A quick note that you may have noticed that I am now following you; I have been following you for quite some time, but had not figured out how to do it in WordPress! Well, I’ve finally figured it out and it’s done!
We weren’t going to go out for dinner last night but at the last minute decided to try out Bannock, the new Oliver and Bonacini restaurant at the corner of Queen and Bay Streets downtown. We made reservations on Open Table and got our preferred time. We took the subway to be on the safe side. The restaurant is decidedly contemporary, but the walls are lined with rough cut lumber darkly stained — the National Post called it “woodsy faux voyageur”, I didn’t mind it. It is has several lighting styles throughout. It’s not a huge place, maybe seating a hundred people. The cuisine is said to be Canadian Comfort Food and we are excited about the menu which boasts things such as the Prairie Grain Salad, Shaved Button Mushroom Salad, Mac and Cheese (with a granola topping) and Biff’s fried bologna and eggs! Decisions, decisions!
We arrived a little late but were seated within a couple of minutes. I mentioned lighting styles above and for the most part they are warm, contemporary soft subtle lights which will do a lovely job on various skin shades and textures; we were seated at the “wall of light” that had a 1000 watt LED cool bulb every 2 feet shining down right onto the unsuspecting patrons — yes, you know what I mean, just slightly better than fluorescent bulbs! Our waitress came over and asked if we needed a few minutes (we just got there) and if we wanted water; she sent over the water guy. I had to shield my eyes from the light to read the menu (did I bring my sun glasses?) We did not see our waitress for 10 minutes, no, I lied, she came by several times, looked directly at me and walked on by. We wanted to change our table but by the time she would have come over, the tables had been filled, the place was really busy. We got up and left. We’ll get back there again one day, likely for lunch when I have my sunglasses!
We ended up at Mercatto on Bay Street. We were immediately drawn to the beautiful modern but comfortable Italian décor with lovely crystal chandeliers (dimmed to the perfect level). There are several black-boards throughout with menu items, nice sayings and such. It’s very friendly and fortunately for us, not busy at all. Our waitress was chatty and available. We shared the Crostini which was generously spread with ricotta and topped with prosciutto, arugula and grana padano. It was fantastic, the ricotta might have been a bit thick, but I wasn’t about to complain. We agreed we would both order it again. I had the Polipo which was grilled octopus with spicy ‘nduga sausage (they weren’t kidding about the spicy), fingerlings and swiss chard; another total winner. The sausage did overwhelm the delicate octopus, but again, I loved it. JT had the Chitarra “carbonara” with guianciale (unsmoked Italian bacon), brussels spouts and pecorino — very delicious. I really loved this place and would go back in a second. They have a great pizza oven too!
Overall rating Mercatto (in my opinion): Decor 3.5/5, service 3.5/5, food 4/5, Value 4/5, Noise: 5/5 (1 being very noisy, and 5 being very quiet). The restaurant was pretty quiet, I would imagine it gets pretty loud at night if it’s busy. Our waitress mentioned that they were full booked for New Years Eve.
Disclaimer: We purchased our meal for full price and my opinions just that, my opinions.
Nice review Eva. Have you thought to include pictures or do you prefer not to take them in the restaurant? I know, it can be awkward doing it 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you Lorraine, I am very flattered that you think so. I sometimes take photos with my iPhone, but it’s such bad quality I often don’t post. The Canon is so big and clunky I never want to take it; if I could find a small SLR at a reasonable price, I may reconsider! Taking photos with a flash is not what I would want to do on a restaurant.
LikeLike
I’ve enjoyed reading your restaurant reviews, Eva… they make me want to take a trip to Toronto! Sorry your experience at Bannock was bad. Seems like that sort of thing happens sometimes with newly opened restaurants, but also seems like they’d do better than the blinding lights and LED’s especially. Glad your evening worked out so well after all at Mercatto.
LikeLike
Thank you kindly Betsy, I’m so happy that this series has endeared you to visit Toronto; it’s a really great city and I recommend it whole heartedly! Winter can be a bit cold, but if you stay in the core we have an extensive underground walking system called PATH. Spring or Autumn are the best times if you like being outside. Toronto is an amazing walking city!
LikeLike
Ugh, the lighting sounds awful and I probably would have left, too! I’m glad you found a great place down the street!
LikeLike
Hi Ann, for a few years in Toronto there was a trend for French bistros to over light, fortunately they have discovered dimmers! Bad lighting can totally ruin the mood.
