reakfast is primordial for everyone I know who equates French toast or croissants with Mom and unconditional love. That's why I think the new Eat Cafe, with its almost-all-day breakfast, is worthy of some kind of local prize. Stuck way to far west on Dundas near Ciccone Simone’s showroom, Eat is sort of a “Clafouti” for the Dundas West crowd.

A deuce of poached eggs atop croissants or a breakfast special -- two eggs, bacon or Italian sausage & challah toast just might be worth the drive. And the best part - staff listens to you; you want your eggs done some obscure way? Done. And my quest for the oatmeal with honey & fresh fruit of my Midwestern childhood is finally - well, almost - satisfied. It is awfully close to lunch and Eat’s plump exuberant beauty, a now-and-then special or baked custom order, is only a tad too sweet.

The cafe welcomes diners with contoured chairs, dark wood wainscoting, a three-stool counter a small street patio and a small retail section for signature products. But even more welcoming is the warm greeting from a youthful floor staff.

There is no better way to start a meal at Eat than with a pear & goat cheese salad and walnut vinaigrette ($6.00) that packs a kick from roasted garlic. An order of cassava (or potato) frites $3.50 can also do. Frites are served with red pepper aloli. Daily soups might include a butternut squash version.

Salmon Provencal ($9) wraps a thin, grilled salmon fillet served with French beans topped with cherry tomato & herb compote. Savory crepes ($9) wraps a thin layer of mozzarella & tomatoes served mixed greens ($9) and pollo il diavolo is a hit: Tender pieces of chicken are pan seared with spices, served with French beans, new potatoes and pearl onions.