Mercurio

What a completely fantastic afternoon. Four friends had just attended the premier of another friend’s film. The film was emotional, creative and very well done. We decided to go out for a lunch following the presentation. Where better to have good conversation and sensational food.

The jazz music is always so inviting at Mercurio. The family run business has been an institution on Bloor for many years. Brother Joe or sister Teresa is usually there to give you that special welcome. I find it amazing that the charming mother is still very active in the business. Apparently she still does some of the baking for Espresso by Mercurio situated across the road. What an inspiration!

The food is so authentic Italian. The place has such a warm atmosphere. I always have the feeling of being in Italy. This is definitely a favorite spot. Just try and get a table after 6:00 p.m. without a reservation. Forget it. It used to be that you ordered your food at the counter and you would be called when it was prepared. I am delighted that it is now full service and great service at that.

A Panzerotti was the choice of one friend. It was an enormous portion of a round pizza covered with a lot of fresh tomato sauce. A side salad made it a very complete meal. I don’t know how she managed to finished it all but apparently it was so good she couldn’t leave any. This was one of the specials for the day.

Insalate Caprese was the choice of another friend. A huge mound of Buffalo Mozzarella cheese was mounded on a large portion of roasted tomatoes with pesto. Small pieces of foccacio were on the side of the plate. ($14.00)

My sister opted for the Omelet di Pollo.($!4.00) Smoked chicken, roasted red peppers, basil and white cheddar made for an exotic dish. All omelets are topped with sour cream and caviar and are served with a choice of in house frites, roasted vegetables or green salad. My choice was Fettucini Al Funghi.($16.00) It was sensational and brought back memories of the tasty pasta I enjoyed in Montepulciano, Italy. The pasta was perfectly al dente. The variety of forest mushrooms was infused with truffle oil and reggiano cheese. I loved every bite. I was still licking my lips the next day when I thought about this dish.

The Pizzas are amazing. Years ago my grandson was a student at UTS across the road. Every Wednesday we would lunch together. This was our favorite place. They still remember that Pizza Margarita ($11.00) was his favorite choice. I noticed it is still on the menu.

Pizza Genovese is another favorite with chicken, breaded eggplant, pesto, tomato and mozzarella.($16.00)

Sharing a pizza and a salad can make for a wonderful lunch. Insalata Arugola is composed of arugola leaves, roasted pepper, asiago and tomatoes.($!2.00) Insalata Beet has been my choice on many occasions.($12.00) Roasted beets, pine nuts, spinach and gorgonzola make up this tasty exotic salad.

This restaurant is the trendy place on Bloor St. L’Espresso Bar Mercurio is the sister restaurant across the road. There is a reason they are both so busy. Good food and great service ought to be their motto.