I rarely eat in food courts, but I make an exception for Karine's. The location is great, across the street from the AGO, close to Queen West, close to the University Ave. hospitals (if you work there).
I have been here a couple times now, around brunch/lunch time. The first time I had a vegetarian omelette that was alright, but nothing earth-shattering. More recently, I had their $5 breakfast special (available every day of the week) and was really impressed. I got: scrambled eggs, whole grain toast, side salad (you can sub bacon/sausage if you feel meat-y), garlic fries, and fresh fruit + tea. Oh, and the $5 includes tax. That kind of value can't really be beat! At most cafes, just a latte and a cookie would cost more than that! The food was simple and good, although nothing I couldn't whip up myself at home. But the garlic fries bump this place up to 4 stars for me. So delicious. There are actual tiny, chopped pieces of garlic (just be sure to bring mints).
Other pros:
- Even on a busy weekend, the owner is cheerful and unfrazzled. And yes, she calls you "baby".
- They use real dishes, mugs and cutlery so that even though you're eating in a food court, there isn't a ton of needless waste.
- You can help yourself to ice water (it's in a big jug on the counter, with some berries for some fruity flavour).