Room for 25 can be found at the low-slung tables lining the wall and corners of the room, presided over by a photo exhibit depicting politically dressed decaying potatoes, a less-than-appetizing accompaniment to your meal, but a part of CONTACT’s festival and true to Grapefruit Moon’s alternative roots. Space for six more can be had at the formica counter overlooking the “kitchen” – actually an oven, grill and deep-fryer combination that churns out the beloved egg dishes (the “Rarebit”, with poached eggs, cheddar sauce and peameal, retains its vinegar in a tart but surprisingly tasty way), flapjacks and quesadillas. During summer months, a large patio greets sunworshippers and smokers alike, and at night hosts plenty of happy Annex revelry.
With breakfast quesadillas headlining brunch ($10, with three toppings) and sandwiches with names like the “Hoser” (peameal, cheddar and tomato) playing a starring role on the menu, trying to turn this neighbourhood resto into a high-end dining spot would be like, well, trying to turn a reality TV star into a real live actor. Cheers to true reality. - R.Z.
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 AT A GLANCE
Grapefruit Moon
968 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON
416-534-9056
Contemporary
Annex
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon. to Sun.: 8:00am - 1:00am (kitchen closes at 10:00pm) Sat. & Sun.: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Debit
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THE BUZZ
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IN THE AREA
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41 Reader Reviews | Probably my favourite breakfast place in the city. All of the weirdos slamming the place over a 'reality' television show should just give their heads a shake and go have a look for themselves.
1. Ella's Review :: November 05, 2008 Ella's Rating: 4 Stars |
Everyone wants something for NOTHING. And yes, what this woman put in was TRULY NOTHING, considering RM kept her business afloat! I am quite sure the health inspectors would have run across this place eventually and then this SINGLE MOM would have no restaurant and no income and no husband to bail her out. All this with three children - I guess she doesn't care about them enough to get off her lazy butt and keep her place clean for all of their sakes. Lazy. Lazy. Lazy.
I find it SHAMEFUL that she would complain about her restaurant. I feel badly for the poor designer, chef (who wants to try to help a baffled, incompetent, disrespectful brat?!) and those poor construction guys -- whom I have seen work episode after episode -- clean up that disgusting filth? You can't smell through your TV - aren't you LUCKY? So, for the folks who worked themselves SICK (quite literally, I presume), please know that there are simply people like Sandy who are just looking for a free lunch; it's not your fault. What you did was a SERVICE. She only cares to make a buck off of the poor diners who spend their hard-earned money on this cockroach-infested embarrassment that she calls a diner.
OK, enough from me. It makes my head spin to see ungrateful, despicable, immature, and IRRESPONSIBLE people like this Sandy. SEVERE CHARACTER FLAWS IN THAT WOMAN.
2. Allie's Review :: October 17, 2008 Allie's Rating: 1 Stars |
I think that the owner of the Grapefruit Moon is the most unappreciative b*tch on the planet. They came in and had to rip her disgusting restaurant apart b/c she never kept it clean. The health department should have shut her down in 1998...it's a disgrace to the restaurant world!!!
3. Sonia's Review :: October 17, 2008 Sonia's Rating: 1 Stars |
i saw the show on RM. there is just no excuse to have an eating estabilishment that filthy. i believe she called the show, knowing how bad it was and thought she could get by with 15K and they would match it and they would CLEAN it and get it up to CODE FOR HER. who is the health inspector? where is he or her? she saved alot of money having them come in and do the cleaning and coding for her. they have to have a grade score i wonder what it is now. the kitchen floor looked like it had never been cleaned. please have plenty of liability insurance for the day you get sued. people take your chances.
4. Lukebandit's Review :: September 22, 2008 Lukebandit's Rating: 1 Stars |
Wall-art or not, cozy or not, friendly servers or not, the filth – and indifferent attitudes towards it, as exposed on the Restaurant Makeover show, should clearly be a concern to all, especially Health Inspectors. It would be interesting to see the grim build-up that’s accumulated in that “dive”, since the Makeover show. One thing is for sure…My family and friends won’t be subjecting our wellbeing to their unhygienic practices again!
L.
5. L.'s Review :: September 22, 2008 L.'s Rating: 1 Stars |
that kid is a horrible chef with a bad attitude and obviously the woman who owns the place is a dirty person who should have never used the team at restaurant makeover to fix her filthy dive. She even said she would have to add some dirt later , the crew should have bailed on her as soon as she said that. I mean even her cook and kids were dirty looking. Health Department !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6. Christine's Review :: September 22, 2008 Christine's Rating: 1 Stars |
great place for those looking for breakfast/brunch without eggs!!! lots of options and willingness to substitute 'toppings'. and they open relatively early.
