Fanny Chadwick's

Fanny Chadwick’s 268 Howland Ave. 416 944 1606

I wish I had known Fanny Chadwick. Apparently she was an author, loved parties and was a personality living in the Annex. Proprietors Lianne and Sarah pay homage to this colorful neighborhood figure. They deserve much credit for this enterprising endeavor. The premises were formerly a Chinese restaurant. I have watched the renovations taking place since last year. I kept going by to see what was going to be in this out of the way spot. It is on the corner of Howland Ave. and Dupont. Pictures of the original old restaurant are hung near the front entrance. The inside has been completely gutted and made to feel comfortable and stylish. I was fascinated with the shelves of home made preserves that are used as garnishes. The ketchup is made in house.

My friend told me that the pickled beans were noteworthy. As we left the restaurant we overheard a young gentleman sitting by the door exclaim,” This is the best club sandwich I have ever eaten.” He certainly seemed to be devouring it with pleasure as he read his book, Proust. The restaurant has only been open for 3 weeks. What fun to discover a new spot!

Andrew was our server. He knew all about the food items and was very helpful. He is what a good server should be. He attends to the patrons and makes sure that all is well. He listens to concerns and makes good suggestions .I liked the fact that he so enjoys what he does and he does it very well.

I was craving a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.($8.00) It was served on sourdough bread. The filling was creamy, rich and delicious. I could taste the delicious pommery mustard that blended so well with the cheese flavor. The home made ketchup was sinful and perfect. There was a generous portion of a side salad. The greens were fresh and crisp. I could have chosen frites or soup.

My companion opted for the house cured Gravlax. It was served with pretzel bread, cucumber and those fantastic pickled beans.($10.00) This is a real gourmet treat.

Salads are popular at lunch or as an appetizer at dinner. Fanny’s Warm Winter Salad offers roasted vegetables, blue cheese, sherry walnut vinaigrette.($10.00) The Mixed Greens are prepared with a pommery-poppyseed thousand island or fresh herb dressing.($6.00)

I was tempted with the Mac and Cheese and will come back for that stomach filling dish. The touch of whipped cream suggested I postpone that selection until my waistline diminishes somewhat.

At dinner the Mains are varied.

Leg Of Lamb is served with seasonal vegetables, leek and potato mash and lamb jus.($18.00) A Beef Burger was being presented to another patron. It was plated so beautifully and served with house ketchup, mustard, mayo, cheese, jus, veggies and pickles. Hand cut fries and salad are part of this favorite combination. It is available at lunch and dinner.($16.00) I dare you to eat it all.

Pan-Seared Fish and Chips is not a battered fish. The rainbow trout filet is crispy and served with those delicious hand cut fries, house slaw and house tartar.($!6.00) The Corned Beef and Cabbage is prepared with seasonal cabbage, pierogi and pommery mustard.($20.00)

I hope that pepper will be made available on the table or ground at the table by the server. A pleasant lunch and a welcome new neighbor.