Hellooo Toronto - please indulge me in a wee little "what's new" catch-up!

[peppermint pate]

Hi all - I can't believe I've been off this board for a few months. Busy, busy, busy but I have really missed all of you and your chowish insights. Thankfully, I've enjoyed a few great meals in the midst of my crazy life - a lovely romantic dinner with stellar service at Delux and a seriously kick-ass thin crusted funghi pizza and funky atmosphere at Buca are the standouts. And I see that Guu has finally opened - yes!! - I will be hitting it up this week for sure.

Any other newish notables? Is Union good? Watusy?

Also, any suggestions for where to go for a good brekkie (not hotel, not buffet, kid-friendly) on New Year's Day? Lady Marmalade?

Happy New Year!!

[peppermint pate]

Hi all - thanks for the rec's. We did end up going to Lady Marmalade on New Years Day which was very satisfying - really good eggs miga and poached eggs blt, credible eggs benny and tasty french toast, so-so americano (rectified by a walk to Dark Horse afterwards) - random weird thing is that they only serve their eggs poached or one other way, scrambled maybe (but not sunny side up). We also went to Guu - I'll post a response on Bok Choi's thread but in a word (or two) - LOVED IT!!!

TorontoJo - hi!! - I remember reading about Negroni a while back. I read the thread you linked, sounds like a great lunch spot, will definitely put it on my list.

Yum2myTum - thanks for the info on Union - when we walked by after our dinner at Delux, the front room/bar looked quite hopping and good atmosphere, menu looks good - I'd like to try it one time. I have to try Petit Dejeuner again as so many on this board recommend it - the one time I went there, about 4 years ago, I was completely underwhelmed. What/where is gayley's?

jlunar - "baja bowl" is right up my alley in terms of flavours, but not for brekkie - I will have to stop in there for lunch one time and try it.

CamD - so glad you mentioned Local. I remember reading a review on it not that long ago - was it Joanne Kates - and it looked exactly like the kind of spot I love. But try googling it - what is the exact name and do you know if they have a website? I loved my one dinner at Buca (polenta was very good, pizza was out of the park) and I'm heading back there next week.

todc1996 - ha - "marshmallow boys" still talk about you - I've driven past Harlem many times but never tried it. What dishes do you like there?

Thanks again. The Toronto resto scene is as good as ever - looking forward to another year of chowing together.

[todc1996]

hi pp!
have you been to harlem?...not necessarily new but definitely notable...
hope you're well!
p.s. suzie & ray say hi!

[jlunar]

If you hit up Lady Marmalade, make sure you get their Baja Bowl!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlunar/4154916832/

This is a dish that I always order and regret not ordering when I get something else.

---
http://www.foodpr0n.com/ -- food. is. love.

[Cam D]

My most impressive recent ones.....Buca was very good. Polenta was outstanding. My best of the year was Local. The owners/staff are passionate and having fun. Best charcuterie plate I've had in the city so far, rabbit stuffed olives were delicious.

[Yum2MyTum]

Hi peppermint pate! Union is good -- as long as expectations are kept in check. More of a neighbourhood restaurant than a destination. Chef focuses on very simple, locally sourced cuisine. All the food during my experiences was very well executed.

Petit Dejeuner or Gayley's on Dundas West are my go-to brunch/brekkie places. I enjoyed Lady Marmalade the one time I've been there as well.

[TorontoJo]

Hey, PP, welcome back!

My vote new(ish) and notable goes to Negroni:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/637237

And yes, I've enjoyed Lady Marmalade for breakfast the 3 times I've been there (not so much the weird orange cream sauce they put on the waffle, though -- ick). Fun and funky, both in atmosphere and in menu options. Definitely kid friendly.