his Argentinean café definitely adds some culture to your lunch; tables are outfitted with mostly French and Spanish poems to lull over while you wait for your food. Or listen to a poetry reading while viewing an art exhibit at this resto/gallery/literary space. The casual buzz of the artsy Mile End community, the sunlight filtering into the Victorian house's airy subterranean space and the smell of freshly prepared food make Volver the destination of choice for grazers in the know.

Owned and curated by two Argentenian ladies, Nora and Sofia, Volver runs art exhibits, music performances and poetry readings, bringing a bit of culture to Mile End. The space is very DIY, with poems (someone in the house has a pent for Octavio Paz) laminated on each rickety table, and art posters hanging from bright red walls.

Not only will you learn something at your next meal here, but it's sure to save you a few bucks. A soup, gourmet sandwich- like goat cheese and olive tapenade, and drink combo clocks in at $8.99. Hot dishes, such as polenta with a stewed tomato sauce and mozzarella for $5.99 satisfy immensely. Look out for regional dishes like empanadas, or the ever indulgent, panqueques, pancakes folded around dulce de leche. The food is of consistent quality in product and execution, and it is so generously proportioned that sharing is standard practice.

When a speaker or poet is in session, the little café is jammed with tea-drinking artistes, shoulder to shoulder with jersey-wearing, beer-drinking hockey fans with tickets to the game in the back pocket of their blue jeans. At Volver, one is sure to find comfort in the food served, and inspiration in the culture on display. –C.S.