Bistro 699 - Danforth is exploding
I just noticed the signage up this AM.
Near Pape - in the newly renovated storefront right next door to the new bicycle shop. South side.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Just the word 'Bistro' has me excited....
Anyone else have the inside scoop?
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re: Foodie27
That does sound good, and seasonal - I was worried it would be village salad with winter tomatoes ;)
I don't care about the decor so much, it's just that as a local always looking for family-friendly places I really could not figure out what this place was (cafe? restaurant?) and what type of business they want to attract. I don't think every new place needs a twitter feed but something to encourage me to take a look (posted menu or hours... People in the window seats who actually have food or drink).
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I visited Bistro 699 over the holidays and it was great! It is traditional/authentic Greek food with a modern twist. The menu will change from time to time with seasonal ingredients from what I was told. But all in all we enjoyed our meals.
A few comments about some posts below - the chairs....was there something wrong with them? Quite comfortable and really just standard dining chairs. The decor - its very cosy with a warm tone to it. Maybe musical notes is not your thing but not a valid reason to say "it's cheesy".
I didn't know they served gyro during Taste of the Danforth but my guess would be that a) gyro is an authentic Greek dish and b) the restaurant is located on the Danforth so c) naturally it would be something they serve to patrons wanting an authentic Greek dish.
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re: Foodie27
prima
Jan 2, 2013 07:55 AM
Gyro is a Greek fast food that's become popular over the last few decades. I wouldn't consider it to be an "authentic Greek dish" in the same league as Greek classics such as moussaka, dolmades or roast lamb. While gyros might be tasty, they're the Greek equivalent of hot dogs- something people eat when they're in a hurry, after the bar, near the bus station, at the beach, etc.
If they served gyro during Taste of the Danforth, they served it because they thought it would sell well, not because they were hoping to sell Torontonians an "authentic Greek dish".
What isn't cheesy to you might be cheesy to others. Musical notes do sound a little tacky to me. Most restaurants on the Danforth have tacky/cheesy/gaudy /Greek God-y decor elements. Doesn't hurt their business- sometimes adds to the charm.
What Greek dishes did you order at Bistro 699 over the holidays? Which dishes (other than gyros) would you recommend? Are there any traditional Greek dishes on the Bistro 699 menu that aren't found on the menus at Pantheon, Mezes, Pan, Megas or Avli?
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re: prima
I'm Greek so clearly know what authentic Greek dishes are. Yes gyro has become popular and it is a quick & fast food option but nonetheless its a Greek staple. Somewhat difficult to serve mousaka or roast lamb during Taste of the Danforth.
Gyro on the spit, similar to Alexandros on the Danforth is authentic as opposed to Chicago gyro which I was told is not what they served. At the end of the day, any business on the Danforth aims to serve quick & fast authentic food to make money during Taste of the Danforth.
Agree on the decor in most places on the Danforth being cheesy and gaudy. Most of the restaurants have been there for years and have not re-modelled, which they should (especially the washrooms!) I do think most people go to certain restaurants for the food and not the decor though.
I didn't mind the musical notes on the wall, and I also noticed a piano in the back so perhaps they have somoene who plays during dinner.
Not sure what was there before but the space was re-modelled nicely.
Gyro is not on the menu actually. It was probably just served during Taste of the Danforth. I had a shrimp appetizer with couscous and tomato sauce, eggplant dip and their signature salad and for the main courses we had the seafood pasta and grilled chicken dish. My husband and I enjoyed it and we typically eat at many restaurants on the Danforth so this is one we'll go to again.
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re: Foodie27
prima
Jan 2, 2013 08:46 AM
Thanks for letting us know what you ordered. We love details on this Board.
With all due respect, I don't consider gyro to be a Greek staple.
I look fwd to trying their melitzanasalata in the New Year.
Louis, Messini, Maras and Folia also serve stacked on the spit 'authentic' gyros in your neighbourhood.
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re: prima
I agree, the quality of the meat at Messini's is questionable too. If you haven't tried Kalyvia's gyro or souvlakia, you should :)
As for Bistro 699 comparing to Pantheon, Megas or Mezes...I wouldn't say it does at this point. They mentioned that they are still finalizing their menu and that the chef is from a restaurant in a well known hotel in Greece so his creations are a bit different yet trying to stay authentic as well.
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re: Foodie27
prima
Jan 2, 2013 11:10 AM
Thanks Foodie27. I've usually ordered the pikilia at Kalyvia.
I hope Bistro 669 does offer some less common, authentic dishes and some creative ones. I liked the contemporary dishes that used to be found at Lambros and at Pan (before it changed hands).
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Baelsette
Oct 11, 2012 05:31 PM
They have a sign up now....... hate to judge early but based on the sign not looking too promising. Has musical notes and looks very cheesy (just my opinion, I hope I"m proved wrong).
I hope I look back on this comment and think just how wrong I was to judge.....›1 Reply -
I was excited, but two things are tempering my expectations -- 1., the chairs -- have a look, they don't look promising, and 2., they were serving gyros throughout Taste of the Danforth. I would love to be pleasantly surprised!
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re: earthmomma
Googs
Oct 7, 2012 07:17 AM
Watch this space:
http://bistro699.com/They're not listed on DineSafe yet so, at a rough guess, they're not open yet.
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