Adding pics feedback to follow
1 Like
How were the servers and the service?
This was a somewhat planned trip as managed to get a reservation for an early dinner. Personally I never visited the Rosedale diner that used to occupy this place and from what I overheard they took the office space upstairs as well. The place itself is tight (could be the layers of clothes that added to that feel 
service was quick and courteous as they seemed to have experienced folks here. I didn’t like the space with lots of tables being too close and uncomfortable seats with back to the wall (reminded me of Bernhardt’s)
On too food somewhat limited imo.
We had the following Mediterranean platter. I particularly enjoyed the cheese and other items were decent and nice buttered toasted bread side
. Good start.
Brick chicken was decent as well nicely done with crisp skin and cooked to a nice moist level. Enjoyed the sauce as well.
Espresso brulee was ok (to be fair we were told that it’s not their best foot forward)
Overall decent food though priced at a higher level for what it is in this area. They might do well as this area is known for neighborhood clientele with an emphasis on repeat business.
2 Likes
$95 for a 10 oz steak frites?!?!?! Hilarious 
3 Likes
I was turned off by some of the staff (edit: at the Ossington location), when I stopped in to see if I could order a breakfast sandwich to-go maybe 18 months ago. Their breakfast sandwich is often mentioned by TorontoLife and BlogTO. Their breakfast sandwich is one of the few breakfast sandwiches I have not tried
Their site is set up for ordering take-out during the week, but I learned in person that they won’t do take-out on the weekends. It didn’t say that anywhere on their site. They won’t make acceptions to accomodate people who are immune compromised. The restaurant was not busy when I stopped by to ask.
I chuckled when their staff was upset by the attitude from the Star Trek actor who wanted a table, because the 3 employees I spoke to certainly had attitude of their own.
Cry me a river.
Hmmm I don’t think this Manita location was there that long in Rosedale (I think 3-4 months now) maybe ossington?
It was definitely the Ossington location. Same owners.
I will edit my initial post to make it more clear.
The Ossington location seemed to be hiring staff more for their youthful looks than their skills.
Hopefully, the Rosedale location will be more accommodating.
That breakfast sandwich now costs $29.
Yeah exactly I was shocked at that price as well this isn’t Morton’s etc.
1 Like
Yeah exactly I think service was what I expected plus we were in and out in less than an hour so didn’t interact much with either.
Rosedale dining establishments imo have a lot more neighborhood customers. If you give bad service they don’t return. Sorrel, Quanto basta and even terroni here have immaculate to very good service. I prefer dining in this area over Yorkville. I am not liking that they stuff the place with tables and uncomfortable seating lately though.
1 Like
I agree.
I lived near Yonge and Davenport for a year in the 1990s, and I ate out in Rosedale and Summerhill fairly frequently.
Back then, Rosedale Diner, Lakes, and Thai Magic, all closed now, had good service and good moderately priced food.
So did the Rebel House, which offers solid pub food at prices that are usually lower than what pub chains like the Firkin are charging. I started revisiting the Rebel House about 3 years ago, more for the back patio and the welcoming service. The food is pretty good.
Terroni was already in business on Queen West back then, but I didn’t visit anTerroni until around 2006, around the time they opened more locations.
Rosedale and Summerhill regulars are a very different type of patron than most Yorkville patrons.
I still have yet to try Quanta Basta, which I know you have recommended.
1 Like
I didn’t enjoy Rebel house much on both the visits. If you prefer take out I actually quite enjoy Avant Gout (their lamb shank with escargot or a dessert also a freebie salad if you use skip the dishes) have been a go to when I feel like having a good wine and just relaxing at home. They aren’t busy but seem to have stayed in business for a while now. In Yorkville the Earl’s has been quite good especially their happy hour promo. Good service as well though it’s very loud. Needless to say their seafood platter and bottle of wine are becoming a weekly fixture
1 Like
Lol!
1 Like
Thought you’d like that. 
Maybe I’ll try it while there’s no HST.
1 Like
Thanks for the recommendation. I realize Avant Gout is a very good restaurant.
I haven’t been getting take-out from Rosedale or Summerhill too often. I had one take-out hot veal sandwich from Boccone last fall. That’s the extent of my recent Rosedale and Summerhill take-out, I think.
I mostly visit when patios are open.
I visit The Rebel House with friends whose budgets and comfort zones work at The Rebel House or the Duke of York.
I’m actually surprised Avant Gout has been able to keep their prices as low as they have. It’s cheaper than most bistros in lower rent parts of town. Lots of mains still at $30, and Steak Frites at only $42, when many places are charging $50 or $60. This place is a Bôite for the Buck, @elvisahmed.
I will get a take-out meal from Avant Gout, and take it to Ramsden Park, after the thaw.
I’m amazed the salads at Avant Gout are $12-$15. I have trouble finding a salad for less than $18 in Little Italy and on Dundas West.
Well it’s a freebie with skip for 35$+ order for delivery or pickup so a no brainer for moi
1 Like
It’s out of principle for me.
I forced myself to walk to go get my own take-out when I was living in NYC almost 30 years ago, and I have kept to that most of my life. I have had around 10 meals delivered to my home over the past 30 years.
I also want to reduce the number of adults riding their bicycles on the sidewalks in Toronto. Every little bit helps. Some of the cyclists are friggin’ dangerous, leaving a wake of fallen pedestrians behind them.
I ordered avant gout delivery today as it felt like a nice summer. Had the regular Moroccan spiced lamb shank and added the crab cakes as an app. Crab cakes are ok (I prefer the thicker version of crab cakes I guess) and come with a salad side so I kept the freebie of beet salad for later.
Went well with a nice red wine. Sharing pics. I also noticed Quanto basta is on doordash delivery can’t recommend that place enough
1 Like
