Restaurants entailed in the prohibition of brunch reservations ought to be obliterated from modern society. In a world where groceries can be obtained via smartphone applications and the chemical composition of most food items can be mindlessly derived with the click of a handheld mouse, eateries should be complying with the times and undertaking their due responsibility to create a system of dining that is both pleasurable and efficient.
A consistently high popularity ranking is, by all means, favourable for a dining spot located amongst thousands of other options in a metropolitan city. However, does management even consider the potential legions of customers that could experience their fare should a functioning reservation policy be installed?
Mildred's Temple Kitchen, Liberty Village's ever-hyped brunch spot, makes exceptions for "B'Lunches" on weekdays and weekdays only. One would think that weekdays are generally lax to begin with, and that specifications could easily be attended to, however this is oddly never the case in Toronto.
I secured the reservation, then routed the itinerary; it was supposed to be a sunny day filled with sunshine and iced beverages. Alas, overriding the originally tropical temperatures was a heavy downpour that caused the skies to sadden to a dreary blue-grey. The fact that my train had been delayed clearly was not sufficient in distributing misery to a damp, early morning, for my entire trek towards the restaurant consisted primarily of muggy cigarette fumes and closely avoiding contact with a vehicle whose driver had complete disregard for stop signs. (Do the people behind you a favour - don't smoke in the rain please. Though some may enjoy saturating their respiratory organs with ashes, I'd like to refrain from inhaling nasty, second-hand air particles of condensed grit. Thanks a bunch.)
Mildred's Temple Kitchen, Liberty Village's ever-hyped brunch spot, makes exceptions for "B'Lunches" on weekdays and weekdays only. One would think that weekdays are generally lax to begin with, and that specifications could easily be attended to, however this is oddly never the case in Toronto.
I secured the reservation, then routed the itinerary; it was supposed to be a sunny day filled with sunshine and iced beverages. Alas, overriding the originally tropical temperatures was a heavy downpour that caused the skies to sadden to a dreary blue-grey. The fact that my train had been delayed clearly was not sufficient in distributing misery to a damp, early morning, for my entire trek towards the restaurant consisted primarily of muggy cigarette fumes and closely avoiding contact with a vehicle whose driver had complete disregard for stop signs. (Do the people behind you a favour - don't smoke in the rain please. Though some may enjoy saturating their respiratory organs with ashes, I'd like to refrain from inhaling nasty, second-hand air particles of condensed grit. Thanks a bunch.)
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orangecane had arrived first, seeing as transit delays had caused a drop in punctuality rating. Conversing with the same haughty hostess as before, I found her seated towards the back of the eatery, her back towards the tall windows lining the perimeter of the establishment. Our very compact table, as well as that of our neighbours, each consisted of seating in the form of booths as well as plastic-like chairs. Perspectives from the booths were brighter, roomier, and more vibrant, though it was questionable how often they were subject to thorough hygeinic processes. Several homey cushions managed to camouflage some of the wear, though spotty patches prevailed in the exposed areas.
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My seat was wide, but on the smaller side for storing my two bags plus rainjacket (plus dripping umbrella). It took me a while to arrange my belongings in such a manner that no element would accidentally fall through the hole in the back. Prior to that though, it was necessary to clear off crumbs left from the previous diner(s), seeing as no one else had bothered.
Our server was a jolly man with a thick European accent that I couldn't quite distinguish. He was the only one of hundreds that suggested I ease myself into dining mode before returning with an introduction of the menu. The entire floor consisted of at least four other members of waitstaff, but many expressed reluctance to even debut a shy smile.
Our server was a jolly man with a thick European accent that I couldn't quite distinguish. He was the only one of hundreds that suggested I ease myself into dining mode before returning with an introduction of the menu. The entire floor consisted of at least four other members of waitstaff, but many expressed reluctance to even debut a shy smile.
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First impressions of the environment were largely positive: the interior consisted of high ceiling and varying light fixtures, bar seating in addition to ground-level group tables, and a cohesive beige-copper colour scheme.
The washrooms were of great interest to me, seeing that adjacent sections had been executed quite nicely. Four individual stalls and one handicap stall could found inside a short hallway. Each was spacious, equipped with the necessary toiletries, and illuminated by a soft glow situated behind a dark panel.
