Nov
6
Learning your ABCs: Armagnac, Brunch, Célestin
Filed Under Dished
Just wanted to remind fellow readers that again, this resto review was written years ago, and so much has changed at Célestin since. The comptoir is now a separate entity of the café, bought out from Chef Pascal of Célestin, by his Master Baker, Marc Thobor. There is a petite outdoor patio to enjoy in the warmer weather. The menu has been revamped, and has been raised in price, but not alarmingly, and still incredible value for your meal.
All the finishing touches of the décor remain the same. The atmosphere is still French without pretension, elegant, and inviting. Perfect for families, socialites, and of course, ladies lunching.
This is my go-to place in bullying invitation at Culinary Seductions. Bon Appétit!
Célestin |
Sometimes the best places in Toronto are the ones that least resemble the city, which is probably why, Célestin and Le Comptoir de Célestin is truly special in that it brings all things French to the table. Ladies who Lunch were escorted to one that seats for two close to a window where the sunlight was breaking through without being blinding. Already Ladies were feeling bright and insouciant as they poured over the brunch menu. (Now let me interrupt by saying that it’s only prudent of a lady to share what she knows with others. Sharing is what makes life meaningful. In this case, Ladies would like to inform potential patrons that Célestin offers a poorly publicized brunch menu consisting of light fare, but the same sumptuous wine list, at an excellent price in the early afternoon.) Ladies were fortunate that they arrived at the later part of brunch and almost had the entire place to themselves, which allowed the Ladies to walk freely to the Comptoir (skip the apricot loaf and go for the fig) to inspect the sweets. (Ladies had originally asked the hostess for her recommendation but it was her first day at the bistro. Ladies were extremely forgiving as they were taken away with her French accent and soft spoken manner, not to mention fantastic gray top that looked like a
The charming and apologetic hostess returned with a mushroom omelet and green salad, a sun-dried tomato quiche, also with green salad, a pain au chocolat and almondine.
A thoroughly enjoyable meal was accompanied by a very serious tête-à-tête about men behaving badly and their families not lagging far behind. Ladies felt a bit defeated after the convo wondering if a solution to the menigma was really possible. (Ladies are cautious and realistic when it comes to the opposite sex, but Lady B is better at taking a chance on love while Lady N is better at taking no chance at all.) With no solution close at hand, Ladies polished their dessert. The chocolate in the pain au chocolat was rich and chocolate-y. The almondine was tasty without being sweet but enough to be satisfying.
Visitors will be impressed with Célestin’s chic interior made up of creamy-coloured walls; small, delicate ,tile flooring; beautiful, dark trims at sharp angles; and the whitest of white table settings and linens. The dining room is welcoming and warm while maintaining high glamour. Absolutely perfect. Ladies closed the brunching hours along with two older ladies who were seated at a table further away. Ladies, looked at the ladies, looked at one another, and smiled. With that, Ladies made their exit; thinking about the many years, and the many lunches, Ladies and ladies, will spend together.
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