Harvest Kitchen occupies a former dining spot to good effect

Annabelle Goodman—

I adore discovering new restaurants. Harvest Kitchen is newly situated on Harbord St and came highly recommended. In fact my acquaintance, who recommended it, loved it so much she wanted to go back and suggested she and her husband would join me. What a delightful dining experience! On a very cold day it was just the right distance to walk. The warm greeting from Haydee guaranteed that this was going to be a positive experience. She continued to serve us with charm and efficiency.

Harvest Kitchen                   124 Harbord St.                 416 901 5901

It is fun to return to a spot owned by former restaurants. I have dined at this location often but was interested to see the changes made by Harvest Kitchen. Owner/Chef Owen told us he is fixing up the upstairs patio and intends to bring the patio atmosphere indoors to the upper floor rooms.  The menu is healthy, inviting and varied. It is also easy on the pocketbook.

Harvest Kitchen 124 Harbord St. 416 901 5901

Breakfast items are served from 10:00 am to 3 pm. There were quite a few occupied tables when we made an early arrival around 11; 00 am. By the time we left the lunch crowd was in full force. At no time was it noisy.

All three of us opted for breakfast items and all of us were delighted with our choices. The Steel Cut Irish Oats was cooked in coconut milk and served with blueberries, fruit, chopped nuts and maple syrup. ($7.95) It was a large bowl. Oats can be a filling item. I wonder if my friend ate the rest of the day. She commented on the delightful texture and fflavour of the steel cut oats. Her husband enjoyed the Breakfast Sandwich composed of 2 baked organic eggs, aged cheddar, peameal bacon, red fife English muffin, with a green salad or fries. ($8.95) I thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish Tortilla. It reminded me of the Spanish Tortillas served so often in tapas bars in Spain. It was a layered pie of thinly sliced potatoes, spinach, eggs, roasted peppers, onions and fine herbs. A side salad of fresh kale and vegetables was appreciated. Another small dish of savoy, celery root slaw was crispy, fresh and healthy. ($10.95) I couldn’t even finish it all even though it was so good. Other lunch items will bring me back to this friendly tasty spot. Green Curry Bowl is prepared with brown basmati rice, green coconut curry, Thai basil, lemongrass, zucchini, bell peppers and eggplant. ($10.95) Southern North-American Bowl offers brown basmati rice, refried beans, chipotle, pico de gallo, aged cheddar cheese, cilantro, salsa verde, guacamole, lime, sour cream and scallions. ($10.95) I can’t wait to try that dish.

Veggie Pot Pie ($11.95) is prepared with many fresh vegetables. Chicken Pot Pie with mushrooms, carrots, onion, celery and side salad is also available. ($14.95)

Sandwiches are served on quality bread. I am anxious to try the No-Meat Meatball Melt with barley, lentils, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and a tomato marinara sauce with melted cheese. ($12.95) At the bottom of the menu extra ingredients are available for the burger items for a small additional fee. Red pepper mayo, garlic aioli, grainy mustard and salsa verde are just a few.

The wine list is very reasonable. I am looking forward to trying the tap red wine from the Niagara region. ($5.00) This is a small restaurant but there is a good variety of wines, sangria and beer. Smoothies and Elixirs are offered for the health conscious.

We were too full from our tasty food. Next time I want to try the Cheeseless Cheesecake or the delicious looking Carrot Cake. The lady at the next table was obviously enjoying a large slice of that tasty looking cake. I almost reached over for a taste.

Welcome to the neighborhood! I can see myself dining solo or with a group at this friendly tasty café.