7. Jane's Review :: August 31, 2008 Jane's Rating: 4 Stars |
What was she expecting? And yeah, the cooks attitude is shit and they're using frozen foods. Avoid.
8. James Reid's Review :: July 11, 2008 James Reid's Rating: 1 Stars |
I've been to this restaurant and I loved it. Is there any way to see the episode that showed this place in a horrible light? I am appalled that anyone would find the restaurant anything lower than a 3!
Could someone upload the episode so I can see what shape they were in before?
-thanks
9. Laura's Review :: May 13, 2008 Laura's Rating: 4 Stars |
I just saw the restaurant makeover show on television. I must admit I am appauled at the state of disrepair and filthy condition the restaurant was in before the "makeover."
It astounds me that despite the filth and obvious health violations, this restuarant remains in business. It is apparent that the owner, herself has liitle disregard for cleanliness or save food preparation. Regardless of the "greasy spoon" type restaurant the owner is attempting to convey, this is far from that. The restaurant was just plain filthy.
One can only trust the owner and cooks to prepare food in sanitary conditions. However, after seeing what type of establishment is being run, one cannot honestly continue to frequent such an establishment.
I cannot, and will not eat at any restaurant, in which I have full knowledge of the practices used. Knowing what I know now, I will never eat at the grapefruit moon.
10. Anonymous's Review :: April 18, 2008 |
I just saw the restaurant makeover show on television. I must admit I am appauled at the state of disrepair and filthy condition the restaurant was in before the "makeover."
It astounds me that despite the filth and obvious health violations, this restuarant remains in business. It is apparent that the owner, herself has liitle disregard for cleanliness or save food preparation. Regardless of the "greasy spoon" type restaurant the owner is attempting to convey, this is far from that. The restaurant was just plain filthy.
One can only trust the owner and cooks to prepare food in sanitary conditions. However, after seeing what type of establishment is being run, one cannot honestly continue to frequent such an establishment.
I cannot, and will not eat at any restaurant, in which I have full knowledge of the practices used. Knowing what I know now, I will never eat at the grapefruit moon.
11. Stella's Review :: April 18, 2008 Stella's Rating: 1 Stars |
Disgusting. I worked in many restaurnats and coffee shops and never in my life have i ever seen anything more disgusting.
Its simply a sanitary hazard and I cant possibly comprehend why no-one has shut them down yet.
Absolutly awful. The owner should be ashmed of herself, how dare she ask for money and a half free makeover to that suige hole she calls a restaurant and dare to complain after? How does she dare serve people food there?
This to me is an offence worth sending to jail for, poisoning people.
12. Anonymous's Review :: January 31, 2008 |
Disgusting. I worked in many restaurnats and coffee shops and never in my life have i ever seen anything more disgusting.
Its simply a sanitary hazard and I cant possibly comprehend why no-one has shut them down yet.
Absolutly awful. The owner should be ashmed of herself, how dare she ask for money and a half free makeover to that suige hole she calls a restaurant and dare to complain after? How does she dare serve people food there?
This to me is an offence worth sending to jail for, poisoning people.
13. Dawn's Review :: January 30, 2008 Dawn's Rating: 1 Stars |
the seating was ok other then the fact that they didnt let us sit next to the window. but the food and the atmosphere was great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the name (grapefruit moon) is really cool and there soup special was great.? (thought i cant even remember what it was) not to be rude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i hope to go there agian soon and that you people will open your eyes to the great food and not so great seating!!(hint hint giv us the window next time)
just like the little girl from school said
"go eat yor finers for all i care"
love ya
peace out
little girl from schools best friend
14. Little Girl From Schools Best Friend's Review :: January 28, 2008 Little Girl From Schools Best Friend's Rating: 4 Stars |
I for one love this resturant despite all the other reviews because of their great effort and lovely food.
all my friends talk about is how the food is and recommended that I should go. It was a friday and I loved there food and laughter. It was very welcoming and I hope to go agian!!!
So to all those people who said this place was bad, well go and eat for fingers for all I care.
from the little girl at school
I would love to interview you for my school project
15. Anonymous's Review :: January 13, 2008 |
I for one love this resturant despite all the other reviews because of their great effort and lovely food.
all my friends talk about is how the food is and recommended that I should go. It was a friday and I loved there food and laughter. It was very welcoming and I hope to go agian!!!
