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| - 2.5 stars
Symposium Cafe and Lounge has an identity crisis that actually works to its advantage in the suburbs. Is it a bar, cafe or a nice restaurant? It situates itself in convenient strip malls and fulfills all these roles, boasting a vaguely Mediterranean vibe (like, fake vines and fountains and bananas) that contrives a "nice outing" ambience . This makes it the the perfect around-the-corner spot in areas that don't really have around-the-corner cafes, bars, or restaurants.
The most recent incarnation of this growing franchise is in the plaza close to my family home.
Service is slightly stiff given the casual air of the patrons, but other than that pretty good. Food is generally alright. Skip the benny at breakfast, french toast is great. Daily deals seem to be pleasers. Tonight I had the burger/pint deal. Burger was greasy and came with only a single ring of red onion (my dad and I thought that was a hilarious place to cut costs); pint selection consisted of a wide selection of PBR or Sleeman. But hey, it was $3.75 at the place around the corner, and that makes it kind of awesome.
What brings this place from 'ehnn' to 'score!' is simply the fact that it's THERE-- it EXISTS! A place to go in Northern Glen Abbey! There's a patio in the summer! It's decorated for Christmas! A neighbourhood joint to grab a bite/ a pint/ brunch! So while Symposium isnt all that great, I'm still grateful this franchise took root where the old Rogers Video used to be (lol), and brought its strange brand of manufactured-mediterranean ambience to our corner of the plaza.
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