Loire

Loire 119 Harbord St 416 850 8330

I haven’t seen my dear friend Ginny since she returned from a Russian cruise. I adore her and Michael. I was so excited about seeing them and wanted to hear all about this exotic trip. We decided to try a new restaurant and agreed that Loire was centrally located and had received great reviews.

What a treat. It was like taking a trip to France. Loire has such a wonderful feeling. It is beautifully decorated. The large flower paintings brighten up the walls. It is all furnished in such good taste. On a hot evening we chose the large outdoor patio. The side wall of the building is covered in wood that matches the interlocked wooded fence. Wooden frames encase the hanging lamps. It is all delightful. Sylvain Brissonnet is the experienced sommelier and owner. He was so charming and we loved to hear him speak French. Ginny and Michael were able to converse with him totally in French. It was as close as I will get to France.

The appetizer section offered many choices. The Goat Cheese Cake has a pistachio crust, antipasto salad and is flavored with an aged balsamic reduction.($13.00) Both Ginny and I indulged in the Baby spinach & Belgium Endive Salad.($11.00) I was satisfied with that as my dinner choice. I found the salad refreshing and cool with the watermelon and Ontario strawberries. Ginny also enjoyed the salad as a main course. As an appetizer she ordered the appetizer special of Beef Tartare. Michael chose it as the main course .They were most impressed by the flavor and the presentation. Michael also ordered the Special Salad of Tomatoes and very special Fresh Mozzarella Cheese.

Tempura Fried Soft shell Crab is served with a fennel-snowpea fresh roll and a miso and lime dressing.($17.00)

The Jerk Beef Carpaccio is served with a pineapple- arugula salad, cashew nuts and fried plantain.($14.00)

I was watching a diner at a neighboring table enjoy the Seared Sea Scallops,”Nicoise.” It is served with a black olive tapenade, quail egg and caramelized fennel.($26.00) The patron was obviously enjoying this beautifully plated food.

I have already planned for my next visit the Leek-Ricotta Ravioli. ($23.00) Sweet potato puree and grilled king oyster mushroom and a petite salade make up this tempting dish.

The Loire Lamb Burger is served with tomato jam, Quebec brie cheese, Portobello mushroom, toasted Harbord Bakery challah bread. House cut fries also come with this gourmet feast.($19.00)

This is French food at its finest. The atmosphere is so welcoming. The patio was filled so obviously others have also discovered this little exotic spot offering such fine food.

I booked my reservation on Open Table.ca. It is a great web site. Numerous restaurants are listed. You can choose the time and date of arrival. The computer lets you know if a table is available and will send back a confirmation number. You even get points for each booking and eventually will receive enough points for a dinner.