So to all those people who said this place was bad, well go and eat for fingers for all I care.
from the little girl at school
I would love to interview you for my school project
16. Little Girl From School's Review :: January 11, 2008 Little Girl From School's Rating: 4 Stars |
I went there only because it was said on food network that it was an interesting place. The darkness made me feel as if i were in the dining room of someone that was trying to hide something from me. the only reason it looked decent was that they gave you 14000 dollars to clean the nasty ass bugs out of your resaurant. Your chef isnt even a chef. hes a teenager who throws frozed objects in the fryer. Your city should be embarassed to even have you on the same pages with the many fine restaurants in your area
17. Kelly's Review :: November 03, 2007 Kelly's Rating: 1 Stars |
OMG, I just saw the show. That place is disgusting, so DIRTY. Who could possibly want to eat there. Great job by the designer and chef, but obviously wasnt appreciated. SOMEONE CALL IN THE HEALTH DEPT. Don't these places need to pass inspection.
18. Anonymous's Review :: October 22, 2007 |
OMG, I just saw the show. That place is disgusting, so DIRTY. Who could possibly want to eat there. Great job by the designer and chef, but obviously wasnt appreciated. SOMEONE CALL IN THE HEALTH DEPT. Don't these places need to pass inspection.
19. Grace's Review :: October 20, 2007 Grace's Rating: 1 Stars |
I just saw this program, and while I can see that editing can certainly slant perspective, I was really unimpressed with the state of the kitchen pre-makover. One article talks about reality and chipped mugs as if this was desirable. These are serious health hazards, as any public health inspector would be quick to point out. The young cooks' attitude to advice offered was ignorant. If the owner was not specific about what she wanted, and did not get agreement in writing, it seems to me that she has little grounds for complaint. I would never eat in this restaurant.
20. Anonymous's Review :: October 19, 2007 |
As a chef I was disgusted with what I saw and from reading the review I guess not much has changed. The chipped mugs add to the atmosphere? Well for one it is a major health code violation as bacteria and other nasties love to live in the tiny nooks and cracks of a chip, compounding the problem the nature of the surface is hard to clean and if it is sharp, well that's even worst. Unfortunately the awful health conditions are not uncommon in many "family" run establishments.
As far as the decor on RM. Well, the design obviously miscalculated what the owner wanted. I think the chef tried to warn her of that before construction began.
21. James's Review :: October 11, 2007 James's Rating: 1 Stars |
Funny how 90% of the really aweful review above come from people who watched a television program, but never set foot nor fork in the actual restaurant. I'd be willing to bet most of them would never eat out again if they saw the kitchens in most of their favourite restaurants either. I for one, love the Moon, I go every weekend, or as often as I can for brunch. Even coming down from Lawrence Park now that I am not in the Annex anymore. The food is great; creative, different with fresh and healthy options. Service can be a little slow, but this is a neighborhood place, we know the servers here, we probably drank with them last night, and feel their pain. Order a beer or a Latte, or a Ceasar, shut-up, relax and look around and learn why it's so busy every weekend. If you can't see it, stay home, or go back to the Golden Griddle.
22. Anonymous's Review :: August 30, 2007 |
Funny how 90% of the really aweful review above come from people who watched a television program, but never set foot nor fork in the actual restaurant. I'd be willing to bet most of them would never eat out again if they saw the kitchens in most of their favourite restaurants either. I for one, love the Moon, I go every weekend, or as often as I can for brunch. Even coming down from Lawrence Park now that I am not in the Annex anymore. The food is great; creative, different with fresh and healthy options. Service can be a little slow, but this is a neighborhood place, we know the servers here, we probably drank with them last night, and feel their pain. Order a beer or a Latte, or a Ceasar, shut-up, relax and look around and learn why it's so busy every weekend. If you can't see it, stay home, or go back to the Golden Griddle.
23. Kelly Taylor's Review :: August 30, 2007 Kelly Taylor's Rating: 4 Stars |
I Just had to voice my opinion on this one. I have just watched Restaurant Makeover here in Ireland and can't believe the slack attitude to public health and safety that Canada seems to have. Decor is decor it can be changed. It would cost most of that budget to clean, rewire and make that space safe for staff and customers. I have not been in the restaurant but I certainly wouldn't be happy eating somewhere that has so little regard for the safety of their customers. Why would you give that woman your money? Amazing!!
