Brunch: Le Toaster

Le Toaster 1310 Laurier E. (514) 526-5111

First, I'd like to mention that Le Toaster has been smoke free since February 2004. Thus, regardless of what I write below, I proudly support Le Toaster. Now, if someone could let me know what colour ribbon I am supposed to wear that would be much appreciated.

Now, this past Sunday, August 20th, 2005, my friend, La Montrealaise française, and I were supposed to have brunch at Savannah yet again (review to come eventually). Unfortunately, as we approached the doors bravely without a reservation, we came upon the following notice.

"Savannah will be closed this Sunday, August 20th, 2005, only."

Or something to that effect. Crap. And I had worn heels thinking that all I'd be doing is lounging around feasting upon pecan waffles and reading people's tarot cards. Now la française and I were faced with the daunting task of walking to another restaurant that serves brunch while starving. Unfortunately, neither of us were in the mood to go to l'Avenue du Plateau, a place that I had frequented obsessively nine Sundays in a row.

But, aha, la française had an idea. Let's go to Le Toaster, a restaurant that we had often walked past on our way to Laurier pool and which had always been closed whenever we were in the area.

So, heels and all, we trudged over and up to the corner of Laurier and Chambord where we promptly encoutered a scary lineup. Double crap. Knowing full well that the line would be worse at l'Avenue we bit the bullet and got in line as we watched the waitstaff clear a table for some lucky twosome at the front of the line. Waiiiittt a second, what did he say? We are the only table for two in line? I liked Le Toaster already.

Before really getting into the meat of the review, I'd like to point out the highlight of the meal: the juice. There are four juices on the menu (orange, apple, pear, grapefruit) and, if I recall correctly, three juices (maybe more) that can be added to those (kiwi, strawberry, banana). I selected a mix of pear and kiwi juice. Maybe it wasn't the best mix to choose, but I was very happy to have that option available to me.

Now, I can be verbose, so I'm going to try to be brief. The food at Le Toaster is okay. Just okay. I had the Campagnard omelette which consisted of eggs, ham, asparagus, cheese and bechamel sauce. Let's just say the bechamel sauce could have been more saucy and less jelly. I just prefer a more liquidy sauce. Also, I'm a fan of chefs who season their eggs. I like spices. Eggs alone are okay, but seasoned eggs are better. Usually, the omelette filling doesn't do the job vis-a-vis seasoning the eggs. The meal came with red baby potatoes (which they called frissolées), fruit (kiwi and orange), and toast. Again, the potatoes were alright, maybe even slightly undercooked. Whatever, I guess they're in a rush. There was, after all, a growing line outside.

Let me add that we were seated at the (open) window. This was cool, especially whenever a nice breeze decided to stop by. Unfortunately, the people in the line kept looking at our food. I can't blame them, I may have done the same.

One of the benchmarks of a really good brunch is the quality of their regular cup of joe. This coffee was a bit too strong and bitter, and not in a good way. I still drank it though.

In the end, Le Toaster was okay. The staff is very friendly. My meal cost me about $20. Frankly, I've had a better brunch for less elsewhere. But, I'd try this again in a pinch.

I say 2 1/2 stars.

Love and kisses,
Laurelle