I passed by Vero Italian Bistro by chance one afternoon in Kensington and a photo of their classic Bouillabaisse - filled with mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, seasonal fish and tomato broth - made me stop and take a closer look.
A few days later, I had a leisurely lunch to catch up with a good friend. The menu at Vero is constantly changing, making room for local and seasonal produce. And the menu offers something to thrill most any palate, and budget, with both a set lunch - starting at just $15 for an appetizer and main - and a la carte options.
The restaurant is small and intimate, with a quaint patio that extends out onto 10th street, but is surrounded by a privacy wall so conversation is comfortable. Our server was polite, attentive and helpful. My risotto was divine and the grilled scallops - a notoriously difficult dish to prepare - were cooked perfectly.
One visit was all it took to put Vero on my list of personal favourites - I'll certainly return.