I have been by this restaurant on several occasions and noted the full house. The patio outside is always crowded in the summer. The Xmas tree with all blue lights is presently beckoning guests for the winter season.

I’m so pleased that my friend recommended this restaurant. She has dined here many times and I valued her recommendation. I have wanted to try it for so long.

Three friends were meeting on a Monday for lunch. This is usually a quiet day at most restaurants. Rushton was comfortably filled and the charming Chris looked after every guest with special care. He was pleasant when we changed a few items of choice from the menu. He served us with a smile and great efficiency. That adds so much to the ambiance and pleasure level of the whole experience.

The bread was delicious and the dip of red peppers and beets and whatever else had a ‘wow’ affect’ on the palate. It was scrumptious.

You know it is a good menu when all three of us had several preferable choices and couldn’t make up our minds. The Rushton’s Chopped Salad was the first order given. It was served in a large white bowl. Raddichio, endive, roquefort cheese, port soaked currents, apples and walnuts made up this gourmet combination.($10.00)

Our lunch guest enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Sandwich. ($12.00) It was served on marble rye bread with mustard sprouts, roasted red pepper, cucumber, avocado and goat cheese, Rushton’s cole slaw with gherkins was on the side. I liked the portion size. It was possible to eat it all and feel comfortable and satiated. I don’t like it when the portion is so enormous and you feel you don’t want to waste anything.  You end up taking a soggy package back home. No thanks.

I was tempted with several dishes. The Veg Sandwich is filled with grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, buffalo mozzarella, basil-olive paste and arugula in ciabatta served with a side salad.($11.00) The Warm Mushroom Salad also beckoned.(!2.00) Grilled market mushrooms are served on a bed of arugula with an oven roasted tomato, toasted pine nuts and shaved parmesan cheese drizzled with balsamic glaze. I also fancied the Seared Organic Salmon served with gremolata, black rice and snap peas.($19.00)

All of these delicious suggestions will certainly get a return visit from this threesome. I finally decided on the Caesar Salad. I added Grilled Shrimp($7.00). The greens were crisp and the dressing was thick and garlicky and so delicious. The shrimp were grilled to perfection. I love that barbecue flavor. Shaved parmesan cheese was lightly placed on top of the salad. It was totally enjoyed.

I was told that the Sweet Potato Frites with roasted garlic aioli served as a side ($6.00) are a great treat. Macaroni and Cheese is also listed as a side.($6.00) Wouldn’t that make for a tasty light lunch? Add the Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with gremolata ($11.00) and you have a perfect lunch. The sides also are good suggestions for appetizers before a main entrée.

Three guests all raved about three different dishes.

We had a friendly chat with the manager who told us she comes from Columbia. Chris is from Portugal. I think that this adds a wonderful international zest to the restaurant. St Clair Ave. West is becoming a street of restaurants. This is one of the better ones.