L'Espresso Bar Mercurio

L’Espresso Bar Mercurio 321 Bloor St. West 416 585 2233

It was a freezing cold day. How nice to walk two blocks to this neighborhood popular spot. The subway also stops at the corner. L’Espresso is a large restaurant but it is divided in such a way that you feel comfy. Guaranteed you will meet someone you know. I always do.

At lunch you order your food at the counter and the food is delivered to your table. It is all prepared fresh and the food always is tasty and nicely presented. I like the fact that this is a family business. On this occasion nona (grandmother) was busy looking after the table of young children in the private room. Owner Joe was observed overseeing everything. Sometimes his charming sister, Theresa, is bustling around. This family knows the restaurant business and they do it so well. When they are not supervising at L’Espresso they are busy at the Bar Mercurio across the road.

When you enter the restaurant you check off your order from a printed list. The food is prepared and delivered to you. While ordering, do take a minute to look at the pastry counter. I drool thinking about it. My favorite is always biscotti. The shortbread and chocolate cookies come second best. It is a great place to pick up croissants or pastries for take out.

Panini are favorites at this establishment. The Vegetarian Club Panino offers bocconcini, zucchini, spinach and roasted red peppers in an artisan baguette.($10.75) It is gluten free. The New Crab Salad Fougasse Panino is filled with crab salad, sweet peppers, scallions and Boston lettuce marinated in lemon aioli on an olive bread.($12.95) Seafood Tortilla is a popular choice with roasted red pepper tortilla stuffed with crab. Shrimp, avocado. julienne tomato, and aioli, with an olive oil tomato dressing.($10.95) The Angus Burger is topped with tomato, lettuce and onions. It is served in an artisan ciabatta bun with side aioli. It is also gluten free.($10.95)

The Salads are a work of art and so tasty to the palate. I can feel so virtuous dining on healthy gourmet food.

My friend ordered the new L’Espresso Salad with Tuscan beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions, ciabatta croutons and feta cheese in a citrus olive oil dressing.($11.95) I enjoyed the Nicoise Salad served with Italian tuna, Yukon potatoes, tomatoes, dried black olives, green beans, organic eggs and drizzled with a citrus olive oil dressing.($12.95) The greens were so crisp. The beans were perfectly prepared. I love this salad.

Soup and Chef’s Special are listed daily. Try to save room for a pastry. (or two) This is a very popular place for the university crowd. It is always filled but never too noisy. In the summer the enormous patio is bustling with good energy. I like the positive vibration and I love the food. It is a great brunch lunch spot.