Seven Grams Cafe

Seven Grams Café 131 Avenue Rd. 647 351 1317 revisited The Capuucino was so superb I had to return for a second visit. This coffee house amazes me. It is not a part of Avenue Road with a large passing trade. It is a little north of Yorkville Ave. It is a testament to the fine quality of the coffee and the pastries that this place is booming. Once again I ‘dragged’ my dear 98 year old aunt out for a stroll and some coffee. I even insisted she try the cappuccino for a new experience. It was a lovely day and we sat outside. We had to race to beat another couple for the last table outside. We were the winners in more ways than one. It was fun to look at all the patrons inside. Some were working on their laptops. I pads were also prominent. The important thing is that the place is thriving. You can feel comfortable alone or in a group. I always like to look to see what people are eating or drinking. Various pastries (mostly made in house) were being consumed. I stuck with my favorite Cranberry Biscotti. It is exceptional. On my next visit I plan to sample one of the Sandwiches. They look so inviting. The bread is a multigrain and the fillings look so delicious. The sandwich is enormous. I will have enough for another meal at home. I am on a mission trying cappuccinos around the city. This is my favorite spot and the very best cappuccino. I love the surroundings with the whimsical art work. It doesn’t matter if you sit inside on the top level or downstairs at the bottom level. It is a great place to enjoy the finest coffee with a delightful ‘nosh’. I can’t get enough of the wonderful stuff.

Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom There was a torrential downpour and I was in it. I was devastated to realize that I was at the wrong film. I had no intention of seeing this picture. I had seen many previews and determined it was not for me. I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover. It was creative, witty and very original. The time is 1965 and the place is the New England coast. The bizarre story is mainly told by two 12 year olds. Sam is an unusual young boy. He has been foster child and it hasn’t worked out. In fact the family doesn’t want him any more. He is in a Boy Scout troupe and is not liked there at all. He is friends with Suzy and they run off together. Suzy lives with her bizarre parents. (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) Her three younger brothers seem like the perfect little boys. They are a contrast to the weird Suzy. She walks around with her binoculars around her neck, her knee socks and her too tight dress. Her blue eye makeup is so overdone. The Boy Scout troupe is a riot. The leader smokes and allows behaviors that are totally ridiculous. One boy works with explosives. The fun begins when the Boy Scout troupe begins to search for Suzy and Sam. Suzy and Sam are also totally ridiculous but a riot. They run away carrying a suitcase and other items. They seem to have so much fun together. They dance in their underwear and seem so comfortable with one another. The story is sad/funny. The adults all seem mixed up. The two rebels are strange but know what they want and are comfortable with it all. It is quite cast and they all perform so well. Bruce Willis plays the part of the police man. Edward Norton is the ridiculous scout leader. This is a story of youth rebellion. The teens know what they want and set out to live their life in their way. They rebel against the adults and the norms of society. They cause no harm to anyone in their pursuit. There is so much humor but underlying the comedy is a serious side of two individuals who are struggling to find their way. I was totally surprised by this film. The previews did not work for me but the film certainly did.

Charles Inn

Charles Inn 209 Queen St Niagara On The Lake 1-905 468 4588 An outing at the Shaw Festival requires fine dining to complete the package. I have always loved this quiet inn at the end of the main street beside the golf course. There are 12 lovely rooms for a stay over with a continental breakfast. The dining room is old Victorian and beautifully outfitted. The food has always been superb. I have had lunch on the back porch as well as in the fine dining room. I have enjoyed a superb gourmet dinner here before going to a show, I was anxious to have a new experience at an old venue. I haven’t been in a few years and I suspect there are new owners. There are tables outside in the garden for lunch, drinks or afternoon tea. We sat on a porch that has been added to the front of the inn. It is the quiet end of town and the large white house with the yellow umbrellas in front makes a serene statement. The food was good but I was a little miffed with the service. I felt that the greeting was a touch haughty. The service was unbearable slow. We had a play to attend and had advised the server. We finally had to get up and ask someone to take our order. The water was slow in being delivered Now that I have expressed my problems I must add the food was wonderful. The environment was quiet and regal. The server was most attentive at bill time. My friend ordered an 8 oz. Beef Tenderloin Burger.($14.00) The server was a little arrogant when she asked him to cook it thoroughly. When it arrived she was delighted with the taste and quality. The onion bun was delicious. A small tray with condiments was placed on the table. I ordered the Roasted Beet Salad.($9.00) The greens were fresh and crisp. A few beets were at the bottom of the plate and a little goat cheese was placed on top. The vinaigrette was superb. The serving size was a little small but I had already planned to have a gelato on my way to the theatre. I was tempted with the Trio of Canadian Cheeses. ($12.00) House made chutney is served with grapes and baguette crostinis. You are able to make a selection of your cheeses. Our server raved about the Roasted Leg of Chanteclaire Rouge served with celeriac risotto cake on baby spinach. ($15.00) Apparently it is a house special. I adore macaroni and cheese and was also very tempted with the offering of Maitake Parmesan & Truffle ‘Mac & cheese.’ Herbed panko crumbs are on top of a creamy dish of elbow macaroni, parmesan cream, caramelized onions and baby spinach.($15.00) This is a classic inn with delightful food. I just wish they would try a little harder in the ‘friendly department’. We noticed that many of the restaurants in town have been renovated and updated. Charles Inn has a lot of competition. With a little more effort they could be ‘the top of the line.’ I was just grateful I was with a friend who is flexible and willing to try anything. She even forgave me for the bad play we saw. That was a lot of driving on her part for mediocre activities.

