Restaurants
Simply Nosh Bistro
Simply Nosh Bistro has a sign that's been attracting my attention for the last couple of months.
This Roncesvalles brunch spot, which replaced B in January but closed for two months earlier in the year, sits at the apex of Dundas West and Roncesvalles Ave. Its red lettered sign is perfectly positioned to catch the eye as you approach the intersection.
As befits its name, Simply Nosh serves a good selection of embellished bistro staples: basic pastas, salads and a myriad of egg based breakfasts (omelettes, poached eggs and multiple, inventive frittata choices).
There is something about visiting Simply Nosh that is, fleetingly, very slightly trepidation inspiring.
The combination of it's temporary-looking signage and sparsely decorated but conspicuously accessorized interior gives a bit of a transient impression. You'd be forgiven for thinking it had either just opened or that it's open status was permanently in question.
Once seated though, the relaxed atmosphere doesn't reflect this at all. Stacks of newspapers and magazines are available to peruse, divertingly coloured local art covers the walls and menus come enclosed in eclectic vinyl album covers.
We order coffee and try not to keep our server waiting too long as we finalize our choices from the extremely appealing selection available.
My friend gets the irresistible trio of french toast ($11.95) which is composed of maple crunch, blueberry and cream-cheese filled variations.
A tasting platter of french toast is a damn appealing notion, especially on an empty stomach and it doesn't disappoint. A side of homemade berry compote and a litre bottle of maple syrup for free pouring at your own discretion help to amp up the indulgence factor.
The smoked salmon organic salad ($10.25) includes sautéed potato wedges, delicious house dressing and is impressively tasty despite it's simplicity.
A light and scrumptious soft omelette with tomato, olive and gruyère filling ($8.95) comes with dressed salad greens, sautéed potatoes and buttered toast.
Our server also thoughtfully brings a jar of home made jam and extra butter with the food, just in case we want to further augment our breakfasts.
Simply Nosh Bistro is a great addition to Roncesvalles, especially as there are relatively few designated brunch places in the neighbourhood. The service is friendly and it's still quiet enough that you can easily get a table and linger if you want to, even at weekends.
Opening hours 8.30 a.m-3.30 p.m, Tuesday-Sunday.
Photos by Emma McIntyre
Discussion
19 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
http://www.cgl.uwaterloo.ca/~csk/its.html
I will say that the staff was very friendly, but I am no hurry to go back.
RIP B's.
Haven't tried Simply Nosh yet, but I will now.
I do agree with Sean, there are a lot of places to get brunch in Roncy's;
Aris Grill
Aris Place
Brad's
Butler's Pantry
Freshwood
River
Sunrise
Tinto
Easy - technically speaking it is in Parkdale, but it is on the border of Roncy's so I'll include it
All of them aren't devoted 100% to brunch, but they all have something to offer. If you want a standard brunch with volume and a good price go to Aris Place, Aris Grill or Sunrise. If you want something a little different go to Tinto's, Butlers Pantry or Easy.
Personally my favourite is Brad's. It is the kind of place that has a small menu but you want everything on it, and I've never been let down by my selection.
Food is so tasty and presentation is superbly put together with details and right portion size. Non-gene organic carrots is worth trying. Menu is simple yet sophicated and nutritious. Every dishes on the menu is worth trying and prices are below $10. Check it out yourself.
I was thoroughly disappointed in my interactions with Nosh.
I also thought the decor look transient, and dusty, and if that's what a restauranteur presents to his customers, one can only imagine that the comment from "J" about the uncleanliness of the kitchen holds some truth, non?
I have always thought this non-descript and easily missed corner of Dundas W was a bad location to start a business. It's the concave curve of Dundas where it melds with Roncesvalles, and there is a lot happening traffic-wise, so my bets were always on making sure I didn't get run over when hoofing it, and making sure I didn't run someone over while driving! I hardly notice the businesses on the north side of the street, which is why I never ever found 'B' even when I went looking for it with friends one day. Still sad about that ...
Still, I don't like to read that employees were being treated badly - on any website, and neither do the grassroots Birkenstockers making Roncey Village their home now(and neither does the vestigial Polish Babushka brigade, for that matter!), so I think it's a good thing the 'Nosh'ing is done for now, and that the owner is 'relocating' - to some place where his transient 'devil may care' business model will be better tolerated.