| Review by Anne Garber | | | | sure to check out the daily chalkboard specials, as |
| 166 Bedford Road | | | | you enter. |
| Toronto, ON | | | | We visited for Mother's Day (a hint: for special |
| 416-921-0995website | | | | occasions, arrive when they open at 5:30 or risk |
| This local secret offers outstanding French | | | | disappointment -- or a ridiculously long wait), and in |
| bistro-style fare in Toronto's centre. | | | | our group of four (including TWO mothers), we |
| Recommended items include the melted Brie | | | | tried the Provimi calf's liver-bacon-and-onions, with |
| appetizer and herb-roasted chicken. The | | | | demi-glace (superb), the Truite aux Amandes |
| atmosphere is casual and the wine choices are | | | | (Rainbow trout with almonds), and a mélange |
| unique. University types, writers, and actors from | | | | of shellfish, calamari and other seafood (the dish is |
| the surrounding neighbourhood come to this | | | | called "Bourride à la Provençale") -- perfect for |
| authentic French bistro-on-a-budget for the | | | | the non-meat-eater in our group; my daughter's |
| ambience and modestly priced wine list. Even my | | | | only "regret" -- once she spied the sumptuous |
| hard-to-please parents love this place! | | | | servings at the table next to us -- was that she |
| La Paradis is a true hidden gem in Toronto. The | | | | hadn't ordered a regular entrée, as the side |
| service is very friendly, albeit a little slow on busy | | | | dishes were brilliant. I had a large scoop of |
| nights. Reservations are recommended (see | | | | wonderfully flavourful squash, a mound of |
| below). | | | | whipped potatoes, and a hefty serving of greens. |
| The atmosphere here contributes at least half of | | | | For dessert, we four shared a trio of freshly |
| the experience: Opt for the room directly at the | | | | house-made sorbets: pineapple; papaya and |
| end of the restaurant, as opposed to the sunken | | | | raspberry, positively radiant in their flavour. |
| room to the right (from where you enter). The | | | | The bill -- for four hungry adults -- came to a |
| far room more closely resembles a Left Bank | | | | modest $85, including generous tip, beverages and |
| bôite than any Toronto eatery that I have | | | | usurious stipends for Messrs McGuinty and Martin |
| visited. | | | | (ie taxes). |
| Steak and fries, the aforementioned crisp | | | | Hours: Lunch, Tuesday to Friday, noon to 3:00 |
| herb-roasted chicken, and exotic tajine de volaille | | | | p.m.; Dinner, Sunday & Monday, 5:30 to 10:00 |
| (a Moroccan stew of chicken, prunes, olives, and a | | | | p.m.; Tuesday to Friday, 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.; and |
| plethora of seasonings) get the creative juices | | | | Saturday, 5:30 to 11:00 p.m. |
| flowing. Owner/Proprietor is David Currie; Chef de | | | | Major credit cards accepted. Reservations |
| Cuisine is Craig Domville. | | | | recommended. |
| Don't overlook the daily pris-fixe menu and be | | | | |