted with the Macaroni and Three Cheese Bake.($11.00) That is the perfect lunch in my opinion.

I was being calorie conscious and ordered the Grilled Salmon.($16.00) It was the best. The pepper crust on top was superb. The salmon was moist and flaky and cooked to perfection. A small arugula salad was served on the side. I was a very happy guest. Meat lovers ( and I saw a few there) were enjoying the Angus Beef Burger all dressed.($10.00)

The desserts are listed on a large blackboard over the bar area.

The afternoon was totally satisfying.

The owner Gian Carlo brings years of experience to this restaurant. He formerly had a restaurant in the ‘Little Italy’ section of Toronto. I imagine many of his clientele have followed him to this modern new surrounding. It is a popular spot and has all the ingredients to be a great success.