From the outside sign, probably should have skipped the place.
Old, unimaginative. Usually when I see a place like this, I don’t even bother. I keep thinking the City overlooked it too. Owner, bitter and disgruntled about his lack of business let the place go. Who would blame him. It’s in Brockton Village on Dundas Street, west of hipster Ossington. Up until recently, it was located in an area of the city I like to call West end Toronto’s no-mans land.
That’s all changed. Area is building momentum. Invited some friends. Went on a recommendation.
First off, the inside of this joint is the same as the outside. Tacky, old, boring. Is this the set of That 70′s Show? Jackie and Michael gonna show up? Fez? You around here somewhere?
It was at this time my buddy said: “Wtf dude. Where did you bring us”?
I hear you bro. I know what you mean. Pictures of fish and boats hanging on the wall, the place is a throw back. Don’t be afraid of the throwback. And don’t call it a comeback. I liked it. Didn’t want to modernize. Didn’t care to be modernized. Sure, it’s kept up, refurbished but not flashy. What you see is what you get, period. It’s bold, individualistic and laid back!
Food time. Menu changes daily. Sharing is key. Tapas, entrees, coming. No expectations. Anticipation.
Chili spiced Calamari Antipasti costs only $2.50! Balanced, awesome. We order 2 more. Jerk Chicken Noodle Soup,$6, gives you a sound kick in the mouth. Red Cabbage and Grain Salad, also $6, with dates, blue goat cheese and hazelnuts go well together. Fresh, light.
We go hazelnuts with the entrees.
Ontario Whitefish and Peppercorn Sauce, is a reasonable $10, and comes with roasted potatoes. Savoury. Seared Qualicum Scallops comes in at $12 and is served with tomato and saffron ragout. Citrusy, sweet, mouth-watering. Grilled Sockeye Salmon, $13, with béarnaise and rainbow chard is a must, if you find it on the menu of course.
For dessert, the Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Peach Soup, $5, couldn’t stay on my plate long enough. Same story with the Wild Apple Spelt Crepes, $5, put a perfect ending to a fantastic meal.
Atlantic Restaurant is located in an area of Toronto you would only go to if someone before you ventured in and recommended you go. The place itself is the kinda place you look at, judge as crap and unsanitary and move on.
Being judgmental sucks, doesn’t it?
Details:
1597 Dundas St. West (south side, west of Dufferin)
Jim Bamboulis has held several posts over the past 12 years, including National Sportscaster, Food Host and Writer, Talk Show Host, Olympic Researcher and Travel Film-maker.
Born and raised in Toronto, Jim learned early on that the combination of travel and food meant ultimate living. Combining his insatiable creative spirit and desire to document his travels, Jim took his unshakable travel bug and set off to explore. Add the fact that Jim also grew up in a Greek household and he learned that not only does Mom always make the best meals, but as importantly learned the importance of understanding and appreciating the countless beautiful cultures and the integral role food plays in every corner of the World.
In August 2009, Jim founded Travel Mammal, a site that brings together his travels and experiences (both good and terrifying) with the hope that others are inspired to share their own. We are all storytellers, especially when it comes to travel and food. He urges everyone to be inspired, explore and love the world and the people that share it with us. Or in other words, Live to Travel and travel to live!
