fter a few hiccups, this Dupont Street staple has stepped back into the fray with a new chef. Craig Lockhart has become chef at this tiny gem of a restaurant known for double-quick pre-fix meals for the pre-theatre crowd heading over the the Tarragon.

For the best this place has to offer, reserve a table after 8:00 pm when the crowd moves on to the show. The place does two seatings. And serves up a prix fixe menu, therefore be warned, reservations are a must at prime times.

You’ll know what the word Tournesol means the moment you step inside this gem. The owners took to heart the word Tournesol (French for sunflower), filling the soothing Dupont Street space with a glowing profusion of the furnishings, and all things sunflower. locals, most of whom seem to be on touchy first dates. The house drinks might be behind that success rate, sweet and strong as they are.

It's ostensibly a French bistro, but much originality creeps into Craig Lockhart repertoire, such as spiced scallops with lemon beurre blanc, and duck confit with white bean puree.

Other Tournesol fare evokes warm feelings: a very smooth cream-of-wild-mushroom soup and wedges of crispy, fried Camembert with paper-thin apple slices, a delicate pile of celeriac and a mixed fruit compote. The fish special changes daily, and if its your lucky day, it will be the sole roulette, stuffed with airy salmon mousse. And don’t event hink about leaving until you’ve tried the firm crusted lemon tart.

The prices at Bistro Tournesol match the atmosphere - humble, but still sophisticated - with apps at $5 to $8, mains $14 to $22 and a three-course prix fixe a reasonable $25 - Brad Jamieson



Reader Reviews

Bowled over
Ralph H., Toronto,ON
Nov. 20, 2001
This is a great place for people on a budget. The chicken is wonderful but the service is irratic and sometimes the garlic sauce is cold on the hot chicken! The bread is not always fresh!!!
Bowled over by Tournesol.