24. Anonymous's Review :: January 13, 2007 |
I Just had to voice my opinion on this one. I have just watched Restaurant Makeover here in Ireland and can't believe the slack attitude to public health and safety that Canada seems to have. Decor is decor it can be changed. It would cost most of that budget to clean, rewire and make that space safe for staff and customers. I have not been in the restaurant but I certainly wouldn't be happy eating somewhere that has so little regard for the safety of their customers. Why would you give that woman your money? Amazing!!
25. Emma's Review :: January 13, 2007 Emma's Rating: 1 Stars |
This place didn't need "Restaurant Makeover" - it needed (and still needs) demolition. All they did was put a bandage on a gaping sore that's still festering. Someone from the Board of Health PLEASE close this hole down - the people running it have NO business handling food. I hadn't seen the television show's coverage of the restaurant until the other night - now I'm glad I bailed on ordering more than a beverage. My story is short - I went in, sat down and waited (and waited... and waited...) - it wasn't busy but some guy who looked more like a patron than a server finally took my order and got my drink. Being vegetarian I was all about the menu - until I had time to kill. That's when I started noticing the food and trash on the floor, the occasional roach/bug leisurey making its way along, and the odd funky smell. After 15min of sipping a soda I'd had enough and bailed, dropping a couple of bucks on the table to cover the drink (didn't know what else to do since the "servers" seemed to be preoccupied elsewhere. Now that I've seen the truth behind the Mooon I'm GLAD I bailed - I hate to think what I'd have been eating... Save your money for real (safe/clean!) food and good service folks. I don't even want to give it 1 Star, but there's no "Zeros" to be had.
26. SFX's Review :: August 14, 2006 SFX's Rating: 1 Stars |
Saw the filfth on the restaurant makeover. How can this restaurant possible still be open when the owner who was so clueless went back to her unsanitary ways in conducting a food business? Does she have any idea that she is putting people's health at serious risk? WHERE IS THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH?
27. Janis's Review :: May 07, 2006 Janis's Rating: 1 Stars |
I just watched the show and I cannot believe that when she saw the bright colors, the first words out of her mouth were "I'll never be able to keep this clean"!!! So she painted everything dark colors again. It is probably again roach-infested as she does not appear to put much stock in cleanliness. No wonder she is a single mom - no man wants that filth. I feel sorry for her children. I cannot believe that people still eat there. They must not have seen the show. She seems like a nasty dirty ungrateful bitter woman.
28. DMD's Review :: May 07, 2006 DMD's Rating: 1 Stars |
Time and time again I have to wonder what people who go on these shows expect to happen -- they put themselves up for change, then bitch about things changing. You have a run down, busted, roach filled diner -- of course they're going to CLEAN IT UP. Editing aside, loyal customers aside, etc. this show did this woman a HUGE favor in the upgrading and sanitation alone. I can't believe this place wasn't shut down on these points alone. Also, the free publicity is nothing that could have been done any other way. The complaining only adds to the piggyback ripples of publicity -- who wants to read about how much she would have loved it?
29. Carla's Review :: May 07, 2006 Carla's Rating: 1 Stars |
Really.. she believed cockroaches and trash on the wall was the way to inspire her beloved local artists. There are much better examples of gen x eat spots than hers. I wouldn't eat there for free let alone pay for it. Her "cook" was dodgy and quit a bit dirty. She gave the appearance of not caring to much about cleanliness as well. I can't believe she complained after seeing all the REPAIR work which was required to even turn the place decent. Shame on her for complaining. Shame Shame..
If you don't mind leaving a place with a bit of diarrhea in the coming hours, and a bit of a nausea in your stomch for a few days.. go right on over and dine at grape fruit moon.. Better yet.. just go give them the Moon.
30. The Lady's Review :: May 07, 2006 The Lady's Rating: 1 Stars |
I've just eaten here and the place isn't half as bad as you people make it out to be. There is an abundance of vegan food, great prices and everything is presented nicely. Sure the place doesn't have the best atmosphere or the nicest kitchen, but coming from someone that's worked in a fair share of kitchens, it really isn't that sub-par.
It's a good place to grab a quick wrap, veggie-burger or vegan burrito.
31. Tom Tom's Review :: May 04, 2006 Tom Tom's Rating: 4 Stars |
I for one, had a wonderful experiance at Grapefruit Moon. Loved the selection of food, loved the funky atmosphere, friendly service and my delicious omlette which they allowed me to customize (even though it wasnt on the menu!). I have heard only good things about this place from friends...it seems strange to have so many oddly angry and vindictive reviews here.