My one quibble was that airplane notifications were played overhead as opposed to mellow tunes. On one hand, it allowed patrons to conjure up the image of travelling to a new destination with each visit. For constant boarders of domestic aircrafts such as myself, I writhed in discomfort at the opening notes of Air Canada's flight safety demonstration. The entire sequence was headache-inducing for me, since there is nothing more loathesome than Air Canada and their wretched, lowlife crew.
The washrooms were of great interest to me, seeing that adjacent sections had been executed quite nicely. Four individual stalls and one handicap stall could found inside a short hallway. Each was spacious, equipped with the necessary toiletries, and illuminated by a soft glow situated behind a dark panel.
My one quibble was that airplane notifications were played overhead as opposed to mellow tunes. On one hand, it allowed patrons to conjure up the image of travelling to a new destination with each visit. For constant boarders of domestic aircrafts such as myself, I writhed in discomfort at the opening notes of Air Canada's flight safety demonstration. The entire sequence was headache-inducing for me, since there is nothing more loathesome than Air Canada and their wretched, lowlife crew.
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Glancing over the menu once more, our server re-appeared with a smile as he saw me half-perched on the edge of my seat ("half" because my baggage had consumed the remaining space). He provided descriptions of a select few b'lunch items, noting that their famous pancakes could also be requested in single portions at six dollars apiece.
Food and drink selections were categorized with clarity on the two-sided menu. Encased in hard plastic, the sheet exhibited edge cracks that had propagated over time, eventually becoming a hazard to young children.
Food and drink selections were categorized with clarity on the two-sided menu. Encased in hard plastic, the sheet exhibited edge cracks that had propagated over time, eventually becoming a hazard to young children.
In spite of my repeated attempts in persuasion towards Veda's Choice, orangecane insisted on the hearty Big B'Lunch Skillet. It was a familiar dish for her, and apparently always succeeded in curbing ravenousness.
Less hungry was I, thus opting for Wally's Cheesy Flakey Tart. Sharing a single serving of Mrs. Biederhof's Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes was our mutual decision.
Less hungry was I, thus opting for Wally's Cheesy Flakey Tart. Sharing a single serving of Mrs. Biederhof's Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes was our mutual decision.
Cocktails have been crowned a quintessential element of brunch, and curiosity led me to try The Pancho. Comprised of orange juice, lime, rum, and ginger syrup, I eagerly anticipated a refreshing concoction several notches stronger than a mimosa.
Appearance-wise, I was rather fond of it. The simplicity of the drink was appealing to me. Two sips in though, it was an entirely different story.
Perchance, my tolerance is too weak, for the strength of the mixture instantly offered an intense blast of bitter mouthwash and an excruciating headache. I was only able to consume one third of the glass' contents before surrendering the remainder of my$9.95. As opposed to being enjoyable, the drink was downright vicious and uncomplimentary of our materials of sustenance.
My only resort to nausea relief was the wedge of lime attached as a garnish. This later amounted to rather painful pH imbalance.
Appearance-wise, I was rather fond of it. The simplicity of the drink was appealing to me. Two sips in though, it was an entirely different story.
Perchance, my tolerance is too weak, for the strength of the mixture instantly offered an intense blast of bitter mouthwash and an excruciating headache. I was only able to consume one third of the glass' contents before surrendering the remainder of my$9.95. As opposed to being enjoyable, the drink was downright vicious and uncomplimentary of our materials of sustenance.
My only resort to nausea relief was the wedge of lime attached as a garnish. This later amounted to rather painful pH imbalance.
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Mrs. Biederhof's Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, or rather, Pancake, made its arrival first. An oblong white ceramic dish supported a pool of maple syrup and aqueous blueberry compote. Soft mini blueberries, icing sugar, and a hefty dollop of white cream topped off the inch-thick breakfast slab. Though the portion size had been reduced, condiments had not been skimped .
Instead of the numerous air bubbles and spongy texture experienced with School's Black n Blue Flapjacks, Mildred's was true to their name of serving "the fluffiest pancakes in all the land". Within each bite was vanilla-scented airiness and a sweet, chewy bounce lightened with tart blueberries. The addition of buttermilk provided stable texture to the otherwise delicate composition.
