Don Ellis
Last Updated: June 12,2008 2:56:54 pm
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The room sometimes seems short-staffed; though very pleasant and usually attentive, they can get distracted. But as this is definitely a place where making friendly contact is worthwhile.
The biggest surprise of Alice's Restaurant is that it tries to have something to say; the biggest non-surprise is that the space itself needs more than a little adjustment. Nonetheless, if amiability equaled greatness, Alice's Restaurant would be destined to become a classic.
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 AT A GLANCE
Alice's Restaurant
856 College, Toronto, ON
416-534-7500
Continental
Parkdale
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Open Tue to Fri 11 am to 2 pm for dinner Tue. to Sun. 5 to 9 pm brunch Sat. 11 am to 2 pm.
Price Range:
$$$ (Within Reach)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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20 Reader Reviews | Had wanted to try Alice's for a long time, as I live a block away, and am constantly looking for places close to home where I can entertain family and friends. Unfortunately, I won't be going back. The food was very unappealing to look at, and not particularly tasty. Serving a sweet, naturally flavourful fish like pickeral with something akin to a lashing of commercial tartar sauce is just wrong. Plus, the potato galette tasted more like a hash brown from McDonald's than anything else. Not very happy with my meal. I was entertaining a friend for her birthday, and she left disappointed. This made me very unhappy, to say the least.
1. Anonymous's Review :: October 02, 2008 Anonymous's Rating: 1 Stars |
I went here when it first opened, and it was like .....eh. I'm glad I gave it another chance though, and another, and another. It's really been growing on me. They make simple plates very well, and seem good at throwing a little unexpected sumthin in there.
Make sure to pay special attention to the specials when you go - it's your best bet.
2. Anonymous's Review :: August 06, 2008 |
I went here when it first opened, and it was like .....eh. I'm glad I gave it another chance though, and another, and another. It's really been growing on me. They make simple plates very well, and seem good at throwing a little unexpected sumthin in there.
Make sure to pay special attention to the specials when you go - it's your best bet.
3. Jorge Klyne's Review :: August 06, 2008 Jorge Klyne's Rating: 3 Stars |
We've only just discovered this place... and the fare is delicious! Always has been... and always will be. Mmmmm!
4. Franco Lema's Review :: June 12, 2008 Franco Lema's Rating: 3 Stars |
Wonderful little spot. Discovered it a few weeks ago. A bit inconsistent - but should work out the kinks (hopefully) in due time.
5. Anonymous's Review :: May 02, 2008 |
Wonderful little spot. Discovered it a few weeks ago. A bit inconsistent - but should work out the kinks (hopefully) in due time.
6. GUY LAWSON's Review :: May 02, 2008 GUY LAWSON's Rating: 3 Stars |
My husband live in the area of College and Dovercourt with no shortage of restaurants to go to. But in a sea of mediocre restaurants that mostly cater to hip club-goers who aren't too picky about food, finding a quality meal is not always so easy. We were optimistic about Alice's restaurant as it was a new place to try and had an atmosphere that didn't "try" too hard that had more of a "neighbourhood bistro", rather than "club", feel. We dropped by for brunch one weekend morning when we didn't feel like joining the queue at Boom. We were pleasantly surprised. I think my husband had french toast and I had poached eggs with smoked salmon on a crispy bed of rosti. We both really enjoyed the food and the attentive staff. It didn't have the hustle & bustle atmosphere of Boom and we were okay with that. We were enthusiastic about coming back for dinner which we did about a week later but unfortunately our experience was slightly dampened by lackluster food that was a tad overpriced. Now my husband and I don't mind paying extra for good food (Chiado is one of my favourite restaurants) but we found every dish needed slightly extra attention. We both shared a baby arugula salad which to me looked like dandelion leaves. Perhaps it was a rather pointy-leaf variety of arugula but that was ALL the salad consisted of: arugula leaves lightly tossed in a light tart/sweet dressing. There were a few toasted square things on the side of the plate but it was more decorative than part of the salad. Then my husband had an elk dish while I had the lamp chops at $29 & $27 a plate. Two of the 3 lamp chops were on the very small side and medium rare (as I requested) but 1 was even smaller, missing the bone, was well done and had no flavour. It was almost like I got a piece they didn't know what to do with so instead of tossing it out in the garbage, they served it to a customer. My husband's elk was just okay. I can't pinpoint what was wrong with it but it wasn't very tasty and we're both pretty open to new flavours. The waitress was very nice and attentive but she asked us how everything was about 10 seconds after we got our entrees when we didn't have much of an opinion yet. Maybe one evening we'll give the restaurant another try but we'd be slightly hesitant about it when we know we'd get a better meal at Karuchie or Grappa. If Alice's Restaurant wants to continue to serve food at their current price point they really have to step it up a level.