People may call her spoiled, but it sounds like the production crews produced exactly the opposite of Grapefruit Moon's style and charm in their make-over. I can understand being upset by that!
32. Laura's Review :: May 01, 2006 Laura's Rating: 4 Stars |
Went for a Saturday brunch and was underwhelmed by the experience. Inside was pretty dodgy and the only place outside to get some sun was pretty much on Bathurst due to the canopy over the patio on the side. Food was ok at best and service took forever despite the fact the place was only half full. In my opinion, don't bother - I can't believe this place was renovated??
33. AC's Review :: April 15, 2006 AC's Rating: 2 Stars |
Lysette, anyone with half a brain can understand bo bo sentance. This is a great restaurant. If you really have something against it, eat somewhere else.
34. Sarah's Review :: March 25, 2006 Sarah's Rating: 4 Stars |
I have been going to grapefruit moon for years. The food is excellent. The service is efficient and very friendly. Not only do i go and eat their, i sometimes work behind the counters. Unlike the others believe (above), the food is delivered cleanly. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and has beginner artists work on the walls. If you would like to go anywhere that has a homey ting to it and great food. I seriously would suggest Grapefruit Moon.
35. Mikhaila's Review :: March 25, 2006 Mikhaila's Rating: 3 Stars |
Sandy is filthy, her staff is filthy, her restaurant is filthy, and those who eat there are filthy...It seems that the genius above and his FILTHY mouth are the epitome of Grapefruit Moon customers and attitude...Sandy, take a shower!
36. Niles's Review :: February 27, 2006 Niles's Rating: 1 Stars |
Can "bo bo from Toronto" be for real? How about a readable sentence with a complete thought and without the infantile cursing?
The only losers in the Grapefruit Moon debacle are the people who dare to eat there - and the area Board of Health. This place definitely gives them a black eye. How could the inspectors allow this roach-infested grease pit to stay open? Certainly someone is now watching this alleged eating establishment (we can only hope!). Sandy and her "chef" would do well to clean up their act (and floors, and stove, and hands, etc.) and keep it clean.
Enough with the whining, Sandy! No one held a gun to your head and made you sign anything. Grow up and get a clue! And some idea of hygiene!
37. Lysette's Review :: October 28, 2005 Lysette's Rating: 1 Stars |
amazing, the bastard above sounds like hes an arrogant fuck face
they fucked her resturant with half of her money
38. Bo Bo's Review :: October 26, 2005 Bo Bo's Rating: 1 Stars |
I am mortified having just watched the show. This woman is an embarrasment. I wish taht she would not refer to her establishment as a diner. She gives true diners a bad name. Diner should refer to the building style/manufacturer. Pseudo-foodies like her and her chef(??)are running a gas station with low budget food. Diner enthusiasts and people to whom food matters shudder at the lack of cleanliness, hygeine and disrespect for sanitation and health. They say there is nos uch thing as bad press, but if I were the owner I would be laying low, not bitching about someone trying to fix her 6 year filth!
39. Randy's Review :: October 26, 2005 Randy's Rating: 1 Stars |
I don't care what she says about the editing. The editing cannot hide the things that I say with my own eyes. The chef (and I use this term lightly) has very unclean habits and I don't believe he is preparing anything with clean hands. That kitchen was filthy before the makeover. I have eaten there several times and threw up in my own mouth when I watched the show and saw where and how my food was prepared. She knew exactly how she wanted the place to look, so she shouldn't have been on the show in the first place. I'm sure by now that the kitchen is back to it's old germ infested ways.
I have one suggestion for this owner---enough already--stop talking about this in every newspaper, magazine, interview and now online. Many restaurants would have loved an opportunity like this. You are arrogant and ungrateful. You also sound pathetic and unappreciative.
40. Maria's Review :: July 08, 2005 Maria's Rating: 1 Stars |
I found the restaurant cozy. But mostly I go there for the food. They have the BEST sandwiches I have ever had and the hand cut fries are amazing. I am addicted to the curry chicken sandwich and like that it can be made on bread instead of a wrap. The grilled cheese sandwich is out of this world. I have eaten there many times and make it a regular spot for brunch any day of the week.
41. Miriam Wexler's Review :: July 08, 2005 Miriam Wexler's Rating: 3 Stars |
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968 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON |
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