Restaurants
Mimosa Cafe and Grille
I am not sure how seriously I should take Mimosa Cafe & Grille.
On one hand, you have a cheap, tarp-like restaurant sign outside that looks like the grill is only there temporarily. On the other hand, the interior is dressed with white linen tables, dark wooden chairs and lots of candlelight.
I popped in for a snack. I was just a bit hungry and don't like to settle for a bag of chips or a street dog. Mimosa offers a variety of tapas - that is exactly the size I was looking for to fill my belly.
The menu doesn't really sway to one 'type' of cuisine. It is really a mish mash of familiar dishes with fancy names and enticing ingredients. I ordered the Phyllo Champignons ($6.50), Ribs Saigon ($7.95) and the Moroccan Lamb ($8.95).
The tapas came on one platter. I suspect since they were easily distinguishable, the waitress didn't need to point out what was what. However, I think it would have still been nice.
The braised lamb shoulder was served with raisins and pumpkin seeds. It was a tad bit dry for me, but the flavour was nice and mild. Too much goat cheese destroyed the mushrooms and sundried tomato vinaigrette flavours in the phyllo. They were also quite oily and needed to be dabbed with a napkin a few times.
The braised pork in ginger and soy were very well done. The meat melted off of the bone with ease. Unfortunately, the matchstick potatoes that accompanied it were very stale and inedible.
The service was marginal. It took awhile to get more water, even though the restaurant was pretty much empty. The waitress seemed to loom around us as we were paying the bill. It was quite uncomfortable.
I would return to Mimosa again and give it one more try. If my experience is the same, I would definitely ex-nay it off of my list of repeat locals.
Mimosa Cafe & Grille
2497 Yonge Street
416-487-7188
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I'm assuming you're a local now that I read your Mimosa piece. And then the La Vecchia one that I commented on earlier this week... Newsflash for you: there's hardly any decent food left in the Yonge/Eg area. Just pricey average (Mimosa, La Vecchia, MEATing, Cfood, etc) or overpriced pretentious (Centro, etc). Though I too am a local and can't believe I'm saying this, perhaps finding another area of town to focus on food is a good idea. Sadly, this area lacks - except for:
Zucca (one of the best Italian restos in Toronto, if not the best). Also for Italian, Coppi north of Lawrence used to be very good - I think it's still a good option - a bit pricey and a bit out of the 'hood tho.
Generally, Yonge/Eg is now only good for takeout - I'd sooner go to What-A-Bagel at the corner for a fast tuna sandwich, or to Yummi's for a quick and simple but tasty salad or main if you're hungry... much better than wasting time and $$ on the neighbourhood fixtures.
I'm assuming you're a local now that I read your Mimosa piece. And then the La Vecchia one that I commented on earlier this week... Newsflash for you: there's hardly any decent food left in the Yonge/Eg area. Just pricey average (Mimosa, La Vecchia, MEATing, Cfood, etc) or overpriced pretentious (Centro, etc). Though I too am a local and can't believe I'm saying this, perhaps finding another area of town to focus on food is a good idea. Sadly, this area lacks - except for:
Zucca (one of the best Italian restos in Toronto, if not the best). Also for Italian, Coppi north of Lawrence used to be very good - I think it's still a good option - a bit pricey and a bit out of the 'hood tho.
Generally, Yonge/Eg is now only good for takeout - I'd sooner go to What-A-Bagel at the corner for a fast tuna sandwich, or to Yummi's for a quick and simple but tasty salad or main if you're hungry... much better than wasting time and $$ on the neighbourhood fixtures.
I'm assuming you're a local now that I read your Mimosa piece. And then the La Vecchia one that I commented on earlier this week... Newsflash for you: there's hardly any decent food left in the Yonge/Eg area. Just pricey average (Mimosa, La Vecchia, MEATing, Cfood, etc) or overpriced pretentious (Centro, etc). Though I too am a local and can't believe I'm saying this, perhaps finding another area of town to focus on food is a good idea. Sadly, this area lacks - except for:
Zucca (one of the best Italian restos in Toronto, if not the best). Also for Italian, Coppi north of Lawrence used to be very good - I think it's still a good option - a bit pricey and a bit out of the 'hood tho.
Generally, Yonge/Eg is now only good for takeout - I'd sooner go to What-A-Bagel at the corner for a fast tuna sandwich, or to Yummi's for a quick and simple but tasty salad or main if you're hungry... much better than wasting time and $$ on the neighbourhood fixtures.
You are right. It is a tough area to live in as a foodie. No worries though, I will be venturing beyond Y&E for other joints and more reviews. Did you read the Sen5es and Black Camel reviews?...Stay tuned for more!