The brunch spot's pancakes were every bit true to the reviews, and priced reasonably based on individual sale. A towering stack of three pieces, as well as its sixteen-dollar price tag, would be excessive as a single person's portion. Fortunately, clients can still obtain a taste of the item without compromising the slew of alternative plates.
Instead of the numerous air bubbles and spongy texture experienced with School's Black n Blue Flapjacks, Mildred's was true to their name of serving "the fluffiest pancakes in all the land". Within each bite was vanilla-scented airiness and a sweet, chewy bounce lightened with tart blueberries. The addition of buttermilk provided stable texture to the otherwise delicate composition.
The brunch spot's pancakes were every bit true to the reviews, and priced reasonably based on individual sale. A towering stack of three pieces, as well as its sixteen-dollar price tag, would be excessive as a single person's portion. Fortunately, clients can still obtain a taste of the item without compromising the slew of alternative plates.
Wally's Cheesy Flakey Tart landed with a side of mixed greens pre-tossed in an oil-based dressing. As I grimaced at its slick appearance, the two girls seated next to us darted questioning looks in my direction. (But really, what's it to you?) This continued as I scanned the floor for our designated waiter.
Though I was unable to find him, another waiter entered my peripheral without prompt. He gladly provided an unseasoned plate of greens, setting a shallow dish of dressing beside it should I wish to adjust the portion to my liking. I definitely appreciated the gesture, however it would have been more fitting to use a larger plate to prevent the greens from spilling onto the table with every jab and poke.
The tart itself bore great resemblance to a quartered quiche. Its edges were flakey and buttery, just as advertised, and its surface bore a golden, crisp sheen. Ingrained within its inner compartment was a warm and wonderfully silky egg mixture where the sweetness of caramelized onions flourished. Vibrant bits of baby spinach and skillfully incorporated goat cheese also made prominent appearances.
At $12.95, the tart should have been considered a luxury appetizer in itself. Whilst Brioche Doree's smoked salmon counterpart doesn't rank nearly as high in price, Wally's was an indulgent item that I truly enjoyed. Due to its richness and my overall meek appetite, I eventually took the leftover fragments home. Even after several hours of touring Queen West though, its flavours hadn't wavered from its initial warm state.
Though I was unable to find him, another waiter entered my peripheral without prompt. He gladly provided an unseasoned plate of greens, setting a shallow dish of dressing beside it should I wish to adjust the portion to my liking. I definitely appreciated the gesture, however it would have been more fitting to use a larger plate to prevent the greens from spilling onto the table with every jab and poke.
The tart itself bore great resemblance to a quartered quiche. Its edges were flakey and buttery, just as advertised, and its surface bore a golden, crisp sheen. Ingrained within its inner compartment was a warm and wonderfully silky egg mixture where the sweetness of caramelized onions flourished. Vibrant bits of baby spinach and skillfully incorporated goat cheese also made prominent appearances.
At $12.95, the tart should have been considered a luxury appetizer in itself. Whilst Brioche Doree's smoked salmon counterpart doesn't rank nearly as high in price, Wally's was an indulgent item that I truly enjoyed. Due to its richness and my overall meek appetite, I eventually took the leftover fragments home. Even after several hours of touring Queen West though, its flavours hadn't wavered from its initial warm state.
As told by orangecane, the Big B'Lunch Skillet was exactly as she had hoped for: a comforting dish of spices, beans, tomatoes, and runny eggs. A small spoonful of the salsa-topped beans emitted slight heat with a heavy dosage of Mexican flair.
I made it a mission to snap as many images as possible, for it is impossible to tell whether I'll willingly undergo the pains of waiting, ever so inefficiently, for a table in the future. My first visit comprised of excellent service and satisfying subsistence, yet also included a cramped dining environment, uneven distribution of natural light, and heavy noise pollution. Tables are situated quite close together, which means that coversation of the adjacent table will be overheard regardless.
Wait time and convenience assume the most significant factors in the decision process - for now, they hover on the borderline of precondition fulfillment.
