Insomnia

Annabelle Goodman —

I fist discovered Insomnia while attending the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema. It is across the road. What a find! The menu offered many delightful choices. The servers were all so friendly. The first time I went I was enchanted with our server, Nicole. I remember that bright beautiful smile. She was so charming and efficient. On this occasion 5 women were dining. They came from out of town to attend a wedding. The wedding was absolutely outstanding with food ’over the top.’ We had lingering memories of that gourmet extravagant meal. On this evening we wanted home comfort and soothing food. I knew immediately where we should go. How fortunate that Nicole was there waiting for us and looked after our table.

563 Bloor St West – 416 588 3907

A Prix Fixe Menu is available for $25.00. Several guests in our party opted for that special. A rather large Green Salad looked as if it was a meal in itself. It was so fresh and appealing. The Grilled Salmon was perfectly prepared and served with cubed potatoes and spinach. A Cupcake or Pink Cake was offered for Dessert. What value! There were options with each course.

The Pizzas are thin crusted. There are several options. I love the fact that gluten free is available in both the pizzas and the pasta. The Rosedale Pizza is topped with pesto, Portobello, sun-dried tomato, red onion, baby spinach, chevre and olive oil. The Annex was delicious with marinara, pesto, buffalo mozzarella and shaved parmesan with basil. We all tasted it and gave it an excellent rating.

I ordered the Shrimp Linguine with white wine rose sauce, garlic, onion, grilled red pepper and spinach. I changed the pasta to gluten free. The shrimp were perfect. I loved the sauce and enjoyed the large bowl of hot steamy pasta.

We all admired the presentation of the Wild Mushroom & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie. It was served in a small white casserole. Garlic mashed potatoes and a parmesan crust topped the hot lentil and mushroom mixture. The aroma was tantalizing. Apparently it was very tasty.

Fried Chicken ‘Waffles is a house favorite. Boneless thigh and leg are served with a creamy slaw and a honey-maple butter zarkon sauce.

The Vegetable Wrap is great for lunch or a light meal. Sun-dried tomato tortilla is stuffed with tomato, cucumber, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, red onion, kale, roasted garlic chickpea hummus and tahini. Great value! Great nutrition! The Insomnia Burger is served on a milk bun. 6 oz of ground chuck is topped with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, garlic and aioli. Hand Cut Fries and Sweet Potato Fries seemed to be at each table.

The place was packed but never too noisy. It is a student favorite because the food is great and it is reasonable. A student discount also applies.

This is a great Annex restaurant. Why didn’t I discover it sooner? No matter. I will return soon for more of this tasty ‘’down home food’ served with such warmth.