MIDI BISTRO
165 McCaul St, Toronto ON M5T 1W4
http://www.midibistro.com/
416.977.2929
Cuisine: French Casual
Rating: 4.5
SPECIAL DEAL
Set Lunch: Terrain/Open Sandwich of Choice, Salad and/or fries, coffee or tea $16.95
This cozy little bistro is situated at McCaul and Baldwin, just around the corner from the popular but well hidden strip of foodie paradise. Midi Bistro is a popular lunch spot for the office workers nearby, just steps away from St Patrick Station.
The only waitress in the restaurant was speedy, efficient and lovely. I had arrived late to a work lunch, and my menu was already neatly placed at my seating. The place was packed. She promptly took my drink order, and shortly after, my food order. I decided on the soupe du jour and the Moules Frites – Provençale with a half order of each side, salad and frites, a good balance of healthy-eating and eat-what-I-want.
The Soupe du Jour was a butternut squash soup. It just magically appeared 2 minutes later and was piping hot. The aroma was intoxicating, the texture was perfect, and the sweetness of the squash really came through.
My entrée the Moules Frites – Provençale, which featured shallots, garlic, tomato sauce & provençal herbs was fresh and delightful. The broth was fragrant and welcoming. It was good to the last slurp. The salad was mixed greens with a tasty house vinaigrette. The frites were crispy and light, wasn’t at all greasy, seasoned to perfection, no condiments needed. I could eat them forever!
I completed my light lunch with an espresso and crème brule. The crème brule had good, simple, complimentary favour of vanilla. The sugar had the signature crunch that you want upon meeting the spoon. The texture was rich and creamy but it was cold, I would have preferred it warm or at least room temperature. My co-workers had went with Tarte Tartin, it was a much better choice. The crust was buttery and the apples were caramelized to perfection. It was top with some caramel sauce and a light dusting of confectioner sugar. As for the Chocolate Torte, it was also excellent, a crusty outer layer with plenty warm and gooey chocolaty goodness inside.
Midi Bistro overall is an awesome place for a business lunch. The light lunch was satisfying with out the sluggish after effect that most their neighbouring eateries offers. The service was speedy and courteous. I arrived back to work on time and alert, ready to be productive. The bonus to that awesome meal was that, the big boss footed the bill!