Future Bakery - N. Queen

Reporting for Dessert Duty Sir!

On request, I accepted a mission from a neighbourhood Dinner Host Skipper to bring the sweets to a "Bring on the Spring" Saturday BBQ. I enlisted my two best (and only) mini-soldiers, strapped them into the mobile family command unit and set course to patrol the "Fresh Baked Factory Outlet Sector" around Kipling and Norseman.  Locked target on Future Bakery on North Queen, near East Mall.
The place was doing some good business - moving imported groceries, foods prepared onsite,deli, breads and lunch specials.  My squadron scouted the dessert displays and selected a sampling of rumballs, portugese custard tarts, walnut baklava and pistachio baklava. All had good reviews from the principals - Mission successful, except the Spring was a no show.
I love the smell of napalm in the morning... but actually prefer the scent of roasted nuts and sugar.

Price: $12
Rating: B

106 North Queen
416-231-1491

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Lee's Thai Spring Roll - Lakeshore

Twas a special evening and the Mrs. and I were both in a colourful far eastern mood - we decided to head out somewhere new.  Set up a reservation for Lee's Thai Spring Roll on Lakeshore Blvd. just west of Islington.  I believe this is a new location - moved just down the street from the original and it had recently been very nicely renovated.  The decor and ambience was clean and modern but still had a relaxed feel.  They happened to have some type of 60's show tunes on rotation when we entered that unintentionally created an odd eclecticism - The bar seemed to have a touch of "Tiki" to it, which is hardly ever a bad thing. We started out with spring rolls & cocktails - I had a Tiger Beer from Singapore - why not?

We ordered up a few of our signiture Thai favourites; tom yum soup (fair), beef salad (had better), mango salad (good) and off our beaten path with some chicken & pineapple fried rice (real nice). It was a comfortable night, we hung out and sipped down some red wine for a little while after our spoons/forks stopped clanging up the symphony of flavours.  The tunes were now something completely different and the bits of tiki were still oddly fitting in - of course.

Price: Good
Rating: B-

2976 Lakeshore Blvd. W
416-252-8868

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West 39 Bistro

You feel as though you've stumbled onto a secret when you come across West 39th Bistro in the city's west end. Nestled along the Lake Shore in South Etobicoke' Long Branch neighborhood you'll find an oasis of New York trendy dining in an intimate yet simplistic elegant setting. While the menu changes ranging from gnocchi, salmon, lamb, chicken and daily specials depending what's fresh at the market, there is always homemade soups and desserts.

In addition to chic lunch time and evening dining, the new incarnation of West 39th Bistro features a prix fixe menu every Tuesday which treats you to a delight of specials at one fixed price.

If you are craving great food surrounded by elegance with an urban vibe, save yourself the flight to New York and stop by West 39th Bistro.

West 39th offers a relaxed, modern atmosphere, with comfortable and variable seating arrangements that lends itself perfectly to any function.

The menu is an eclectic continental fare with a definite Italian flare. Main courses range from $17-$25 with options for casual lunchtime diners as well as those interested in a very special evening. While a number of wines from around the world compliment the culinary creations at West 39th Bistro, there is a focus on Italian offerings.

The knowledgeable staff is able to accommodate requests varying from book-club gatherings and birthday parties to fundraisers and corporate meetings. A traditional brunch menu - with comfort foods as well as a few nods to international flavors - is offered on the weekends.


3747 Lakeshore Blvd W.

* As reviewed on Dine.TO

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Kalamata

I was in the mood for greek food and happened upon this wonderful restaurant one Saturday morning. I was incredibly amazed with everything from the moment I walked in the door until the time I left. The food, ambiance and service are all exceptional. I was not rushed at all and took as much time as I wanted. I have made Kalamata's my favourite weekend brunch spot. The menu is so different from any other brunch I've ever had and the food is very tasty. I brought my hard to please husband there for brunch on a different Saturday, and he was quite impressed, which says a lot!

Rating: B+
Price: Good

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  3473 Lake Shore Blvd W Etobicoke, ON M8W 1N5

As reviewed on www.restaurantica.com

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