Neighborhood charm

Posted by Ken from Boston, MA on 7/17/06

I chose the Bistro because a) it was directly across from my hotel; b) Toronto was wilting in a heat wave c) I was taken in by the authentic decor - lace curtains, woven plastic chairs, just like in Paris. The food choices were very good, the preparation very, very good, and the service attentive and personalized. Reading the other reviews, I have to say it must all depend on the evening, the crowd, etc. I was on business, and able to relax, and didn't mind the mild hubbub of other business groups in the room. The magret de canard was wonderful, although the starchy rissoles/croquettes were a bit leaden. The creme brulet was delicious, although the glaze was too thick and tough - it should crumble at the spoon's first touch. All in all - a lovely find in a rather sterile stretch of Bay Street, and a welcome oasis in a heat wave.

If you like great fries.. try this place.... BUT

Posted by Karl from Barrie on 4/15/06

If you are perceived as having some potential influence - some of the reviews seem unquestionably positive. This one is not! Even though our group of 24 spent ~$3600 for a $5 steak & fries and some half decent wine - the payout did not promise courteous service nor value for one's dollar - even a few thousand of them! Upon arriving we waited an extended period of time for far less than reasonable service. The limited menu (supposedly because of our large group) consisted of steak and fries or salmon. I should have gone with the salmon - fishy as it may have been. Few of us were given the choice of how well the steak was cooked. Many of them had seemingly more grissle than meat. Even the 'Keg' would have beat 990 hands down in comparison. As our meal wound down so did the service. One of our party members kindly asked for a tea as the server brought around the coffee - the simple request was returned with the server rolling her eyes in minor disgust. As for the good reviews we read prior to going here - we certainly did not share their experience. Would we return - one might ask? NO WAY !!!