Provence Delices

Provence Delices 12 Amelia St 416 924 9901

Chef owner, Elie Benchitrit, only needs the French tam to make him more authentic. He has been with this delightful establishment for 30 years, I love the fact it is a few steps from Parliament Street and all the boutiques of Cabbagetown. The outside patio is charming and pleasant on a summer day. The large piles of logs on the front porch are so inviting and provide the right atmosphere to greet you as you enter this French inn like restaurant. The inner room features a fireplace. The warmth was so soothing and we loved the aroma of the burning wood.

We ate in the front room. It is all windows and a garden like feeling. Tall candleholders grace the tables. The charming Elie Benchitrit greeted us with his authentic warm tone and French accent. We were immediately transported to Provence. The menu is pure French and the afternoon just got better as we indulged.

The Luncheon Prix Fixe at $25.00 offers a variety of tastes from the regular menu.

Soups of the Day or Du Puy Lentil Salad are offered as appetizers. The main entrée has three choices. Cheese or Ham Omelet with salad or fries is a tasty choice. House Authentic Toulouse Pork Sausages are served with frites and Dijon. An Assiette de Charcuterie offering many varieties of gourmet goodies is the third choice. If you still have room left you will enjoy the Crème Brulee.

I was with a dear friend and we both agreed that holiday time had played havoc with our waist lines and we wanted to show some sense of restraint. She ordered the Fresh Mediterranean Dorade ($22.00) It was filleted and pan roasted with allumette fries and sautéed vegetables. She enjoyed the total offering. I sampled her sautéed vegetables and the flavor bounced on my tongue. The frites were too delicious and impossible to ignore. She found the fish to be perfectly cooked and very flavorful.

I ordered the Atlantic Salmon, Orange and Star Anis Marinated, Coho Salmon Caviar, served on Ezekiel bread and frisee salad.($14.95) Elie recommended this dish and he was so correct. The salmon was somewhat like gravlox and a little like smoked salmon but very distinct and unique. It was a magical dish. The frisee salad had the perfect vinaigrette and the total dish w s exquisite.

I had given some thought to the Roasted Beets and Celeriac Remoulade Salad.($11.95) I know that will be my choice on the next visit.

Steamed Mussels are served with white wine, cream and petits Lardons.($19.95)

Baguettes and sandwiches are all built with Dijon and Aioli. A ½ Baguette of Jambon, Gruyere and Watercress is served with frites.($13.95)

The menu offers many choices. We were so impressed with the gallant service and the tasty food. What an easy way to take a little trip to Provence.

I was intrigued with the listing of Cooking Classes with Chef Owner Elie Benchitrit featured every Monday in January. A further program for February will be available very soon. Check the web at provencedelices,com