Every once and a while, I'll agree to take on a downtown drive. As all informed citizens are aware, there are times when public transit is incapable of providing a viable solution.
We headed to the Danforth, a district that I've graced only once and coincidentally amidst the worst snowstorm of the year.
We headed to the Danforth, a district that I've graced only once and coincidentally amidst the worst snowstorm of the year.
Street parking was less of a headache than expected for a weekday afternoon, and we made to Fiorentina for our slated belated Mother's Day celebration only a few minutes behind schedule. (I know, I know - there was the potential to be punctual.)
The family-owned restaurant seated no more than thirty at most, however it was cramped at all. Booths were found along one wall, while a café/bakery/cashier area and four-person tables were situated further towards the back, just before the kitchen. Bathrooms were on the basement level.
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Little research had been executed beforehand, simply because the restaurant's menu was ever-changing. Sourcing ingredients from local vendors enabled their list of offerings to fluctuate constantly with the availability of fresh produce and meat. It was an interesting concept that ensured customers would be served dishes employing in-season items.
A narrow white sheet was bestowed upon us shortly after being seated.
A narrow white sheet was bestowed upon us shortly after being seated.
We kicked off the meal with Rutabaga Soup topped with green apple, microgreens, and a sprinkling of black pepper. The starter boasted a good consistency: neither too runny nor too thick. The addition of fresh fruit also contributed an inkling of sweet acidity, neutralizing the palate before entrée sampling. Speckled stone bowls were a nice, unexpected touch.
Duck Broth Stracciatella had actually been the first choice of all members of the party. However, the dish was exclusive to a particular chef - a chef that would not be arriving until noon. Consequently, we looked towards alternatives.
< Pictured above and below:
- Soup of the Day: Rutabaga with Green Apple
- Roasted Pork Belly on a Pork Fat Bun, Rutabaga Slaw, House Pickles and Chilli Aioli + Greens
- Venison Tourtiere with Salad
- Smoked Cheddar Tartine with Grilled Asparagus and Sesame on Sourdough + Egg, Greens >
Roasted Pork Belly on a Pork Fat Bun bore the boldest profile, especially with chilli aoili and a sunny side egg as complements. The toasted bun contrasted beautifully against salad greens, albeit being a bit tough to cut.
My own Smoked Cheddar Tartine didn't fall too far behind either. With grilled asparagus, pink pickled vegetables, and a fitting amount of melted cheese, I was pleased to discover a combination of complex flavours that provided satisfaction without satiation. The sourdough slab was crisp and tasty, though again a challenge to cut or bite into.
My own Smoked Cheddar Tartine didn't fall too far behind either. With grilled asparagus, pink pickled vegetables, and a fitting amount of melted cheese, I was pleased to discover a combination of complex flavours that provided satisfaction without satiation. The sourdough slab was crisp and tasty, though again a challenge to cut or bite into.
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The Venison Tourtiere appeared dry in appearance, but was actually quite flaky. Enveloped within a thin pastry shell were bits of ground venison and specks of crunchy carrot. Despite straightforward in presentation, the plate's contents did not pale in comparison to the aforementioned.
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More guests began to file in as we eased into the early afternoon hours. Service remained prompt; the lady behind the cashier was quick to respond to any inquiries or requests that we had.
All factors taken into consideration, the brunch session concluded on a positive note. That said, the ordeal ended without the emergence of a defining element, a piece of the two-hour experience that succeeded in leaving a lasting impression. We departed feeling content, but devoid of a reason to trek the distance again.
All factors taken into consideration, the brunch session concluded on a positive note. That said, the ordeal ended without the emergence of a defining element, a piece of the two-hour experience that succeeded in leaving a lasting impression. We departed feeling content, but devoid of a reason to trek the distance again.
The next spot on the itinerary was mon k. Primarily inserted for personal reasons (read: to lay eyes on their assortment of Momo Tea merchandise), we also took a gander at their baked goods and pastries while there.
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I've heard nothing but good things about the quaint little shop. From the classically Japanese cookie choux to dainty macarons to the ever-elaborate Mont Blanc, it wasn't difficult to comprehend its status as a neighbourhood favourite. Alas, delivering unique, innovative offerings meant prices were automatically steeper than similar businesses in the vicinity.
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We took to a brewed coffee, two Cookie Choux, and several croissants before dashing back to the car. Several of the bakery's more intricate pastries had been of greater interest to me, however, the idea of obtaining a few to go was foregoed due to the steadily rising mercury levels and the very consideration that we wouldn't be homebound for another two hours.
The croissants turned out largely average. Amongst the chosen triad of Plain, Chocolate, and Almond, the latter proved tastiest after an intimate encounter with the tabletop toaster. The Chocolate I had, against my better judgement, shoveled down cold in the face of a ticking clock. Its initially fluffy laters were tinged with soddenness, and the chocolate a semi-solid state. Rather plush pieces of puff pastry, I was met with stretchy strands that shattered into a chaotic pile of confetti.
The duo of cookie cream puffs went unsampled by yours truly.
The duo of cookie cream puffs went unsampled by yours truly.
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My favourite part of mon k was, undoubtedly, their frequent fixings of sock monkeys throughout the shop.
Our third and final stop was Allan Gardens Conservatory.
Located at the southeast intersection of College (Carlton) and Jarvis, it was an unsuspecting spot for a flourishing flower garden. Nonetheless, it did wonders in livening the atmosphere of the area, which was otherwise infested with a zombie-like, homeless population.
Located at the southeast intersection of College (Carlton) and Jarvis, it was an unsuspecting spot for a flourishing flower garden. Nonetheless, it did wonders in livening the atmosphere of the area, which was otherwise infested with a zombie-like, homeless population.
Ceilings were taller than anticipated, permitting plenty of natural light to permeate from above. There were corridors left and right, which curved into differently furnished sections before looping back to the door(s).
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The mini overpass and indoor pond was a personal highlight for me.
View the full album HERE !
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Interior temperature levels were comfortable - a few degrees lower than the muggy conditions of the outside world. Before we realized, a total of sixty minutes had passed us by.
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It was time to head home.
P.S. There were no restrooms to be found in the unsupervised conservatory. Visitors requiring such facilities are recommended to plan ahead (and maybe make a Timmies stop first).
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