Last Call at the Oasis

Last Call At The Oasis Guaranteed that after viewing this important film you will check all your taps for drips, shut off the garden hose and empty the pool. You may even stop buying bottle water. The film made a deep impact and it was all very upsetting. The film opens with beautiful pictures of gurgling water and free flowing streams. How beautiful and tranquil. The mood quickly changes as we learn about the crisis throughout the world with drought and polluted water. “Water is the single most necessary element.” Erin Brockovitch takes on the challenge of residents in several states in the US. Their water is so contaminated and the government has not acknowledged the problem. She is a fearless fighter and has helped the residents to make some change. In some places the water was so bad. When tested it reached astonishing levels of pollution. Scientists have proved the mutation of many species as a result. We are so privileged here with swimming pools, showers, car washes and watering our lawns. We take it all for granted. Los Vegas is facing a mega problem. Too much construction and too little water is presenting a serious issue. Many of the large hotels have enormous fountains using great quantities of water. The water levels throughout the world are shrinking. Apparently 36 states in the US face water shortages in the next 3 years. The water crisis in Australia and the Middle East is discussed. Chemicals and industrial waste have hastened the pollution of our precious water. I wasn’t surprised to hear the name of Dick Cheney and Halliburton in being responsible for destructive waste entering the water. I had never heard of Atrazine before. It is a chemical causing prostate cancer. It is banned in Europe but is widely used in the US for agriculture. Bottled water was another issue discussed. How naïve we are to think that the water in those purchased bottles comes from the Arctic or wherever they say. Some suggestions are given. Many scientists are interviewed throughout the film. I found it very educational and most upsetting.

Bistro Tournesol

Bistro Tournesol 406 Dupont St. 416 921 7766 Perfection from every perspective! My son and daughter-in-law were visiting from Chicago. It was their anniversary and the meal had to be splendid. I gave so much thought to the location and type of food that would be pleasing to connoisseurs of fine dining. I know they love small, charming restaurants and above all the best cuisine. Bistro Torunesol has been a favorite of mine for many years. The food is guaranteed and yet every time I dine here I remark on how exquisite it is. Mel Bryan, Philip Lewicki and Craig Lockhart have the perfect formula. Every guest is so warmly welcomed to this delightful restaurant. I like the fact that it is a bit off the hot trail of noisy, high tech, top of the line restaurants. It is elegantly appointed and in such fine taste. The menu is creative and offers choices for any palate. Every bite is exquisite. It was even better than I remembered and my guests were overjoyed with my choice. A first and second course is $29.00. The biggest problem is in making a selection because it is all so tempting. The East Coast Crab and Fish Cake with Celeriac Remoulade melts in your mouth. Perfection on a dish! The Escargots “A La Bourguignonne” with garlic, parsley and pastis butter were thoroughly enjoyed. I opted to sit out a first course in anticipation of dessert. The Tournesol Green Salad with sunflower seeds, cucumber, carrot, beet and shallot vinaigrette is a popular choice. Duck Terrine with pine nuts, shiitake mushrooms and cranberry chutney and basil crostini also wows many patrons. I remembered that the salmon was the most exquisite in town. (And it still is) Grilled Atlantic Salmon with herbed aioli melts in your mouth. The outside is crispy. The tender moist flesh melts in your mouth. The aioli adds a dash of flavor. The fish sits on a bed of perfectly cooked greens. One of my guests opted for a special of Pan-seared Fresh Rainbow Trout with blackberries & black pepper balsamic vinaigrette. It was a winning combination.(Add $3.00 to the prix-fixe) The Boullabaisse was prepared with sea scallops, mussels, shrimp, salmon and fresh tomato. The white bowl was enormous. The portion was gigantic.(Add $3/00 to the prix-fixe) A bowl of the best Pommes Frites is placed on every table. I defy you to leave one. They are so delicious. We all were satiated and delighted with our choices. I had raved about the Lemon Tarte and we all knew that we were going to indulge. To say it is the best in town is an understatement. They are prepared in house. I could devour several of them because they are so exceptionally good. The Fruit Crumble with ice cream was also noteworthy. It is such a satisfying feeling to have the perfect meal. My family was also delighted. It was wonderful to return to this ‘gourmet heaven.’ Make sure you check the website.www.bistrotournesol.com. It is great to read about these three talented and creative owners.