I made it a mission to snap as many images as possible, for it is impossible to tell whether I'll willingly undergo the pains of waiting, ever so inefficiently, for a table in the future. My first visit comprised of excellent service and satisfying subsistence, yet also included a cramped dining environment, uneven distribution of natural light, and heavy noise pollution. Tables are situated quite close together, which means that coversation of the adjacent table will be overheard regardless.
Wait time and convenience assume the most significant factors in the decision process - for now, they hover on the borderline of precondition fulfillment.
Trinity Bellwoods was only a modest walk away, so we set off to explore the plethora of independent, locally-owned shops while unhurriedly incinerating the calories from brunch.
Purchases of the day included a PVC feather ink pen from The Paper Place and matcha jelly from Sanko. (Also thanks to orangecane for the quirky souvenir!)
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We also happened to pass by the charcoal soft serve vendor while continuing eastward along Queen. Its explosive popularity had summoned a substantial lineup even before the shop had opened! I cannot say I'm impressed with the reviews though...
At some point later on, the idea of venturing to St. Lawrence Market was scrapped for leisurely lazing about Delysees.
Previously, I was only provided enough time to grab three of the Parisian cafe's mini sandwiches to go. This time around, no schedules required attending to, therefore successfully creating a relaxed atmosphere.
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< Pictured above and below: Iced Medium Drip Coffee, Pistachio Almond Croissant, Iced Tea, and Mini Almond Croissant >
To cope with her newly-sustained sugar rush, orangecane picked iced coffee as her beverage of choice. This was mildly amusing, for she tends to stray from espresso-based drinks and fixate all ardor onto teas, especially Earl Grey/London Fog. I, on the other hand, enjoy starting my mid-mornings with a brisk glass of cold brew (or lightly sweetened latte for breakfast-less days).
We switched roles for the day, for I feel head over heels for Sloane's Heavenly Cream at first sniff. Creamier and a tad more floral than most black teas, its subtly sweet and fragrant properties ensured it an ideal fit for straight iced tea. The exception exclusive only set me back $2.25.
To cope with her newly-sustained sugar rush, orangecane picked iced coffee as her beverage of choice. This was mildly amusing, for she tends to stray from espresso-based drinks and fixate all ardor onto teas, especially Earl Grey/London Fog. I, on the other hand, enjoy starting my mid-mornings with a brisk glass of cold brew (or lightly sweetened latte for breakfast-less days).
We switched roles for the day, for I feel head over heels for Sloane's Heavenly Cream at first sniff. Creamier and a tad more floral than most black teas, its subtly sweet and fragrant properties ensured it an ideal fit for straight iced tea. The exception exclusive only set me back $2.25.
As satiation gradually subsided, it was noticed that Delysees pastry selection was diminishing with each crack of the door. By late afternoon, only a disappointing assortment of mini sandwiches and danishes remained. This sight consequently spurred the decisions of seizing the last Pistachio Croissant and third-last Mini Almond Croissant before they vanished into thin air.
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Full-sized croissants rang in around $4.95, and the mini versions at $2.50. I quite liked the smaller portion, actually; my Mini Almond was satisfying without being overly rich. The interior was smooth albeit grainy from the pulverized almonds.
An ambrosial aura was shared amongst both picks, as with an insanely crisp exterior. The pastry itself was firmer and less buttery than imagined - this very characteristic allowed for texture diversity when compared with the sweet, bold filling, and prevented the shell from stealing the spotlight.
An ambrosial aura was shared amongst both picks, as with an insanely crisp exterior. The pastry itself was firmer and less buttery than imagined - this very characteristic allowed for texture diversity when compared with the sweet, bold filling, and prevented the shell from stealing the spotlight.
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Service was quick and friendly, though it did slow down when only one staff member remained to assist with the ordering and delivery of the entire floor. Nevertheless, Delysees upheld its reputation as a cozy yet sophisticated cafe for casual coversation. (Password-secured Wi-Fi and outlets obviously add bonus points too.)
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Depressing as it was, the sky finally began to clear up as we parted ways. At the very least, I had succeeded in avoiding rush hour even if I hadn't garnered the glow I desired.
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