It's one of those neighbourhood places that you can count on for a decent meal. Nothing is going to show up on your table that's surprising. In fact, I swear the menu is exactly the same as it was when I lived in the neighbourhood 20 (?) years ago. The decor is similarly unchanged.
I've criticized other places for this kind of consistency because I read it as a refusal to grow, but here I think its different. Serra is providing nice, affordable eating for the locals and I'm sure they appreciate the option of nice service and nice food in a nice place. My dinner tonight was very nice and truly comforting.
It reminded me that when I dismiss the Bloor-Annex strip as home to indistinguishable, unmemorable variations on Mcdonaldized ethnic food, I need to remember Serra is there and get me some yummy pasta!