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| - This is a really superb little restaurant. The decor is attractive, with a lovely landscape oil painting adorning one wall, reminiscent of a Group of Seven. The owners and staff are friendly in a way that is disarmingly genuine for a Toronto restaurant. There is a nice, simple patio at the rear, which is homey without being ramshackle. Small Toronto restaurants geared towards brunch crowds often seem cramped and noisy, while this place manages to achieve a tranquil vibe.
The menu is smart: a limited variety of offerings, all very inventive recipes, with fresh seasonal ingredients, and nutritionally balanced. I always leave this place feeling satisfied but not lethargic (as you often do from overly fatty/salty restaurant food). There is attention little details: e.g., the buns used for sandwiches are baked in house and are very flavourful. They have a couple of good local beers on tap, as well as organic wines. The obvious comparator here is Fresh. Calico's food is more artfully prepared, and its prices are considerably less. (A salad and sandwich can be had for $10). I have not tried the desserts.
With takeout food, they make a point of minimizing packaging, and it's all compostable. You can have them deliver food for the week to your office, which I've seriously considered as it would surely be healthier.
Overall this is a delicious, healthy, affordable and environmentally responsible little restaurant. Highly recommended, even to non-vegans/vegetarians.
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