51. Australia & New Zealand: Hemingway's

Hemingway's
142 Cumberland Street
(Bay and Bloor)
416 968-2828

We met up at this multi-levelled restaurant pub in the trendy Yorkville neighbourhood. We chose a table on the main floor but explore the roof-top patio, which is open year round, before leaving.
Our starters from the brunch menu consist of : Boston clam chowder, a creamy and chunky house specialty, $5.49; Soup of the day - a tasty blend of sweet potato and carrot, $ 4.29. For main dishes we choose: Farmer's Breakfast - eggs, sausage, mushroom, home fries and toast, $9.39; Kiwi lamb burger - New Zealand ground spring lamb, grilled and served on a lightly toasted bun with goat cheese and mint sauce, garnished with a slice of onion, tomato and lettuce, $9.99 extra mushrooms, add $0.69; Pear and blue cheese salad -warm sliced pears, spiced pecans and spring mix salad, tossed in a house balsamic dressing and sprinkled with blue cheese crumbles, $10.49 (an interesting taste combination, unfortunately the greens were over dressed and wilted); Portobello - grilled mushroom cap with asparagus, roasted red pepper and melted brie [seen here], $9.89; Breakfast fajita - scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, spicy Italian sausage, tomato, onion and barbecue sauce wrapped up in a lightly grilled tortilla and served with home fries, $9.59. Coffee $1.99 with free refills.
Separate bills were no problem and we paid $40.60 plus tip for two.
Downstairs, the decor is more about Hemingway than Australia and New Zealand. Behind us is a surprising photo of author Ernest Hemingway with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. On the upper levels we spot large, autographed sailing posters and wooden direction signs with stronger antipodean connections. They offer free wireless Internet but we didn't avail ourselves of it.

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