7. Anonymous's Review :: April 29, 2008 |
My husband live in the area of College and Dovercourt with no shortage of restaurants to go to. But in a sea of mediocre restaurants that mostly cater to hip club-goers who aren't too picky about food, finding a quality meal is not always so easy. We were optimistic about Alice's restaurant as it was a new place to try and had an atmosphere that didn't "try" too hard that had more of a "neighbourhood bistro", rather than "club", feel. We dropped by for brunch one weekend morning when we didn't feel like joining the queue at Boom. We were pleasantly surprised. I think my husband had french toast and I had poached eggs with smoked salmon on a crispy bed of rosti. We both really enjoyed the food and the attentive staff. It didn't have the hustle & bustle atmosphere of Boom and we were okay with that. We were enthusiastic about coming back for dinner which we did about a week later but unfortunately our experience was slightly dampened by lackluster food that was a tad overpriced. Now my husband and I don't mind paying extra for good food (Chiado is one of my favourite restaurants) but we found every dish needed slightly extra attention. We both shared a baby arugula salad which to me looked like dandelion leaves. Perhaps it was a rather pointy-leaf variety of arugula but that was ALL the salad consisted of: arugula leaves lightly tossed in a light tart/sweet dressing. There were a few toasted square things on the side of the plate but it was more decorative than part of the salad. Then my husband had an elk dish while I had the lamp chops at $29 & $27 a plate. Two of the 3 lamp chops were on the very small side and medium rare (as I requested) but 1 was even smaller, missing the bone, was well done and had no flavour. It was almost like I got a piece they didn't know what to do with so instead of tossing it out in the garbage, they served it to a customer. My husband's elk was just okay. I can't pinpoint what was wrong with it but it wasn't very tasty and we're both pretty open to new flavours. The waitress was very nice and attentive but she asked us how everything was about 10 seconds after we got our entrees when we didn't have much of an opinion yet. Maybe one evening we'll give the restaurant another try but we'd be slightly hesitant about it when we know we'd get a better meal at Karuchie or Grappa. If Alice's Restaurant wants to continue to serve food at their current price point they really have to step it up a level.
8. Jen's Review :: April 29, 2008 Jen's Rating: 3 Stars |
My friends and I had a great time. Lovely wine selection. I had the hen, which was very yummy and came with artichoke chips. We found out that Alice is actually the seven year old daughter of one of the owners, her aunt helps serve, and her cousin works the kitchen. Nice family feel, with interesting food.
9. Anonymous's Review :: April 27, 2008 |
My friends and I had a great time. Lovely wine selection. I had the hen, which was very yummy and came with artichoke chips. We found out that Alice is actually the seven year old daughter of one of the owners, her aunt helps serve, and her cousin works the kitchen. Nice family feel, with interesting food.
10. Farzana's Review :: April 26, 2008 Farzana's Rating: 4 Stars |
Alice has its good and its bad nights. In general, the restaurant is definitely worth the drive to Parkdale. But, the dishes are still a bit inconsistent. Give it time.
11. Anonymous's Review :: April 11, 2008 |
Alice has its good and its bad nights. In general, the restaurant is definitely worth the drive to Parkdale. But, the dishes are still a bit inconsistent. Give it time.
12. Blair McCain's Review :: April 11, 2008 Blair McCain's Rating: 3 Stars |
I've been to Alice's a few times now. I've really enjoyed each visit. The food is thoughtfully prepared and easy to like. Good quality and good value all around. Sure, it doesn't look like they had a lot of $$$ to spend on decor, but I think they're opening on a tight budget. Better to the focus on the food first, IMO. The pretty stuff can come later.
13. Anonymous's Review :: April 08, 2008 |
Not bad. I agree, the space could use a little sprucing. But overall, it's worth the drive.
14. Anonymous's Review :: April 08, 2008 |
I've been to Alice's a few times now. I've really enjoyed each visit. The food is thoughtfully prepared and easy to like. Good quality and good value all around. Sure, it doesn't look like they had a lot of $$$ to spend on decor, but I think they're opening on a tight budget. Better to the focus on the food first, IMO. The pretty stuff can come later.
15. Cooper Langford's Review :: April 08, 2008 Cooper Langford's Rating: 4 Stars |
Not bad. I agree, the space could use a little sprucing. But overall, it's worth the drive.
16. Anne Yap's Review :: April 08, 2008 Anne Yap's Rating: 3 Stars |
Not bad. I agree, the space could use a little sprucing. But overall, it's worth the drive.
17. Anne Yap's Review :: April 08, 2008 Anne Yap's Rating: 3 Stars |
Alex Garinger from Toronto [ddfd@fdfd.com]
April 4, 2008
I am biased, as I live just around the corner, but I was thrilled to read about Alice's Restaurant (I just wish I had found out on my own, since I walk right by.) Anyway, dinner there last night was a nice treat. But, I do agree - the interior could use a few dollars on it.
18. Anonymous's Review :: April 04, 2008 |
I am biased, as I live just around the corner, but I was thrilled to read about Alice's Restaurant (I just wish I had found out on my own, since I walk right by.) Anyway, dinner there last night was a nice treat. But, I do agree - the interior could use a few dollars on it.
19. Anonymous's Review :: April 04, 2008 |
I am biased, as I live just around the corner, but I was thrilled to read about Alice's Restaurant (I just wish I had found out on my own, since I walk right by.) Anyway, dinner there last night was a nice treat. But, I do agree - the interior could use a few dollars on it.
20. Alex Garinger's Review :: April 04, 2008 Alex Garinger's Rating: 4 Stars |
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