28. Pakistan: Lahore Tikka House

Lahore Tikka House
1365 Gerrard Street East
(between Greenwood and Coxwell)
416-406-1668

We showed up on a saturday lunchtime in what is not the most fashionable part of town - we weren't sure whether the restaurant was open as renovations were in progress. There was hammering and banging while we were there, dining in an adjacent portacabin. The new restaurant is due to open in June. An old 'tuk tuk' was parked out front- truly a slice of life!

We dined on disposable plates and cutlery, with a gratis salad starter with two dressings. We chose from a tick-off menu, placing our order at the counter. We selected a Vegetable Combo Sizzler which includes Tarka Dal (lentils), Aloo Gobi (cauliflower & potato), Chana Masala (chick peas) and Palak (spinach), $9.95; a Hefty Sizzler which includes two chicken kababs, chicken tikka and a generous portion of basmati rice, $11.25; Tandoori naan $1.25.

For this lunch no starter was required - for those seeking a light lunch I would recommend an order of 2 dishes for 3 people. The naan bread was light and not greasy. We appreciated the free parking. Due to renovations our visit did not represent 'normal' service. Total cost $30 including tip.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)

27. Germany: The Musket

The Musket
40 Advance Road
(south of Bloor, between Kipling and Islington)
416 231 6488

This is an unlikely establishment in the middle of an industrial estate next to Dimpflmeier bakery, but don't let that deter you. The service was friendly and attentive on a Friday night, although the servers were rushed off their feet as the place got busier.
We chose Rainbow trout with potatoes and fresh vegetables $13.95; Jaeger Schnitzel with mushroom sauce, potatoes and vegetables $14.95; Sirloin steak sandwich (without the bun and substituting veggies for the home fries), $9.50. Hacker-Pschorr $5.22 a pint. Decaf coffee $1.55. Apple strudel with ice cream $5.75. Full marks for coping with an off-menu item.

Decor - stained glass, flags, artwork and muskets collected by owner Helmut Enser to give an authentic German flavour. Live music got young and old out on the dance floor. Overall a pleasant evening at very reasonable cost.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)

26. Sicily: Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe

Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe
710 & 712 College St
(between Bathurst)
416 531-7755

When we phoned the Konditor Bakery and got the answering machine we assumed that they were too busy to pick it up and so drove out to the Beaches only to find a "closed for holiday" sign on the door. Very disappointed, we didn't find anything suitable nearby so we headed west along College Street.
When we stopped at the Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe it was still drizzling and we were overdue for a cup of coffee.
Sicilian Ice Cream was established in the heart of "Little Italy" in 1959 by the Galipo family who brought the secret of traditional gelato making from their home in Capo D’Orlando, Sicily. The ice cream factory used to be right next door but moved about a year ago. Interesting historical photos of the cafe and display cases of desserts add to the ambiance. This large licensed cafe features an extensive dessert menu. There are a few light lunch items too.
We chose: Nervoso Crêpe - filled with coffee flavoured ice-cream, chocolate chips and drizzled with chocolate sauce, $6.50; strawberry cheesecake - topped with fresh strawberries, $5.50 and cappuccino, $2.40.
Service was prompt and friendly.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

25. Italy: Cafe Diplomatico

Cafe Diplomatico
594 College Street
(west of Bathurst at Clinton)
416 534 4637

"The Dip", as it's referred to locally was established in 1968. Located in the heart of Little Italy, it is light and airy with a large terrace.
We chose: linguini with pesto $10.95, antipasto diplomatico $8.45, grilled paninno - prosciutto, havarti and sliced tomato on ciabatta with cole slaw $6.99. We were impressed with the pasta. The tasty house red was a Brindisi at $6.00 a glass. Total for three generous lunches with wine $57.37 plus tip.
The place was busy on this Saturday lunchtime. Folk were queueing at the door by 12:30. The service was prompt and pleasant if a bit hit and miss.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)