LikeLike
Oooh – it’s a brave restaurant that serves Brussels Sprouts… I don’t think I ever saw them anywhere before. Good for them though! I love them personally and the dish JT had sounded delish!
LikeLike
Brussels Sprouts are quite popular in Canada; my friend ONLY orders them in restaurants as she feels they can do them right! It was a lovely meal, Charles. We’ll be returning some day.
LikeLike
It’s so much fun “dining out” with you. 🙂 All the fun and none of the headaches.
LikeLike
Thanks Maria, it was a fun series, now I need to head to the gym!
LikeLike
great review. I hate when waiters or waitress do that!
LikeLike
I think she was just overwhelmed, non the less it sucked! We’ll try it again after they’ve been open a bit longer, could have been growing pains too!
LikeLike
Oh, that is such a shame about the waitress. I do hate it when they ignore you. At least the lighting and the food were a pleasant surprise.
LikeLike
I think she was just overwhelmed Charlie Louie, it was really busy. I was glad in fact that we had an excuse to leave, I am never really happy in a really busy restaurant…I like to hear myself talk.
LikeLike
Happy New Year, Eva! Hope you have a wonderful year ahead filled with lots of happiness..
I’ve been thinking of paying Mercatto a visit for quite some time now, but never got a chance even though I pass by all the day. The chandeliers always look so inviting from the outside. I think I need to go there soon – lovely review!
LikeLike
Thank you Divya, I wish you all the best too. We certainly had a great experience at Mercatto, and it turns out that my friend Barb (Profiterols and Ponytails) is a frequent luncheon patron.
LikeLike
Well at least you got good food, even if your original plan was altered!
LikeLike
That’s what counts, Greg! 2012 is to be more flexible!
LikeLike
I hate restaurants where the lighting is so bright that you feel like you are on stage. It sounds like the evening turned out well despite having to change your plans.
LikeLike
I hear you Karen, and it doesn’t get better as time goes on. It’s funny though that as soon as we left the restaurant, we both went brain dead and immediately forgot all the restaurants in the area so just started walking. We happened across Mercatto fortunately!
LikeLike
Your appetizer sounds heavenly! I haven’t had rictotta on crostini in ages. That sounds so delicious right now. 🙂
LikeLike
I always forget about Ricotta as a star ingredient, it’s usually a filling or such. The delicate taste was fantastic on the costini — great, another cheese to love again…like I need it.
LikeLike
The lighting at Bannock sounds distracting for sure though I’m intrigued by their Mac and Cheese with a granola topping – was poutine on the menu? 🙂 Mercatto sounds like a beautiful setting and quiet is almost always welcome from my perspective… thanks for your reviews Eva – we make at least two trips to Toronto a year and dine out each time; your recommendations are most appreciated!
LikeLike
I would suggest Bannock for lunch Kelly; I would think Mac and Cheese is more lunchy anyway. I’d love your take on the places I’ve reviewed too. I would definitely go back to Mercatto, it was a comfortable place.
LikeLike
Mercatto is one of my go-to places for lunch — I eat there all the time. It is consistently good and they always have great specials. Glad you enjoyed it!
LikeLike
We also tried the new one at the Eaton Centre Barb, we just had a glass of vino, so I didn’t bother reviewing. I prefer the one on Bay, a little more cozy. Plus the clientele at the Eaton Centre looked a bit dodgy!
LikeLike
So great that there was a good restaurant nearby that turned what would have been a disappointing evening into a nice dinner out. And both of your dinners, by the way, sound delicious!
LikeLike
Thanks John, we are very fortunate in Toronto to have such a lovely variety of restaurants, as do you in beautiful Chicago (did I mention Chicago is one of my favourite cities?) I am hoping to get my Chicago fix soon. My brother travels there quite frequently and his favourite restaurant is Charlie Trotters; it’s a bit to rich for my pocketbook, but a grand experience, I’m told. One of the culinary greats in the US and a true trailblazer in the cooking genre!
LikeLike
Oh, Eva, I hate to be the bearer of bad news … Charlie Trotter’s is closing this August, after 25 years. He wants to go back to college and get his Masters Degree. Once he finishes his education, he says he’ll open a new restaurant. I’ve eaten there once and, though expensive, it was one incredible meal!
LikeLike
Oh no! That’s really too bad, now I will have to make an extra effort to get down there before they close! It looks like this is becoming a trend, didn’t El Bulli close last year to begin operations as a think tank? I didn’t get there either 😦
LikeLike