By the Way Cafe

By The Way 400 Bloor St. W. 416 967 4295

It is like coming home when I enter this familiar restaurant. I know the menu and am guaranteed to have tasty home cooking that pleases. By The Way has been a neighborhood restaurant for many years. The place is always crowded from breakfast until late evening.

Each day there is a special menu listing culinary delights. The emphasis is on healthy Mediterranean style food. I have never been disappointed and always enjoy the spirit of the restaurant as well as the tasty food.

My grandson Alex is leaving in a few days for his cross country tour to initiate his new CD Bridges. I can’t wait for him to come back to Toronto in late June to have his Toronto inauguration.

I wanted to see him to hear all about his extensive plans. He has worked so hard for this tour and I want it to work out well for him. I can’t believe all the details necessary to plan a cross country trip for 5 musicians.

It was still brunch time but our lovely server was willing to have us order from the lunch menu. I should mention that the brunch specials were also very tempting. A variety of egg dishes, waffles, French toast and yogurt are offered daily for the brunch crowd. The Mexican Eggs are my favorite.

I knew without checking I was going to have my very favorite Warm Tuna Nicoise.($12.00) Loin of tuna is grilled to perfection and topped on crispy greens. Potatoes, boiled eggs, crispy French beans and olives are all topped with an herbal dressing. I love this dish and I tend to have it on each visit. Alex also agreed that this was a spectacular lunch dish. Starters offer many choices for those trying to watch calories or dine lightly. The Soup is always tasty and offered at $6.00The Original Quesadilla offers a grilled tortilla with cheese, salsa piquant and sour cream.($7.00) The Bagel, Cream Cheese and Lox is prepared with a Montreal bagel, smoked salmon, capers, onion and cream cheese.($10.00)

I love the Omelettes. The Brie and Mushroom Omelette is a winner.($10.00) Feta Cheese and Tomato Omelette is also a delicious choice.($9:00)

The Middle Eastern Plates are always a winning choice and I have enjoyed it on many occasions. Jerusalem Hummus is prepared with pureed chickpeas in a zesty lemon garlic thane sauce.($6.00) In Israel hummus is a standard dish and always tastes so rich and creamy and flavorful. This hummus is every bit as delicious as anything I have tasted in Israel (and I have eaten hummus around the total country) Two people can happily dine on the Combination Plate.($10.00) A delicious combination of hummus, tabuleh, babaganough and Israeli salad are so delicious and filling.

There is an extensive menu. The specials add additional choices. I find the service speedy and warm. The prices are more than fair. What could be better than a centrally located restaurant offering delicious affordable food? That is why I keep coming back.