Media: Toronto Life
Date: November 28, 2008
This east-end bistro is an anomaly on this nonÂtrendy strip of the Danforth. Though the mood is casual and the decor bare-bones, the food is extraordinarily accomplished and the value is tremendous, with no main over $20.
HusbandÂand-wife chefs An11 Chettiar and Melanie Ferreira have solid culinary cred: he was a chef at the Royal York and she was a pastry chef at Le Marche Movenpick, And their experience shows in exquisitely executed standards (think roast pork tenderloin with jus so deeply flavourful you could dive into it) that are touched with eclectic accents.
An app of meaty crab cakes, with nary a hint of filler, arrives alongside mango- and chili-spiked rernoulade. Moist blackened salmon comes with an addictively creamy, lick-the-plate-good ragout with five types of lentils.
As expected, desserts are house-made standouts. Ridiculously light cheesecake is bathed with fresh mango puree; for the more abstemious, homemade chocolate truffles are a sweet treat wit.h coffee. Mains $14- $20.