Today’s Foodie post was kindly provided by a guest blogger (and fellow foodie) – Lisa Ng, of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide! Enjoy.
Le Select Bistro 432 Wellington St. West, Toronto 416-596-6405 Perfect For: Brunch, Date NightIf you’re looking for an elegant brunch to nurse a long week at work, throw off your PJs and head on over to Le Select Bistro in Toronto. This charming French resto is tucked away on a quiet street right in the heart of the downtown. The main dining room is warm and cozy with dark burgundy banquettes, bentwood chairs and a long bar made of zinc. Around back there is a bright and open atelier and in the summer months, make sure you indulge in a dark coffee on their gorgeous front patio filled with rattan chairs that make you feel like you’re in France.
Le Select is one of those fabulous places that serves up brunch on Saturday AND Sunday. Chef Albert Ponzo uses free-range eggs and the majority of his ingredients are now organic or sustainable. The food is fresh, with no snooty attitudes. The staff are welcoming, helpful and friendly. It’s an easy place to meet up with family or a large group of friends. The restaurant has a large capacity, takes reservations for brunch and is busy enough without a half hour wait out the door.
I ordered the Oeufs Forestiers ($15.95) with two poached eggs over a bed of sauteed mixed mushrooms and served with seared polenta, tomato jam and roasted root vegetables. All the flavours were buttery and melt-in-your mouth with a little taste of everything. I didn’t leave feeling greasy or overstuffed. If you’re looking for something heartier, try their juicy Ontario Lamb Burger ($15.95) with Morroccan spices and their crispy frites. My choice for next time would definitely be the Oeufs et Saucisses Fermieres ($13.95) with two eggs, homemade breakfast sausages and Rosti potatoes. It looked like the typical Sunday breakfast of champions with a French twist. Make sure you top it all off with a Bellini ($7.75) made with sparkling white wine and peach nectar – I mean it’s the weekend after all. If you’re starving before you even order, grab a freshly baked croissant ($1.95) to tie you over. They are rated some of the best in Toronto.
Le Select Bistro is easily one of my favourite places in Toronto due to its charm, décor, friendly staff and heavenly food. It’s a little French escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. I highly recommend it for brunch or even for grabbing lunch by yourself with a good book. Bon appetit!
Lisa Ng is a lover of great food and sunny destinations. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of The Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide (http://www.hipurbangirl.com)
More photos after the jump!
