Bistro Tournesol

By Annabelle Goodman –

406  Dupont St.
416 921 7766

Perfection from every perspective! My son and daughter-in-law were visiting from Chicago. It was their anniversary and the meal had to be splendid. I gave so much thought to the location and type of food that would be pleasing to connoisseurs of fine dining. I know they love small, charming restaurants and above all the best cuisine.

Bistro Torunesol has been a favorite of mine for many years. The food is guaranteed and yet every time I dine here I remark on how exquisite it is.  Mel Bryan, Philip Lewicki and Craig Lockhart have the perfect formula. Every guest is so warmly welcomed to this delightful restaurant. I like the fact that it is a bit off the hot trail of noisy, high tech, top of the line restaurants. It is elegantly appointed and in such fine taste.

The menu is creative and offers choices for any palate. Every bite is exquisite. It was even better than I remembered and my guests were overjoyed with my choice.

A first and second course is $29.00. The biggest problem is in making a selection because it is all so tempting. The East Coast Crab and Fish Cake with Celeriac Remoulade melts in your mouth. Perfection on a dish!

The Escargots “A La Bourguignonne” with garlic, parsley and pastis butter were thoroughly enjoyed. I opted to sit out a first course in anticipation of dessert.

The Tournesol Green Salad with sunflower seeds, cucumber, carrot, beet and shallot vinaigrette is a popular choice. Duck Terrine with pine nuts, shiitake mushrooms and cranberry chutney and basil crostini also wows many patrons.

I remembered that the salmon was the most exquisite in town. (And it still is) Grilled Atlantic Salmon with herbed aioli melts in your mouth. The outside is crispy. The tender moist flesh melts in your mouth. The aioli adds a dash of flavor. The fish sits on a bed of perfectly cooked greens.

One of my guests opted for a special of Pan-seared Fresh Rainbow Trout with blackberries & black pepper balsamic vinaigrette. It was a winning combination.(Add $3.00 to the prix-fixe)

The Boullabaisse was prepared with sea scallops, mussels, shrimp, salmon and fresh tomato. The white bowl was enormous. The portion was gigantic.(Add $3.00 to the prix-fixe)

A bowl of the best Pommes Frites is placed on every table. I defy you to leave one. They are so delicious.

We all were satiated and delighted with our choices. I had raved about the Lemon Tarte and we all knew that we were going to indulge. To say it is the best in town is an understatement. They are prepared in house. I could devour several of them because they are so exceptionally good. The Fruit Crumble with ice cream was also noteworthy.

It is such a satisfying feeling to have the perfect meal. My family was also delighted.

It was wonderful to return to this ‘gourmet heaven.’

Make sure you check the website.www.bistrotournesol.com. It is great to read about these three talented and creative owners.