Where Do We Go Now?

Where Do We Go Now? This was the best film I saw at The Toronto International Film Festival. It won the prize as the People’s Choice Award. I laughed and I cried. This fable was an example of how we can get along in a diverse culture. It also showed the negative side of two different cultures fighting one another. The story takes place in a village in Lebanon. Christians and Muslims live side by side. The mosque is beside the church and the religious leaders get along. The town folk speak the same language and watch the same TV programs. If only it was that simple. Amale is a single mother with a crush on Rabih. He is a local plasterer. It is a riot to see them sing and dance as if the divide between them does not exist. The film dramatically opens as we watch a procession of women clad in black mournfully walking to the cemetery. It is an omen of more to come. It is then surprising to see an interlude with everyone in the town leading a peaceful life in harmony. The harmony is shattered with a newscast of trouble in the area. Unfortunately the people in the town also show their worst side. The mosque is vandalized by the Christians and the church faces damage by the Muslims. The women in town spring to action. They import a group of Ukrainian women (strippers) to divert the hostility and tension with the men. It is hilarious. The calm lasts only briefly and is once again destroyed with a hostile action to a young boy. Once again the two sides go into action. The women beg for a peaceful solution. The film is an allegory and it has a definite impact. The use of humor throughout helps to balance the destructiveness of the real issues. It was joyful to watch the women play a powerful role in the events and to use psychology to try and stop the negative behavior

L'espresso Bar Mercurio

L’Espresso Bar Mercurio 321 Bloor Street W 416 585 2233 My grandson and I were brunching. The weather is phenomenal and we wanted to be outdoors and we wanted to enjoy excellent food. Fortunately this neighborhood spot is within walking distance. I could have jumped. For years Bar Mercurio has been a family run restaurant. It is an institution at St George and Bloor. I love being greeted by a family member and made to feel so welcome. The food is always superb. Several years ago the family dared to take over a very large space across the road. Brother Joe tends to spend most of his time at Bar Mercurio. Sister Theresa superbly manages the L’Espresso Bar Mercurio. It is a morning lunch place. The space is enormous but so effectively divided that you feel privacy at your own table. The enormous outdoor patio is widely used during the warmer months. I still have my ambition to host a family dinner in the small but elegant private room. My grandson commented that it was hard to believe we were on Bloor St. The patio has a country outdoor feeling. This restaurant is a big favorite of the university crowd. I was having a small dinner party at home in the evening so wanted to enjoy a lighter lunch. The Salad Nicoise was ideal.($13.00) The mixed greens were perfect. Small crispy pieces of green beans, tomatoes, eggs and olives were plentiful. A large scoop of tuna was placed on top and it all was enhanced with the citrus olive oil vinaigrette. On many occasions I have enjoyed the Beet Salad prepared with arugola, beets, pear, walnuts, shaved asiago, and a citrus olive oil dressing. The Smoked Trout salad features smoked trout, baby spinach, roasted peppers, tomatoes, light aioli and a lemon olive oil dressing.($13.00) My grandson is a hearty diner. He opted for the Prosciutto Panini. ($15.00) The olive fougasse bread looked so delicious. The thin slices of prosciutto were packed into the large portion of bread. A choice of sides is offered with a panini. My grandson chose a Caesar Salad. Sweet potato fries and arugola salad are other options. The Eggs Benedict are a house specialty. Smoked salmon or black forest ham is offered. The eggs are medium poached and served with an herb hollandaise sauce. The roasted herb potatoes are so tasty. The exotic creation is served on ciabatta bread.($14.00) Breakfast diners can enjoy the Home Made Granola prepared with fruit and almonds. It is served with French yogurt or milk.($8.00) This is my neighborhood gourmet restaurant. I have dined here since it first opened. It is a popular spot and always busy. The service is friendly. Our server, Louisa, was so helpful and willing to please. The pastry counter greets you as you enter the restaurant. Oh My! I have tasted many of the sweets and can’t even pick a favorite because they are all so good. I do love the Biscotti. Many of the desserts are gluten free. L’Espresso Bar Mercurio continues to enchant the neighborhood. The food is consistently wonderful.