By The Way Café

Annabelle Goodman —

400 Bloor St West       416 967 4295

Just mention Tuna and Lemon Tart (not on the same dish) and I am there. By the Way Cafe has been a favorite establishment in the Annex since 1979. It continues to uphold the standards of great food, charming service and a community feeling. Breakfast, lunch and dinner this place is crowded. (but never too noisy) The large canopied patio is open most of the year. It is such fun to watch the passing crowds while dining on delicious food.

I confess to a favorite dish. The Nicoise Salad ($13.00) is perfect. The greens are fresh. Little potatoes, green beans, black olives and eggs add to the flavor. The best part is the grilled pieces of tuna on top. They taste as if marinated and grilled. I could go back right now and eat it all over again. My friend equally enjoyed her special Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Avocado. The light herbal dressing was flavorful and sufficient to enhance the flavor of the greens without ‘taking over.’ Each day a special menu is available. You can always order from the regular menu. On many an occasion I have enjoyed a hot bowl of Vegetable Soup ($7.00)

The Appetizers are sufficient for a light lunch, sharing, or an appetizer. Quesadilla Original offers a grilled tortilla with cheese and served with a salsa piquant and sour cream. ($8.00) The Middle Eastern Mediterranean influence offers many tasty choices. Jerusalem Babaganough is a pureed smoked eggplant dish with zesty lemon garlic and tahine sauce. ($8.00) I had just returned from Israel so the Tabuleh ($8.00) and Israeli Salad ($8.00) were overlooked on this occasion. They are so delicious and do remind me of the numerous cafes in Israel. The Middle Eastern Combination is the best bet with samples of hummus, tabuleh, babaganough and Israeli salad served with whole wheat pita. ($12.00) What a bargain!

Veggie Burgers or a BTW Juicy Burger are guaranteed to fill you up. You have the choice of a whole wheat bun or pita and fries are included. ($14.00)

While waiting for your meal to arrive check out the funky mural covering one wall. The service is so efficient and friendly. On one occasion my dining companion didn’t show up (wrong date). The server felt so sorry for me he kept chatting with me.

I usually do not have room for Dessert because the portions are ample and everything is so good. On this occasion I noticed Lemon Tart on the top of the daily special meal. I would walk a mile for a lemon tart. It was absolutely scrumptious, ‘tarty’ and flavorful. Two of us shared it and devoured it very quickly. We both agreed we had dined in style in a comfortable casual café. It was then an easy walk to see our film at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. It is also close to Koerner Hall or a subway station. By The Way has been a standard on this block for many years. I look forward to many more visits for my very special ‘tuna and lemon tart.’ The Brunch menu offers many tasty dishes. All the daily specials are posted on a blackboard outside and on a daily menu at your table. Full course meals are available or a light snack. It is all good and always grest.